Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has been recognised for its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace by Stonewall, the UK's leading LGBTQ+ rights charity.
The firm has been awarded 'Gold' employer status as part of Stonewall's Top Global Employers scheme. It is the seventh time HSF Kramer has been identified as an exemplar.
The firm's inclusion in the 2025 Top Global Employers scheme places it in the company of just 21 other organisations, collectively operating in 152 countries across the world. To be identified as one of the leading global employers for LGBTQ+ inclusion, the firm submitted examples of its support networks' work, its role in LGBTQ+ rights impact litigation and efforts to ensure all its people feel respected and included for who they are.
Examples of the firm's work in these areas include:
- a long-standing pro bono partnership with the Human Dignity Trust to challenge the criminalisation of same sex relations across the globe;
- embedding robust safe travel provisions to support LGBTQ+ colleagues in recognition of the diverse legal and cultural contexts in which it operates;
- the firm's global LGBTQ+ network, known as IRIS, playing a pivotal role in fostering inclusion and belonging by creating a community that inspires and supports colleagues.
Justin D'Agostino, CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, says: "We are proud that our commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, high-performing culture continues to achieve recognition. Our determination to ensure our workplace is an inclusive space so that all our people can be who they are, and thrive, is unwavering."
Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Stonewall, adds: "We spend much of our time at work, so the culture and environment in our workplaces has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives. We know that people perform best when they feel accepted and included - that's why it's vital to ensure every single LGBTQ+ person is treated with dignity and respect at work. We look forward to seeing how HSF Kramer will continue to build on this achievement and continue to support their LGBTQ+ staff in the future."
HSF Kramer's Gold Status award from Stonewall follows the firm's achievement in earning a perfect score on the 2025 Human Rights Campaign's annual Corporate Equality Index.