Akin

Diversity and Inclusion  

At Akin, we believe the various perspectives and experiences of our lawyers and staff help us achieve exceptional results for our clients and bring important insights into all aspects of the firm.   

Firmwide Resource Group 

Our firm sponsors seven firmwide resource groups (FRG) for lawyers and staff focused on Abilities, Asian, Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, Parents/Caregivers, and Women. These FRGs complement the firm’s efforts related to recruiting, professional development, and fostering inclusive workplaces. They are voluntary and open to all attorneys and staff.  

Local Diversity and Inclusion Councils 

Akin has a firmwide Diversity and Inclusion Council to guide the execution of the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategy. We also have local diversity and inclusion councils in each U.S. office, and London. Diversity and inclusion councils offer lawyers and staff a chance to communicate ideas to firm management and to recommend additional initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion at the firm.   

Family Friendly Policies 

At Akin, we support lawyers through policies and programmes that enable them to effectively manage and integrate work, family, and other responsibilities. The firm has a Reduced Work Schedule Policy, which allows lawyers to work reduced schedules and remain on partnership track. In particular, we have a significant track record of promotions of women who have availed themselves of the policy. 

We also have an Agile Work Programme that recognises that agile work arrangements play an important role in providing excellent client service at the highest levels while also providing flexibility for our lawyers. 

The firm works with Bright Horizon’s Family Solutions to offer our employees care for children and dependent adults. 

Pro bono 

Our lawyers defend human rights by representing asylum seekers, victims of trafficking and the NGOs that assist them. Our pro bono matters include public interest litigation, legislative counselling, poverty law and transactions, in each of Akin's offices. The firm is also focused on leveraging our tremendous pro bono commitment to address injustice and pursue equality throughout our communities. 

Asia 

Akin's Asian offices are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where all members of the Akin community can thrive and grow.  We maintain a culture that sees differences as strength. Local chapters of our firmwide resource groups support our LGBTQ+, women lawyers, and also support family and caregivers. 

We have an active chapter of our Women’s FRG in the Hong Kong office. The group provides a forum for the firm’s women to build relationships internally and externally and provide targeted professional development.  In Hong Kong, in addition to local social events, our Women’s FRG were sponsors of The Women’s Foundation’s International Women’s Day lunch, the annual Women of Influence Conference by American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Tedx TinHau Women event, and hosted an in-house training session on communicating and presenting with impact and confidence.  

We are also sponsors of the Hong Kong LGBT+ Attorneys (HKGALA) Network, which aims to promote LGBT+ diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in Hong Kong.