Diversity at Ashurst

On gender diversity, the firm is excellent on the lower ranks but is moving in the right direction for the partner-level. On LGBTI, my firm is very inclusive. There has been less of a focus on ethnic diversity but I certainly do not feel there has been anything negative on this front

Bronze ranking in the 2016 Australian Workplace Equality Index compiled by Pride in Diversity; dedicated global internal LGBTI network; Employer of Choice for Gender Equality

Reasonable. There is the opportunity to work flexibly, there are LGBTI and diversity initiatives. Good retention and ongoing relationships with alumni

The firm engages in many programs to encourage workplace diversity. This includes a womens mentoring program known as SWIM and participation in events such as Spectrum to promote LGBTI inclusion

Strong emphasis on LGBTI, gender equality and indigenous recognition

Ashurst has a special women's mentoring network (SWIM) as well as a global LGBTI network (Spectrum)

The firm is accommodating in relation to flexible work arrangements, have provided child care arrangements and has a generous maternity leave policy

The firm has strong diversity committees and champions for women in the law, LGBTI and indigenous issues. There are strong programs in place for female mentorship and an acknowledgement and response to issues of female underrepresentation in higher management

The firm has a diversity policy which is followed, and is improving in its balance between men and women in senior leadership

I think recruitment policy is based on merit, which I think is appropriate. In that way, an applicant's background is less relevant, if at all, than their calibre as a candidate

Through the firms CSR and pro bono strategies there are numerous programs available which work with both indigenous and underprivileged members of our community

Ashurst is active in the reconciliation space and does offer internships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students

The firm tries very hard to remove biases from recruitment and do recruit from a diverse pool of law students, not just exclusively from seasonal clerkships

The firm is actively involved in each of the offices to support initiatives proposed by our employees and collaborating with organisations who are keen to work in partnership with us