Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie received a Gold Award on Stonewall’s Global Workplace Equality Index of Top Global Employers for LGBTQ+ people. The Firm was selected in recognition of its continued global commitment to inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace. Stonewall’s Top Global Employers is the definitive list showcasing the best multinational employers for LGBTQ+ people.
The award reflects the Firm's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, demonstrated by proactively cultivating an inclusive and diverse environment through leadership accountability, policies and practices and client and community outreach. Organizations are scored against a set of standardized criteria, which includes ensuring global HR policies are inclusive of LGBTQ+ people everywhere they work, as well as supporting safe travel for all across the world.
Additionally, LokeKhoon Tan, senior Partner in Baker McKenzie's IP & Technology Group in Hong Kong and Mainland China and member of the Firm’s Global Steering Committee for the Consumer Goods & Retail Group, was named one of only four Global Changemakers of the Year by Stonewall. LokeKhoon is an active member of the Global BakerPride+ Allies Business Resource Group, and has championed LGBTQ+ inclusion across the Firm and in the Asia region.
"We are honored to receive Stonewall’s highly regarded recognition for our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts in the workplace,” said Anna Brown, Baker McKenzie’s Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer. "Our work is not done; we must continue our drive towards inclusion at all levels of the Firm, strengthening the experiences of our people and working with our clients to advance our shared I&D goals. We are also delighted that LokeKhoon has been awarded the Global Changemaker of the Year award. This award recognizes LokeKhoon's dedication and commitment to championing LGBTQ+ inclusion."
“I am thrilled to be given this prestigious Stonewall Global Changemaker of the Year award as it will give me and others in the community an added platform to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in the region. I am grateful to the Firm for opening the doors for me to share my personal story and will continue to help others seek positive changes in their lives," says LokeKhoon.
David Palumbo, Toronto corporate Partner and Chair of the Firm's Global LGBTQ+ Resource Committee, says, "The Gold Award recognizes the efforts of our Global LGBTQ+ and Allies network which is integral to ensuring that our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies are supported across our Firm globally. Congratulations to LokeKhoon on the wonderful and well deserved Global Changemaker of the Year award. LokeKhoon has done exceptional work to advance global LGBTQ+ workplace equality."
Leanne MacMillan, Director of Global at Stonewall said, "We’re delighted for Baker McKenzie, whose incredible work towards LGBTQ+ inclusion this year has seen them receive a Gold Award in the Global Workplace Equality Index. Every employer has a duty to make sure that their LGBTQ+ staff are free from discrimination at work, and our Global Workplace Equality Index helps organizations reflect on their inclusion journey and celebrate best practices."
The full list of Top Global Employers for LGBTQ+ people and further information about the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion can be found on the Stonewall website.