Dentons is pleased to join FORWARD – the Dutch legal LGBT network that was founded in a collective effort by several law firms to promote the acceptance, recognition and visibility of the LGBT+ community within the Dutch legal profession, while promoting an inclusive environment for all legal professionals, independent of sexual orientation or identity.

By joining FORWARD, supporting firms affirm their commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and exchanging experiences and good practices on diversity and inclusion. Members join forces to organize networking events, mentoring programs and training sessions to raise awareness and help end discrimination.

“The principles and goals of FORWARD fully align with Dentons’ belief that diversity and inclusion are essential to the success and strength of our firm and an integral part of our business strategy. Diverse ways of thinking allow us to innovate and serve our clients better,” said Marien Glerum, Dentons Benelux Managing Officer. “At Dentons we are proud to support our LGBT+ colleagues and to create a working environment where people feel valued.”

“We are very pleased that Dentons has joined our network as a FORWARD Friend and wants to add to our collective efforts to promote acceptance, recognition and visibility of LGBT+ people within the Dutch legal profession. We are very appreciative of the solid expertise in diversity management Dentons offers and are happy to share best practices and draw inspiration from our learned experiences,” said Lotte van der Leij, Chairperson of FORWARD.

Dentons is recognized among the firms leading these efforts in Europe. In 2019, two Dentons lawyers were awarded for their LGBT+ inclusion efforts at the first ever Chambers Diversity and Inclusion Awards: Europe that took place in Amsterdam. The Firm was also recognized as a leading LGBT+ employer by Stonewall, and won numerous awards for gender diversity at the LMG Women in Business Law Awards Europe.

Dentons’ global statement on diversity and inclusion is available here.

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