Amsterdam—Two Dentons lawyers were awarded at the first ever Chambers Diversity and Inclusion Awards: Europe. The awards, established by international legal directory Chambers and Partners, celebrate trailblazers who are actively furthering the advancement of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The ceremony took place at the RAI center in Amsterdam on October 1, 2019.

Partner Igor Ostrowski, Global Co-Chair of Technology, Media and Telecommunications, was named “LGBT+ Lawyer of the Year”. The award recognizes his pro bono service and community activism in support of LGBT rights including his work on drafting a proposed bill on marriage equality, as well as support in a number of strategic litigation cases. As a member of Dentons’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee, he has spearheaded a number of initiatives to promote inclusion of LGBT and other diverse groups within the Firm, including the LGBT Pride activities across Europe and creation of an LGBT network, called GLOW Europe.

“I am truly honored by this award,” said Igor Ostrowski. “I believe it is vitally important that all people are free to be their true selves at work, and I am grateful for Dentons’ efforts to create a LGBT-friendly environment where I can follow my career goals, without pretending to be someone else.”

Partner Wojciech Kozlowski, Co-head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice in Poland, was named “Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year”. As one of the founders of Dentons’ Strategic Litigation Program in Poland, Kozlowski has provided pro bono legal assistance in high profile litigations to protect human rights. He has represented clients in cases to counter Nazi propaganda and Holocaust denial; protect freedom of expression; counter xenophobia and religious hatred; and protect the rights of migrants, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

Wojciech Kozlowski commented, “As a lawyer, I feel it is our duty to defend human rights, strengthen civil society and uphold principles of democracy. In fact, this award is the result of the work of our whole team of lawyers committed to pro bono work in this field and the Strategic Litigation Program. I am proud to be a part of this team and am grateful for this acknowledgement from our peers.”

In addition to the two winners, Dentons was shortlisted in six other categories, including the headline award, “Outstanding Firm for Furthering Diversity and Inclusion”. The firm was also in the running for “Pro Bono Program of the Year” for its pro bono work supporting organizations that promote equal rights for women, LGBT and minority groups.

Four other lawyers were shortlisted for their outstanding personal contribution to promoting diversity and inclusion, both within the firm and in the market:

• Gender Diversity Lawyer of the Year: Europe-wide – Amanda Jones (Edinburgh)
• Future Leader: Minority Lawyer of the Year – Lucy Conway (London)
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Nick Mott (London)
• Future Leader: LGBT+ Lawyer of the Year – Brian Kennedy (London)

Dentons’ global statement on Diversity and Inclusion is available at https://www.dentons.com/en/whats-different-about-dentons/as-diverse-as-you-are.

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