Established in 2023, the Kyiv office’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (ID&E) Committee, chaired by partner Lina Nemchenko, has expanded to 20 members representing both legal and business professional staff. The Committee implement a consistent programme of initiatives across several priority areas, including gender equality, mental health and wellbeing, religious diversity, disability inclusion, and LGBTQ+ awareness.
Gender Equality
As a signatory to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a joint initiative of UN Women and the UN Global Compact, the Kyiv office remains actively engaged in advancing gender equality across the workplace, marketplace and community. The office organized a series of internal and client-facing educational events focused on gender equity and the practical implementation of the WEPs.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Firm continues to prioritize employee wellbeing through a broad range of initiatives, including:
- Regular wellbeing activities such as yoga sessions, creative workshops and cultural events
- Internal engagement initiatives, including weekly informal gatherings
- Participation in external sporting events and endurance challenges (including marathons and the Spartan Race)
- Access to confidential psychological support through individual and group sessions addressing sensitive topics
- Ongoing availability of an Employee Assistance Programme and facilitated “Open Conversations” sessions.
Religious Diversity
The Kyiv office actively promotes awareness and respect for religious diversity by marking and celebrating various religious holidays. These are recognized through educational storytelling initiatives and in-office events featuring traditional cuisine and cultural presentations.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Lawyers and staff regularly participate in internal and external webinars, training sessions and events focused on LGBTQ+ issues, supporting an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.
Policies and Guidance
Over the past year, the Kyiv office has further strengthened its institutional framework through:
- Adoption of a Women’s Empowerment Principles Action Plan for 2025–2026;
- Introduction of a dedicated policy on the recruitment and workplace integration of veterans.
Investment in People and Future Resilience
Despite the ongoing challenging environment in Ukraine, the Kyiv office continues to prioritize long-term investment in its people and their professional development.
Lawyers from the office actively participate in global Baker McKenzie development programmes, including the RISE programme for senior women associates, with three practitioners completing the programme.
The Firm also supports advanced legal education through its LL.M. scholarship programme at leading universities in the United States and the United Kingdom.
In recognition of its commitment to legal education, the Kyiv office was honored with the Paul Rawlinson Award 2025 for its Ukraine University Scholarship initiative, supporting students and the development of the legal profession in Ukraine.
The office also received notable external recognition at the Law.com Leadership, Influence & Inclusivity in Law Awards 2025, including:
- Wellbeing & Inclusivity in Practice Award, recognizing organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture and prioritizing employee wellbeing;
- Law Firm Leader of the Year, awarded to Serhiy Chorny, Co-Managing Partner of the Kyiv office, in recognition of his leadership, strategic vision and contribution to both client service and team development.
