Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie has been named an Iconic Partner of The Valuable 500, recognizing the Firm’s contribution to advancing disability inclusion globally. The Valuable 500 is a global business collective working to place disability inclusion on the leadership agenda and drive greater action and accountability across organizations.
The partnership reflects Baker McKenzie’s pro bono work on the Global Disability Legislation Index, a first-of-its-kind, open access resource offering comparative information about disability legislation across more than 100 jurisdictions. Developed through a global pro bono collaboration with volunteers from many in-house legal departments, the Index helps organizations understand disability-related legal frameworks around the world at a high level and complements Baker McKenzie's legal work advising multinational employers on the interpretation, implementation and practical workplace implications of those laws.
This announcement comes during Global Disability Pride Month and reflects the strength of the collaboration between Baker McKenzie and The Valuable 500 in advancing disability inclusion on a global scale.
Senior representatives of Baker McKenzie, including London Partner Jess Le Gros, Global Chair Sunny Mann and Global ID&E Lead Pete Salib, recently attended The Valuable 500’s “Iconic” gathering in London, where partners and stakeholders came together to share perspectives, insights and best practices in support of continued progress in this space.
Through this partnership, Baker McKenzie will continue to collaborate with The Valuable 500 to support initiatives aimed at driving meaningful progress on disability inclusion worldwide.
Katy Talikowska, CEO of The Valuable 500, said: “When Baker McKenzie partnered with us to build the world's first Global Disability Legislation Index, they demonstrated something rare, a commitment to doing the hard, detailed work that turns good intentions into lasting impact. Covering disability law across dozens of jurisdictions, that resource is already empowering businesses to raise standards and drive inclusion where it matters most. So, welcoming Baker McKenzie as an Iconic Partner of The Valuable 500 feels not just fitting, but necessary. This is a company that delivers impact, and together we will go further and faster for the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities around the world.”
Sunny Mann, Global Chair, Baker McKenzie, said: “We are delighted to join The Valuable 500 as an Iconic Partner and to stand alongside organizations committed to accelerating meaningful progress on disability inclusion. This recognition speaks to the energy, expertise and commitment our people have brought to the Global Disability Legislation Index — a practical resource designed to help businesses move from ambition to action. We are proud of what this collaboration has already achieved and excited about the opportunity to continue working together to help accelerate progress, break down barriers, and build a more inclusive future globally.”
Pete Salib, Global ID&E Lead, Baker McKenzie, said: “Our partnership with The Valuable 500 is closely connected to the commitments we make to our own people every day: to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, where barriers are identified and addressed, and where colleagues of all abilities have the opportunity to thrive. Disability inclusion is not a standalone initiative; it is an integral part of how we build a stronger, more inclusive Firm for our people, our clients and the communities we serve.”