New LGB network created for employment lawyers

The organisation, which will be officially launched at an event at the City firm next month, will act as both a networking tool for employment lawyers and a way for potential clients to access informal advice on gay and lesbian discrimination issues.

The Gay Employment Lawyers Network is the brainchild of Taylor Wessing partner Paul Callaghan, Russell Jones & Walker ­solicitor Richard Macmillan and Anya Palmer of Old Square Chambers.

Callaghan said: “Employment lawyers are unique in that understanding diversity is part of their practice. This will provide a resource for people who want to know more about these issues.”

The hope is that, besides providing a forum for LGB employment lawyers to meet, the network will allow employees to find gay and lesbian lawyers to advise on discrimination issues.

Callaghan continued: “A senior executive, for ­example, who thinks they’re ­suffering from discrimination might prefer to talk to lawyers who are gay.

“Similarly, if there’s a gay lawyer out there who feels they’re suffering from ­discrimination there’s now a body they can approach.”

At least 30 lawyers have already expressed interest in joining the network, including two judges. Callaghan anticipates the group growing to include up to 150 members.

Last year Taylor Wessing launched a 13-member diversity committee as the firm upped its focus on employee inclusion. The committee has already spawned a women’s committee and an LGBT group.