The Queer in Law & Consulting event format initiated by PROUT AT WORK shows how similar the challenges and needs are within an industry – and how enriching the exchange of experiences can be. Originally focused purely on law firms, the Queer in Law event format, which PROUT AT WORK has been offering since 2022, has now become a cross-industry exchange that connects law firms and consultancies. The aim is to jointly create new impetus for more queer inclusion.
Consulting as a new perspective
In 2024, the Queer in Law format was taken a step further: together with PROUT AT WORK, the participants expanded the circle to include management consultancies and auditing firms. This is because both sectors share the structure of the companies, the nature of the services provided to customers and clients and much more. At the same time, the differences and the respective view from the outside open up new fields of learning and starting points.
Successful kick-off: Queer in Law & Consulting 2024
The first joint workshop took place on January 22, 2024 with representatives from law firms and consultancies at PROUT EMPLOYER Linklaters in Frankfurt am Main. The central questions were:
- What unites us, what makes us different?
- What can we learn from each other?
- How can we support each other across industries?
During the event, the spirit of this format came into focus in particular: when the topic of competition is left at the door and everyone stands together for one cause – namely queer inclusion – then open discussions, joint initiatives and learning through exchange are the result.
The workshop program included an input on current studies on queer people in the world of work as well as a substantive contribution from the host company and PROUT EMPLOYER Linklaters on the topic of ESG and diversity. In a breakout session, the participants worked in depth on the requirements and (improvement) possibilities of ESG strategies. A brainstorming session provided numerous clues as to how queer inclusion can be taken into account in everyday working life with a view to ESG.
Acting together – across industry boundaries
Once again, the exchange – and also the expansion of the circle of participants – enabled important discussions and conversations and further strengthened the basis for joint action in the matter. Fabienne Kasper, People Development & DEI Manager Germany at Linklaters, also emphasized this summary:
“In January 2024, the now established Queer in Law & Consulting Roundtable kicked off at our firm, after a cross-firm exchange had already been initiated. The inclusion of management consultancies and auditing firms enriches the dialog even more. Due to our similar business models, strengths and challenges, the exchange between professional services firms on DEI topics is particularly valuable in order to learn from and with each other and to expand the network. All players are united by the pursuit of an inclusive culture and fair opportunities for all.”
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