Sidley Wins Recruitment Award at the Black Solicitors Network UK Diversity Legal Awards »

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sidley Austin LLP* is pleased to announce that the firm was recognised with an award for recruiting and attracting talent from diverse backgrounds at the Black Solicitors Network (BSN) UK Diversity Legal Awards 2011 ceremony. These national industry awards recognise the work of those organisations and individuals who are making significant contributions in the area of promoting diversity within, and equality of access into, the legal profession.

Sidley received an award in the Recruitment category for the innovative ways in which the firm has recruited diverse talent.

“We feel proud and honoured to be acknowledged by our peers for promoting a cause about which we at Sidley feel passionate,” said Elizabeth Uwaifo, partner and London Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee. “We believe that to achieve greater diversity in the future, we must start by facilitating the diversity of candidates that will become eligible to enter the profession. We thank the Black Solicitors Network for their tireless drive for greater diversity and also thank the Windsor Fellowship for giving Sidley the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to diversity.”

“Sidley is dedicated to promoting diversity within the legal profession globally,” said Thomas A. Cole, Chair of the firm’s Executive Committee. “This award demonstrates this commitment and further validates the importance of our firmwide diversity and inclusion efforts.”

Sidley was recently ranked the 7th most diverse firm in London according to research carried out by BSN for its Diversity League Table (DLT). BSN is committed to achieving equality of access, retention and promotion of black solicitors.

Sidley is a leading and progressive proponent of law firm diversity and inclusion and has been a pioneer in creating opportunities for women and lawyers of diverse backgrounds. Sidley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has included the creation of the Sidley Prelaw Scholars Initiative, launched in 2006 and the first program of its kind among U.S. law firms. The Initiative seeks to encourage greater diversity in law schools by providing financial support during the law school application process to racially and ethnically diverse undergraduate students.

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