At RFB, Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect\u2014not just on progress made, but on the experiences, voices, and people at the heart of our firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, we spoke with LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies across the business to hear what Pride means to them, how they experience inclusion in the legal profession, and what they hope for the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their insights are personal, powerful, and a reminder that allyship starts with listening. We\u2019re proud to share their voices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Can you share a bit about your journey, and what pride means to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI started my very first internship at a city firm in 2020, a few days after moving to England. I was socially out, but I remember feeling a bit apprehensive of coming out at work. My supervisor at the time, Lesley, took me for a tour of the offices and introduced me to lots of people, one of which was the Head of Marketing. Lesley just said \u201c\u2026 and this is Paul, he is the chair of our LGBTQ+ interest group, which I think you should join as sometimes it helps to meet other gay people at work.\u201d That took me by surprise, as I had not discussed sexual orientation with Lesley, but it was enough for me to understand that it is fine to be out at work, if one wants to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As to Pride, I have gone only 3 or 4 times in my life. I tend not to go unless I can be within the parade, as I struggle with big crowds. Nonetheless, I do think it is a very important anniversary, as it reminds us that inclusion and respect of minorities is something that required constant work (especially in the current international political climate).\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. What does being part of the LGBTQ+ community at RFB mean to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn the 3 months I have been here, I have always felt supported by my peers and more senior colleagues, which makes me feel very lucky and very grateful.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Can you share an experience at RFB where you felt seen, supported, or empowered as part of the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have particularly appreciated that my supervisors encouraged me to share my article on pride and to submit ideas for Pride Month. Equally, I think that the support we received from our Marketing team and the engagement of other lawyers throughout the firm is heartwarming.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think it is important for every industry. Law is the profession where we need to ensure that everyone\u2019s rights are respected and that our society\u2019s rule of law is implemented \u2013 it would be nonsensical to penalise a lawyer on the basis that they are LGBTQ+.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGo for it! The only issues preventing someone from practicing as a Solicitor are breaches of the SRA ethics and codes of conduct or issues with SRA character and suitability \u2013 \u201cbeing LGBTQ+\u201d is not among them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest obstacle between a trainee and the profession is likely to be the qualification exam, not the student\u2019s identity.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. How are you celebrating pride this year? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPride in London is on 5 July and some friends of mine will be going to see it. I think I will take a view of whether to go subject to how crowded (and hot) it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, I am hoping to be able to visit my cousin in Leiden (the Netherlands) later in the year; Leiden has a \u201cboats\u2019 pride\u201d around September \/ October which consists in a long display of boats adorned with rainbows, chiffons, and pop music on their canals. The Boats\u2019 Pride is possibly the most civilised pride ever and my favourite by far. If I can, I will try to go to that one.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. How do you think colleagues at RFB can continue to be strong allies beyond Pride Month? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think that respecting and being kind to everyone is the way to go.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Can you share a bit about your journey, and what pride means to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPride is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise a community that thrives today because of the important pioneers who pushed the boundaries when the general population were not as inclusive as today. It is also about continuing in the daily struggle to push boundaries further as the job is far from finished to ensure that everyone can openly be who they are.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. What does being part of the LGBTQ+ community at RFB mean to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI like to think that anyone can openly be themselves at RFB and be embraced, accepted and celebrated for that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRepresentation in law is just as important as representation in any field, but it is perhaps especially so given the historical nature of a certain class of individuals, stereotypically being the lawmakers of this Country. Law is a combination of the modern-day morals of the times, adapting to those needs. The LGBTQ+ community have been persecuted by black letter law and in some instances, continue to be so. It is therefore crucial that diversity is continued to be encouraged so that the legislature and other legal sectors have representatives of the LGBTQ+ community to illustrate to others the issues that may not be apparent to those not in the community in order to make positive change.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLaw is no longer an exclusive club reserved for the few. There should be no barrier to entry based on who you are and the door is now open, especially at firms such as RFB.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. How are you celebrating pride this year? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy local event is Torbay Pride which took place on 14 June which my family attended before going for Fish and Chips!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. How do you think colleagues at RFB can continue to be strong allies beyond Pride Month? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cViewing the world with open eyes and understanding that the person next to you may not have had the same experiences as you. Therefore, you should always treat everyone with kindness and respect as we do not know the struggles in each other\u2019s lives.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n People need to see that the legal profession is open to everyone. When LGBTQ+ individuals are visible in law, it challenges outdated ideas and helps build trust whether that\u2019s with clients, colleagues, or those considering a legal career. It shows that being yourself and having a successful career aren\u2019t mutually exclusive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Be yourself, and back your ability. The profession needs people from all walks of life, and your perspective is valuable. At RFB, we take inclusion seriously, not just in words, but in action. You don\u2019t need to change who you are to succeed at RFB or the law in general. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Can you share a bit about your journey, and what pride means to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor me pride means a beautiful culmination of people from all walks of life and society. Whilst not having or experiencing this journey directly, I have celebrated pride with my family who are members and my friends. To be part of pride requires showing up and asking the difficult questions, silence makes you complacent; and to me pride is love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. What does being part of the LGBTQ+ community at RFB mean to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community at RFB means supporting my peers and always having their back. This means that whilst I will never fully understand the unique struggles they face, I can always be there for them and spread positivity and acceptance.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Can you share an experience at RFB where you felt seen, supported, or empowered as part of the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn experience where I felt seen at RFB, whilst not being part of the community but the immense interest in taking part in pride as a firm showcases the firms\u2019 values and spirit.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRepresentation in law is difficult at the best of times but for the LGBTQ+ community, this presents additional challenges. It means trying to present yourself in a profession that is steeped in tradition, which is slow to change, but must adapt to survive in changing times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA message I would share for individuals considering a career in law is to find a firm that reflects your values. There are law firms that celebrate pride and there are those that celebrate the uniqueness of their staff all year round. RFB may celebrate pride specifically throughout July, but it accepts and embodies these values every day. Law like any profession contains stigma\u2019s and stereotypes but finding a firm or department that is genuinely kind and considerate is the place to start.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. How are you celebrating pride this year? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have yet to decide how I am celebrating pride this year. Last year I celebrated with my friends, but I am still figuring things out for July.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. How do you think colleagues at RFB can continue to be strong allies beyond Pride Month? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think colleagues can continue to be allies by maintaining that level of respect and kindness all year round. Pride should not be seen as a token event viewed in isolation. It should remain a priority in all aspects of the firm\u2019s work and ethos\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Can you share a bit about your journey, and what pride means to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo me, pride means being there for each other and rooting for everyone around us. As an ally, it is so important to use our privilege to help amplify the voices of our LGBTQ+ friends\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRepresentation of the LGBTQ+ community in law is vital. Not only does it make the legal workplace comfortable and inclusive for all, it also helps inspire young people who are part of the community. It sends the message that you can do whatever you set your mind to, regardless of who you love or who you identify as. It is also important to counteract any prejudice with love and support for our LGBTQ+ colleagues.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs somebody who works in Marketing, we strive to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all. We understand the different fights you may have in life, and we are on your side. We are here to celebrate everybody.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n At RFB, we\u2019re proud to amplify the voice of our people. We would like to thank those above who contributed and participated in our interviews; your insights are greatly appreciated! <\/p>\n\n\n\n From all of us here at RFB, we wish everybody a Happy Pride Month, and we hope you enjoy whatever celebration you have planned! <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":6423,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6421","insight","type-insight","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nInterview 2 was with Partner, Ben Frost <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Interview 3 was with Head of HR, Ginnie Maitland. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Interview 4 was with Paralegal, Annabelle Simpson. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Interview 5 was with Marketing Executive, Sadie Petchey. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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