Gender equality is a central component of Linklaters’ business model ensuring that women are fairly represented at all levels. While some 60% of our lawyers are female, and five of our 14 partners are women, we have implemented initiatives specifically designed to encourage women in what has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated environment. Through role models, mentoring and tailored programmes, we have developed a solid support network for our female colleagues. WomenConnect Luxembourg is a regular event where women can share their professional experiences and learn from one another. This is particularly important for our female junior associates as it is an opportunity to reach out to senior female colleagues in an informal and relaxed way.  

We also offer a number of structured programmes designed to encourage and support women in their professional development, helping them carve out a clear career path and move into leadership roles. We have recently participated in Stepping Forward Europe, a women’s coaching programme which comprises a series of both in-person training and number of virtual sessions. The programme aims to help women develop a rewarding, successful and sustainable career at Linklaters. It has been rolled out in our European offices and offers an array of tools, techniques and information to help women navigate their career at every stage.  

Tailored training for leadership roles

For those further along in their career, the Women’s Leadership programme is a structured career development programme aimed at supporting talented female Managing Associates seeking senior leadership roles in the firm. This is a core component of Linklaters’ strategic goal of seeing a ratio of at least 30% of women in new partner elections and sitting on the firm’s Executive Committee, Partnership Board and in management roles. It also reflects our commitments to develop our exceptional talent and ensure that there is greater breadth of female leadership to act as role models and mentors for the next generation. Developed with the aim of shaping well-rounded leaders of the future, participants gain access to networking opportunities with peers, partners and key client representatives. Working with an external coach they are sponsored and mentored by a partner from a different office and practice group. The Women’s Leadership Programme is popular and well supported with participants all seeing real developments in areas such as goal setting, decision making and empowerment. It is the cornerstone of our commitment to support and help develop women’s professional path at Linklaters. 

“The Women’s Leadership Programme is really outstanding and has made a huge difference to me. It has also positively impacted on my immediate team who have benefited in the change in my energy and my more clearly articulated position. I am more certain of my value and contribution now.” .

Catherine Kremer, Senior Managing Associate Luxembourg, Corporate M&A

Talking Talent is a specialist coaching consultancy that supports organisations in building a truly inclusive working environment. At the heart of their service is the belief that when your people thrive, so too does your business. As part of our global support for working families, Linklaters has partnered with Talking Talent to deliver tailored coaching for working parents, expecting and new parents. Their expertise is helping us create an engaged organisation with diverse talent at every level. With practical advice and tips Talking Talent Online coaching is designed to help working parents continue to build their career and professional confidence while dealing with the practicalities of parenting. Areas for discussion include parental and family leave, remote or flexible working, caregiving while working and wellbeing challenges. 
“Partnering with Talking Talent and developing a customised coaching plan for working parents is another example of our real commitment to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can feel that their circumstances are recognised and supported. In this instance we want to ensure that working parents know they will be supported as they develop their career at Linklaters.”

Sarah Baubion, Head of Human Resources Linklaters Luxembourg

June is Pride month in Europe and Linklaters is an active participant and sponsor of Rosa Luxembourg, the country’s LGBTIQ+ association which is committed to defending the rights and interests of their community. At Linklaters we are an ally to the community and are proud to support colleagues and loved ones. We recognise and celebrate Pride with conferences, events and rainbow lighting throughout the office for the whole month. We want all of our people to feel secure in the knowledge that we are committed to inclusion in all areas – sexual orientation presents no barriers to career and professional development at Linklaters. This unwavering support extends also to minorities and underrepresented groups. Real inclusion sees only the value of individuals and their unique contribution to our workplace. 

One area of inclusion currently being implemented across a number of our European offices is to partner with a local university to recognise and support talented students from underrepresented groups. Linklaters Luxembourg, in partnership with the University of Luxembourg, have launched the Making Links Scholarship Programme to support outstanding students pursuing a Bachelor of Law degree at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF). Two high-potential students who demonstrate financial need, will be selected in the second year of their law degree and will receive a scholarship of €3,000 during their final year. They will also be offered a summer internship at Linklaters.

“This early backing of young talent will see us helping these students develop technical and professional skills while building real commercial fluency and a global outlook. We can offer a route into the legal profession that may otherwise have been denied them due to financial constraints. We seek out and support talent from all walks of life.”

Nicki Kayser, National Managing Partner

The INspire programme is an important element of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The programme is designed to ensure greater representation of minority ethnic lawyers and business team members across the firm. The eight-month programme helps participants articulate their career aspirations and goals while developing insights to navigate a successful route to meet these goals. Participants learn how to develop techniques to seek high-quality feedback on their skills, abilities and talents and to then translate that feedback into a comprehensive career plan for continued professional development. 

“It's a brilliant opportunity to take some time to think about how race has impacted your own and others' careers, how you can manage that going forward and how you can create a more inclusive team environment. ”

Laura Mbo, Managing Associate, Capital Markets & Banking 

Now in its 6th series, this voluntary Reverse Mentoring programme brings together a diverse group from the firm to help our partners, directors and senior leaders gain a deeper understanding of different people's perspectives and experiences. Reverse mentoring flips the traditional mentoring relationship on its head, with the junior 'mentor' sharing the benefit of their personal experience and insights with a more senior 'mentee'. The goal is to challenge both the mentor and mentee to stand in someone else's shoes, listen to new ideas and adopt new perspectives. In addition to sharing stories and fostering greater understanding, we hope that our reverse mentoring pairs will work together to help embed our culture of diversity, equity and inclusion for all of Team Linklaters.

“In today’s multi-generational workplace, it is more important than ever to recognise the different skills and attitudes between the generations. Reverse mentoring really reflects our belief that we all have something to offer, and everyone’s contribution is valuable. This year we hope to welcome volunteers from neurodiverse colleagues, those with caring responsibilities or those who are a member of a faith group. There is space for everyone at Linklaters. ”

Silke Bernard, Global Head of Investment Funds Practice

The Diversity Charter Lëtzebuerg is a national commitment text which any Luxembourg company or organisation can sign in order to express its commitment to promoting diversity by concrete actions that go beyond legal and regulatory obligations of non-discrimination. 
The Charter's objective is to encourage organisations to guarantee the respect and promotion of diversity in their workforce. 
Linklaters Luxembourg, represented by Sarah Baubion, Head of HR Luxembourg, is a proud member the Committee for the Diversity Charter Lëtzebuerg.