On behalf of the board, Petra Zijp says: "Boudewijn has been advocating LGBTQ+ rights from day 1 at our firm. He was instrumental in founding our internal LGBT+ network GLOBE, wrote a LGBTQ+ Best Practices for Inclusivity handbook, co-developed the diversity training that is being used in the firm today, and is already a mentor for young LGBTQ+ professionals at our firm. Boudewijn is continually paving the path towards a more inclusive and diverse climate in the legal profession, and to see him winning this award makes us proud."

Also congratulations to Dirk Van Gerven, Managing Partner of our Brussels office, who was highly commended in the category Outstanding Ally for his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession as an ally for diverse groups. Throughout Dirk's career, diversity has been high on his list of priorities. His role as managing partner has allowed him to introduce numerous initiatives at the Brussels office to create an even more inclusive culture.

We also congratulate our client ABN AMRO who won the Outstanding Company for Furthering Diversity and Inclusion award, for which we nominated them. A great recognition for its continued efforts to further D&I, both internally and in the wider community. In particular two unique and successful D&I initiatives, which go beyond what's necessary or expected and which, therefore, inspire us at NautaDutilh: the ABN AMRO B-Able desk, which creates jobs for people with disabilities, and the ABN AMRO Reboot Programme, which offers refugees jobs and internships at the bank.

For more information about the awards, visit the website here.