Hogan Lovells commits to disability inclusion

As a member of The Valuable 500 the firm commits to drive change and embed disability inclusion throughout the business. Delivering on its commitment to diversity and inclusion and responsible business is a strategic priority for Hogan Lovells, with ability inclusion a core focus the firm recognizes is crucial to achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

CEO Miguel Zaldivar said: "Inclusion of individuals with different abilities is a key focus of our firm. We have had a longstanding commitment to people of different abilities across the globe, and we are excited that our participation in The Valuable 500 will accelerate our progress. We want our people of all abilities to understand that Hogan Lovells is a place where they belong and can thrive."

The firm has also become a signatory to the American Bar Association "Disability Diversity in the Legal Profession: A Pledge for Change", further affirming its commitment to disability diversity. Pledge signatories recognize that diversity is in the best interests of their organization, the legal profession as a whole, and the clients they serve. By becoming a signatory Hogan Lovells commits to encouraging others in the legal industry to follow suit.

In the UK, Hogan Lovells is a Disability Confident Committed employer, and has a long-standing relationship with the British Paralympic Association, being a Gold Partner and the Official Legal Services Provider. In addition, the firm supports British para-sport through its Nicholas Cheffings Para Athletes Bursary and investment in their ambassador and Paralympic, world, European and Commonwealth champion, Ollie Hynd MBE.

Hogan Lovells also provides pro bono legal advice to clients including GB SnowSport, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby, the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation, UK Boccia Federation, the International Boccia Federation, the International Paralympic Committee, and the Japanese Para-Sports Association.

In the run-up to the re-scheduled Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, the firm is sponsoring the Japan Riding Association for the Disabled, working in partnership to raise awareness in Japan of people with disabilities and the need for more inclusion of those with disabilities in sport. The firm’s sponsorship will provide para equestrian athletes with additional support as they pursue their sport.

Hogan Lovells also advises Movements for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore on a range of matters, and has created an internship program recognized by The Luxembourg Diversity Charter, and in cooperation with Ligue HMC, to change perceptions of intellectual disability by welcoming interns in office support roles for an eight week period.  

Caroline Casey, Founder of The Valuable 500, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Hogan Lovells on board in the midst of the continuing pandemic. We believe in collaboration rather than competition and the multiplier effect of the collective impact of 500 leading CEOs and brands. I am confident that over the next decade, if the business community pulls together and stands united in ensuring disability inclusion is a central part of their leadership agenda, we can truly make a difference globally across the next decade."