We have a longstanding commitment to advancing inclusion & diversity (I&D). Because an inclusive and diverse workplace is integral to attracting, developing, inspiring, and retaining talented people. But above all because we believe it's the right thing to do. Our I&D vision is to ensure that the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are valued throughout the business and embedded in the framework of everything we do.
We have identified four pillars on which we will focus to contribute to a more inclusive and connected organisation, industry, and society. Our approach focuses on inspiring and educating, raising awareness, building community, and promoting (bi-)cultural diversity. Our three-year roadmap outlines our strategy to fulfil our I&D mission to educate, advocate, engage connect, and empower people."
In 2022, we appointed two inclusion partners as well as a dedicated I&D specialist. Together with our I&D Committee and I&D Taskforces they (co)develop policies, instigate new initiatives, and coordinate projects and activities that support our I&D aspirations. The Brussels office has a Think Inclusion & Diversity Committee and a Think Healthy Committee, which advise the managing partners in these offices. We are also proud to hold the Diversity Label of the Brussels Minister of Employment.
Our focus areas
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Gender diversity
To achieve gender diversity at all levels within our organisation, we use tailored support and solutions such as mentoring and professional development opportunities. Our target for gender diversity at the senior levels is at least 40% men and at least 40% women. 40% is above the minimum impact threshold of 33% and allows for gender neutrality and a male/female ratio of more than 50%. We also advocate for gender equality in the legal field and work with organisations and programmes that promote diverse talent in the workplace, including the Women Leaders in Law programmes of the Dutch and Belgian Bar Associations.
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LGBTQIA+ people
Our goal is to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for people in the LGBTQIA+ community. To further this goal, we established ND+, our I&D Taskforce for LGBTQIA+ support. We also established Stichting FORWARD, an organisation that raises the visibility and awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues among law firms. FORWARD currently has 37 participating law firms.
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Cultural diversity
We aim to increase the representation of different ethnicities in the firm and to achieve 20% (bi)cultural diversity in the firm by 2025. Our law school recruitment programmes are an important source and component of further diversifying the fabric of our firm over time. Our ND Growth Taskforce provides tailored support and promotes awareness of (bi)cultural diversity in our firm. We play an active role in the Dutch Bar Association's cultural diversity programmes and have also endorsed its declaration 'Diversity in the legal profession'. Together with other law firms on the Zuidas, we have founded Stichting Lequal: an organisation that raises the visibility and awareness of (bi)cultural issues in law firms.
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Neurodiversity
We strive to create an inclusive environment where all types of minds can thrive, harnessing unique perspectives, creative thinking and innovative problem-solving skills to develop more effective legal strategies and compelling solutions. Our ND Wired taskforce provides tailored support and raises awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace.
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Inclusion & Diversity awards
- Named ‘Outstanding Firm’ in the ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ category at the 2023 Chambers Europe Awards
- In 2022, the IFLR1000 recognised eight NautaDutilh partners as ‘Women Leaders’: lawyers who have an outstanding reputation for consistently leading complex, novel or innovative deals or who are highly regarded in their market for their leadership skills
- Named ‘Best Diversity Firm’ at the 2021 Dutch M&A Awards
- Achieving 'Global Benchmark Ambassador' level on the Workplace Pride Global Benchmark for the third year in a row in 2020
- Ranked as one the most innovative law firms in the 2020 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe report, with Petra Zijp as an ‘innovative leader’ and credited for our efforts on diversity, inclusion and sustainability
- In 2019, Workplace Pride named Petra Zijp the ‘Most Effective Ally’ in creating an inclusive workplace
- In 2019, our associate Boudewijn Smit won Chambers’ 'Future Leader - LGBT+ Equality' award