Africa

Americas

Asia Pacific

Europe

Middle East

Quick links

Africa

Americas

Asia Pacific

Europe

Middle East

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Celebrating our diversity and differences

Hero

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion pillars

At DLA Piper we celebrate our diversity and differences. We empower ourselves and each other with knowledge and empathy. And we commit to speaking up and making real progress.

We know that reflecting the world we work in makes us a stronger, more innovative firm and helps us attract and retain the people who will help us realise potential around the world.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion pillars

Commit

We are committed to creating a firmwide, inclusive culture where our people thrive, and where we are transparent about our commitments and progress.

Empower

An inclusive culture requires inclusive behaviour. This means supporting our people to grow and realise their own potential.

Celebrate

At DLA Piper we celebrate our diversity and differences. We empower ourselves and each other with knowledge and empathy.

Committing to goals

Meaningful actions means measurable progress

Being diverse and inclusive means we can attract the best talent, build the most effective teams, and deliver exceptional service to our clients. And most importantly, it means everyone is valued for who they are. The legal sector still isn’t diverse enough. But we’re taking meaningful action to make measurable progress.

By investing in programmes for underrepresented and marginalised groups, we can effect systemic change. We design our policies and processes to be inclusive in how we recruit, how we retain talent, and how we help our people progress their careers with us. We also believe in transparency about what we’re doing well, what we could do better, and how fast we’re progressing.

0 %

Current status of women partners

0 %

Goal of women partners by 2025

0 %

Goal of women partners by 2030

0 %

Current status of partners from underrepresented groups

0 %

Goal of internal partner promotions from underrepresented groups

0 %

Current status of business services people from underrepresented groups Goal of tracking our business services population to ensure it remains inclusive

Empowering our people

Our People Networks

People Networks play a vital role in strengthening inclusivity, driving diversity and supporting people across our firm. They provide a community where our people can learn from one another, share lived experiences and discuss topics that are important to them. Our People Networks are represented in our DEI Council, which is made up of senior leaders in our firm and act as a catalyst for meaningful change.

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic is our racial and ethnic diversity network. It actively promotes racial equality, fosters conversations about race and ethnicity, and equips colleagues to be allies and change-makers.

Iris

Iris

The Iris network is our International LGBTQ+ people network that engages our colleagues, clients and communities on LGBTQ+ issues. Iris provides a supportive space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

LAW

LAW

LAW is DLA Piper’s International gender balance network. The group enables gender balance at all levels by strengthening the influence, leadership and voice of women in our firm to effect change.

PACT

PACT

PACT (Family and Carers Together) is our people network dedicated to supporting colleagues with caring responsibilities. PACT offers resources, support, and a sense of community for parents, carers, and allies.

Enabled

Enabled

Enabled is our disability focused people network, supporting anyone affected by a disability, neurodiversity, physical or mental wellbeing challenges and our allies.

Horizons

Horizons

Horizons is our social mobility network supporting our socially mobile colleagues and allies to amplifying stories of success, reduce barriers to inclusion and fostering a supportive community.

Hear from the leaders of our People Networks

David Ampaw, Mosaic Partner Co-Sponsor

I personally am excited to support Mosaic's mission and would invite all, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or faith, to engage with it to help bring it to life for the benefit of everyone at our firm.

David Ampaw
Jon Hayes, Iris Partner Co-Sponsor

Iris has served as a personally enriching anchor, celebration and inspiration to me. It has been a pleasure to work with so many talented people contributing to creating an environment in which everyone can bring their full selves to work.

Jon Hayes
Susheela Rivers, LAW Partner Co-Sponsor

The biggest impact of LAW (Gender Balance Network) is what we do on an everyday basis. We can talk about it. We can all agree that it is right. But until we hold everybody accountable including ourselves, we will not have the impact we desire.

Susheela Rivers
Charles Cook, Enabled Partner Co-Sponsor

Disability inclusion is a cause I am deeply passionate about. As the sponsor of the Enabled People Network, I have witnessed significant evolution in this area during my time at the firm. While we recognise there is still much to achieve, I am confident we are moving in the right direction and look forward to continued progress.

Charles Cook
Pippa Hill, PACT Partner Sponsor

Trying to balance caring responsibilities with work can sometimes feel impossible, leaving you feeling stretched thin in both roles. PACT offers a safe space for members to share their experiences and shine a light on the challenges they have. Only by doing this will we be able to effect the changes needed to support our members. 

Pippa Hill
Sandra Wallace, Horizons Partner Co-Sponsor

Horizons empower those who work at the firm to celebrate the diversity of their background and what they bring to the firm, as well as challenge any unnecessary barriers that might hinder progression or improved social mobility.

Sandra Wallace
    Celebrating our differences

    One voice made of many

    Every voice should count equally. But that’s not always the case. We start by listening to each other, and learning.

    About how we’re similar, yet different. About the experiences and attributes that make us who we are, but don’t define us. About what’s working, and what needs to work better. We embrace equity: some of us need more support to have the same level of opportunity and belonging.

    At DLA Piper we celebrate our diversity and differences. We empower ourselves and each other with knowledge and empathy. And we commit to speaking up and making real progress.

    This isn’t easy. It takes courage.

    We do it as individuals and as a community. Strong alone, stronger together. Because we’re one voice, made of many.

    Watch our video
    Video transcript

    Can you hear me? Listen closely. Even closer.

    Hear my voice. My words.

    Hear me. What I think. How I feel.

    My mistakes. My successes. My dreams. 

    Where I’m from. Where I’m going.

    The things I’ve done. The things I’ll do.

    What I’ve lost. What I’ve found.

    Who I was. Who I am. Who I’ll be.

    How we’re different. How we’re the same.

    My words have power. Our words have power.

    My voice is the answer. Our voice is the answer.

    You can hear me. See me. See us.

    Know us. Hear us. Are you listening?

    DLA Piper. Discover how we’re listening. 

    Our awards

    Celebrating excellence

    Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity has not only driven our success but has also earned us recognition. Our journey is marked by numerous accolades that highlight our dedication to creating a positive impact in our industry and beyond.

    Australian LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awards 2024

    We currently hold gold status and won the AWEI ‘Employer of the year’ for LGBT+ inclusion.

    FTSE Women Leaders 2024

    We achieved top 10 for women in boards in the top 50 private companies’ category.

    WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality

    We hold the award for Employer of Choice for Gender Equality 2021-23.

    Ecovadis Silver Medal 2024

    We were awarded top 15% for sustainability management system through 3 management pillars: Policies, Actions, and Results.

    Life at DLA Piper

    Our culture empowers everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. With the resources to seize opportunities, discover your path, and realise our potential together, see how we support you.

    Learn more

    Sustainability

    Sustainability and ESG are core to our firm. Our team plays a crucial role in helping clients transition to and thrive in a sustainable future.

    Learn more

    Job Search

    Explore career opportunities across our international locations, find your perfect role, and join a team where innovation, diversity, and growth are at the heart of everything we do.

    Learn more
    Back to top