Reed Smith’s LGBTQ+ Business Inclusion Group Looks Forward To Another Eventful Year

With 2021 behind us, Reed Smith’s LGBTQ+ Business Inclusion Group (BIG) PRISM is now looking forward to another exciting and action-packed year ahead.  

Each year, PRISM organizes a range of events/initiatives that support our LGBTQ+ lawyers and staff, ranging from community involvement, advocacy within and outside of the firm, educational discussions and inclusive socials. 2022 is no different, with many exciting events planned. 

Here is an overview of some of the key events lined up for this year:

Mentorship Panel Discussion with myGwork: Jan 26th 2022 

In partnership with myGwork, Reed Smith is proud to be hosting an upcoming panel discussion focused on mentorship. The event will look at the importance of mentorship programs in supporting diverse talent. In 2021 we were thrilled to partner with award winning mentoring and training consultants ‘Goal 17’ to establish an internal mentor scheme for those of multicultural backgrounds. This year we are delighted to be establishing an additional scheme for our LGBTQ+ staff. Please join us to hear insights from numerous great speakers and ask any pressing questions you might have.

The (postponed) BIG Big Christmas Social: Feb 2022

In Dec 2021, PRISM was thrilled to partner with our Disability Inclusion Group, LEADRS, and our Multicultural Network, MCN, to throw one BIG (get it?) Christmas social. Sadly, with the outbreak of Omicron the event was postponed. However, when safe to do so, we’ll celebrate as planned. This event will be an opportunity for staff from our various BIGs to come together and toast their hard work over the past year at local wine bar and restaurant, Crispin.

Fireside Chats: Ongoing

In 2022, we welcome the return of our fireside chat series, which brings together key speakers to explore an array of topics. To begin the year, we hope to collaborate with our fellow BIGs, (LEADRS and MCN) to discuss intersectionality in the workforce. Additionally, we hope to host a discussion on faith in the LGBTQ+ community and hear perspectives from various religions/ideologies. 

National Student Pride: Feb 26th 2022

Reed Smith is once again proud to sponsor the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ student event, National Student Pride. During this event we will be hosting a booth at the careers fair to provide insight into the legal industry for LGBTQ+ youth.

Warwick PLAN Society – LGBTQ+ Careers Conference: May 2022

In 2021 Reed Smith was delighted to be a founding partner and sponsor of Warwick University’s first careers society dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ students, Warwick PLAN. The society has recently won Bright Network’s Diversity & Inclusion Society of the Year award, and are now finalists for the overall Society of the Year award. This year, Reed Smith will be participating in a careers conference and multiple panel discussions exploring issues relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Summer Reception: July 2022

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, we hope 2022 will allow the return of our Pride Summer Reception. Historically this has brought together a mix of Reed Smith staff, clients and industry contacts to promote and celebrate pride within our community. Pending Covid restrictions, we are hopeful this event can return in person for a long-awaited celebration.

Aspiring Solicitors Pride: September 2022

For the third year running, Reed Smith is proud to be the headline sponsor of Aspiring Solicitors Pride again. Last year’s event saw an opening introduction by Tamara Box (Managing Partner); a panel Q&A on application advice with Will Buckley; a panel discussion on the legal sector for the LGBTQ+ community with Andrew Jenkinson (Office Managing Partner); a success story from Deven Vyas; and a closing speech by Jessica Parry (PRISM co-chair). This year will be no different as we eagerly anticipate speaking to the next generation of LGBTQ+ lawyers.

The above events are a brief snapshot of what PRISM has planned for 2022. However, as the year unfolds we will be sure to add many new, and exciting, opportunities for you to attend. If you are interested in joining or want to keep up to date, please be sure to follow our social media networks on Instagram (@reedsmithgrads) and LinkedIn (Reed Smith LLP & PRISM RS), or our events page on myGwork.