Diversity and Inclusion at Clayton Utz

Our Diversity Council

The Clayton Utz Diversity Council sets the firm's diversity and inclusion strategy and develops initiatives to give priority to diversity in the workplace. Our Chief Executive Partner leads the Diversity Council which is also supported by our Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Alison Woolsey.

Gender equality

A key focus of our diversity initiatives is to make Clayton Utz an environment in which women have every opportunity to succeed.

In recognition of our continued commitment to gender equality, Clayton Utz was named on the 2019/20 Workplace Gender Equality Agency's list of Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation-holders. This was the sixth consecutive year for the firm and we are one of only 119 organisations to be awarded the citation. It recognises market-leading employers who have shown an active commitment in achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.

Cultural diversity

We want Clayton Utz to be a culturally sophisticated firm that maximises domestic and regional business benefits through outstanding cultural intelligence.  We're talking with thought leaders around cultural diversity, gathering and reporting data on cultural diversity and focusing on professional development for cultural diversity and inclusive leadership.  We are proud to be an active member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association and in March 2017 we committed to the Managing Partners (of large law firms) Cultural Diversity Charter.

Flexibility

Flexibility is an absolute priority for diversity and inclusion at Clayton Utz and a significant proportion of our workforce work under formal and informal flexible arrangements. Our flexible work policy is intended to support mainstreaming flexibility across the firm to attract and retain the best talent. Flexible work is not simply about part-time work and is vital for our employees to be able to balance their unique and changing needs during different life and career stages.

LGBTIQ inclusion

Clayton Utz is a member of Pride in Diversity (the Australian employer support program). Integral to our diversity and inclusion strategy is our LGBTIQ program which focuses on such things as fostering an LGBTIQ-inclusive culture within the firm, connecting with the broader LGBTIQ community, implementing best practice policies, training and education. Our efforts have made a huge impact on the firm and our people. We are proud to be a 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 AWEI "Gold Employer" - the only law firm with this track record and to reach "Platinum Qualifier" status. This is a testament to our dedication, drive and vision of an LGBTIQ-inclusive workplace.

Momentum

Momentum is our diversity & inclusion network and activity program. It has evolved from being focused on gender to embracing all diversity streams, celebrating both difference and commonality.  It's about nurturing an inclusive environment for our people that will maximise their opportunities for business success and career satisfaction.