One measure of the kind of place Pinsent Masons is to work is how many of us have been here for a long time. Another is that many return after working elsewhere – like Jessica Brickley, who returned after four years working in house.
“I’ve never worked anywhere where so many people have been away and come back – that’s unusual in our world. It’s a good sign,” she says.
Our culture was a huge part of her decision to return. “Our focus on diversity and inclusion matters – and it’s much more than lip service: people are treated like people. People in senior positions in the firm, and at all levels, feel comfortable enough to be openly LGBT+, and colleagues are open about their mental health struggles – and rightly so. It’s circular, once one person is brave enough to break the mould, others follow.”
“There’s no excuse for treating LGBT+ people, or any other group, differently in any situation just because of who they are. That’s why I’m in the LGBT+ allies’ network: I wear my rainbow lanyard with pride and do whatever I can to advance the cause.”
“I’m also part of the neurodiversity network. My husband is autistic and it’s helpful to chat to other people with similar experiences. Here, I don’t feel I have to hide any part of myself, which I have felt elsewhere,” she says.