Baker McKenzie employment partner Monica Kurnatowska has won a lifetime achievement award at Law.com's Women, Influence & Power in Law UK Awards 2022
Monica was commended for her work in diversity and inclusion, and commitment to diversity topics, many of which impact women.
Monica is global co-lead of the Baker McKenzie inclusion and diversity service line, and has championed raising the profile of topics such as fertility, baby loss, domestic violence and menopause with clients. In 2021, she led the development of a thought leadership report, Mind the Gap, focused on a survey of 900 employment and I&D leaders across the globe and outlining key actions organizations can take to strengthen performance, manage risk and accelerate progress through their I&D programs. This report focused heavily on issues surrounding the slow rate of progression of women and the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture where women and members of other underrepresented groups feel they belong.
Monica is an active coach and sponsor to other women within the Firm. and co-leads a Baker McKenzie Women's Inclusion Circle, acting as a mentor to mid-level associates across the EMEA region and giving advice on developing their careers and personal brand.
Monica is a member of affinity group BakerWomen and an active ally of Baker McKenzie's ethnicity and social mobility groups. In 2021, recognizing the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of wellbeing, she trained as a mental health first aider.
Baker McKenzie's London Office Managing Partner, Ed Poulton, said: "Monica's a fantastic role model, not only for women, and not only for those of us at Baker McKenzie. Her clients, mentees and team are very lucky to benefit from her breadth of expertise, energy and enthusiasm. This award is well-deserved."
Monica added: "Early on in my career, I decided that the way to get ahead was through developing my own brand and style of client development rather than needing to emulate successful male colleagues. I believe strongly in this approach and want to help other women build their confidence to do the same. "