Gowling WLG is proud to have successfully retained Mansfield UK Certification for the second year in a row.

Mansfield UK Certification, independently-tested and awarded by Diversity Lab, is a structured process designed to boost the representation of historically underrepresented lawyers (including female lawyers, lawyers from underrepresented ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities) in law firm leadership positions. Diversity Lab measure the structural changes and practical steps firms have taken over the past year to ensure the paths to leadership – including NQ and lateral hiring, client pitch teams, promotions, appointments, and more – are open, transparent and inclusive to all qualified lawyers.

Gowling WLG has built this into its firmwide Inclusion For All DE&I strategy. This scientific and data-driven approach to boosting inclusion and equity embeds accountability, clarity, and knowledge sharing into talent practices.

Data scientists have shown that participating in Mansfield leads to more equitable professional development opportunities, and ultimately a more diverse leadership. Although Diversity Lab focus on lawyer roles specifically, we adopt the same best practice for pathways to all leadership positions. Gowling WLG was one of the first law firms in the UK to sign up to work towards Mansfield accreditation and achieved the quality mark in July 2023.

Over the last year the firm has worked diligently to maintain accreditation status, and to ensure the Mansfield rule is factored into its recruitment and promotion processes. The firm is extremely proud of the progress and achievements made this year. 57% of total applications across trainee recruitment programmes in 2024 came from ethnic minorities, and 64% were female.

A range of outstanding female and diverse partners have been welcomed into positions at the firm through internal promotions and lateral hires, and in senior leadership roles Emma Pioli became the UK LLP's new Chair and Kate Swaine joined the International Board. Gowling WLG remains committed to considering underrepresented candidates for recruitment, promotions and client pitches moving forward, and retaining Certification in 2025. Find out more about diversity, equality and inclusion at Gowling WLG.