We are very pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Chambers D&I Awards: Europe 2021 in two categories:
- Outstanding Contribution Award - Shannett Thompson
- Outstanding Firm for Diversity & Inclusion - Kingsley Napley
The shortlist is based on the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion team’s research and will be co-judged by the Chambers D&I team and Chambers Europe Editor.
Reflecting on the welcome recognition of Shannett and Kingsley Napley for these D&I awards, Shannett Thompson (Partner and Chair of the BAME & Allies Network), Melinka Berridge (Partner and Head of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee) and Stephen Parkinson (Senior Partner and BAME and LGBTQ Ally) said:
"As a young child growing up in Hackney, I knew what I wanted for my career at an early age, but I did not have the access to mentors, resources and other tangible assistance to help me navigate a route into law.
"Having joined Kingsley Napley in 2011, I got the platform I needed to make a difference for others and become the mentor I needed when I was younger. Whilst I am largely known for my work and initiatives to encourage Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) aspiring lawyers, my passion extends into other areas. My ultimate goal within Kingsley Napley, which has been fully supported and embraced by the firm, is to attract and retain the best talent available by fostering a positive culture for all colleagues, whilst ensuring opportunities are equally available to all.
"Our initiatives such as our children’s diversity book drive, positive representation podcasts and support of local charities in the D&I space extend to the wider community as we recognise that inequality anywhere affects us all.”
Shannett Thompson, Partner and Chair of the BAME & Allies Network
Shannett’s shortlisting for this award is well-deserved recognition for the incredible contribution she has made to D&I initiatives at Kingsley Napley. She is integral to the work of our BAME & Allies network, but over the years she has also supported many other D&I initiatives, including the activities of the LGBTQ* & Allies network, the Social Mobility network and Faith events. Shannett is a role model to many and an inspiration to all and I am delighted that she is recognised for the work she has invested in making Kingsley Napley a better and fairer place to work and for raising awareness of D&I within our firm and the wider legal community.”
Melinka Berridge, Partner and Head of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee
I am delighted that the firm and Shannett have been recognised for our contribution to D&I through inclusion in the shortlist for the Chambers Europe D&I award. The firm has made the promotion of D&I one of the three main drivers in our business plan, in order to unlock our potential for growth. I know that there is a great deal of enthusiasm and engagement within the firm at every level to support this objective. There is growing awareness that Kingsley Napley is a place where diversity prospers. That is why the number of applicants for training contracts last year more than doubled, with 55% of applicants, and 50% of successful candidates, being from a BAME background.”
Stephen Parkinson, Senior Partner and BAME and LGBTQ Ally
Further information
The Chambers Europe Awards 2021 and Chambers D&I Awards: Europe 2021 will be held virtually on 22 April 2021 from 2-3pm BST and they are free to attend for law firms and in-house teams. See full details and the shortlist here.
You may also be interested in reading our Diversity Matters blogs and listening to recent episodes in our BAME podcast series:
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