Dechert

Diversity at Dechert:

Global Women’s Initiative

Many organizations pay lip service to gender diversity, but lack the concrete action plan to really make a difference. Not wanting to fall foul of this, Dechert’s London Global Women’s Initiative (GWI) launched an ambitious program in 2018-2019 aiming to making a real impact and moving the needle on gender diversity in its London office.

The GWI was established in order to empower women to succeed by fostering an environment that provides opportunities for their development, advancement and leadership within the firm.

The London GWI has a committee with lawyers of all levels, as well as business services professionals from the HR, marketing and communications teams. The committee works on this initiative alongside the busy day-to-day client work required of a leading, global law firm.

The London GWI Committee has devised a specific training program for females at Dechert providing monthly training sessions. External consultants provide training on issues that women often face such as (i) overcoming perfectionism to accelerate their careers; (ii) understanding barriers to success; and (iii) how to take smart risks. The program also encourages female professionals at all levels to share their experiences and learn from one another. To this end, internal training is provided on (i) how to build confidence and get a seat at the table; (ii) how to build your brand; and (iii) how to take control of your career. For example, in November 2018, five Dechert female partners ran a session on “how to approach business development at all stages of your career” and in February 2019, two Dechert female partners and three associates delivered training on “how to build confidence, close the deal and get a seat at the table”. The session was also available by videoconference to all Dechert’s EMEA offices, ensuring maximum inclusivity.

In March 2019, Dechert’s London office hosted the firm’s 2019 Sponsorship and Sustained Support (SASS) program. More than 40 female lawyers on partnership track across Dechert’s global offices convened for a day designed to boost their progression and equip them for success. The program focuses on sponsorship and career development and helps female lawyers navigate the path to making partner. It provides targeted individual and small group support, which includes general information sessions; skill-level appropriate training; individualized attention from Dechert partners; access to consultants and advisors; and networking opportunities with other program participants and firm partners. Despite the achievements of the London GWI Committee so far, the committee recognizes there is still much work to be done. Going forward in 2019 and beyond, the group is working to put into action other areas of their strategy including working with HR to lobby to expand agile working and continue to support employees taking parental leave, raising awareness among employees and prospective joiners of the existing support available for women, and seeking to harness engagement from all employees, male and female, to continue to progress towards greater gender equality.