Liverpool-based law firm, MSB Solicitors, has collaborated with DWF Law to promote the power of collaboration in tackling diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, and is encouraging other businesses to follow their lead.

Since 2018, MSB has received mentoring from global firm, DWF Law, through a scheme run by the Law Society. Set up alongside the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Stonewall, the scheme offers small and medium law firms the opportunity to receive free mentoring on developing their approaches to LGBT+ inclusivity.

This ground-breaking firm mentoring scheme facilitates the sharing of good practice in the solicitor’s profession, sharing best practice and providing guidance about creating an LGBT+ friendly workplace.

The mentors, all of whom are top performing law firms in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, provide their mentee firms with an average of two hours of free support and guidance every month. Firms are encouraged to share ideas and experiences, which will feed in to guidance the Law Society is looking to publish so as to benefit other firms.

As part of the scheme, MSB’s managing partner, Emma Carey has taken personal charge of the relationship with DWF Law and has ensured that the whole firm is committed to making the mentoring scheme work. Through advice and guidance from DWF Law, MSB has adapted its approach to recruitment, helping to attract diverse applicants, making the firm a more inclusive place to work. The firm has also established an Equalities and Diversity Committee, with an LGBTQ+ sub-committee headed by Paula Mansfield, family solicitor and partner.

Emma Carey, Managing Partner of MSB Solicitors, said:

Pride is not just a celebration, it’s symbolic of an ongoing struggle and a chance to stand together as one. I hope that our collaboration with DWF to tackle this issue and show solidarity, acts as a catalyst for other organisations to follow our lead. After all, we are stronger together.

Since the start of the relationship, the businesses have marched together at Manchester Pride. This year, they have held a Pride Connect event together with marketing firm Agent, bringing together Liverpool’s business community to launch Pride in Liverpool, before marching in this year’s parade.