Inclusion

Inclusion is not just a value - it is a strategic priority for our firm. We are dedicated to championing a culture where different viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and are integral to our business. This inclusive culture is central to the kind of firm we aspire to be, where everyone can belong and excel, because a wide range of experiences and outlooks allow us to deliver excellence for our clients.

Driving change at A&O Shearman

We are committed to driving change, and we are placing that determination at the heart of our work to create an environment where our people have the opportunity to belong and excel.

A&O Shearman, reflective of the various markets we serve, is comprised of a huge range of characteristics, backgrounds, perspectives and generations. Talent and insightful perspective come in many forms, and we endeavor to provide everyone with the opportunity to succeed.

Our global aims

We know that different communities face different issues, challenges, and legal frameworks, and we adapt our approach to respond to local and regional nuances while pursuing a common goal of being an inclusive firm with a range of outlooks that best serve our clients and people.

We aim to provide an inclusive environment where we encourage and welcome all aspects of everyone’s identities, and we cherish the richness that it brings to our working environment, and the unparalleled service it allows us to provide to our clients and communities.

Our wide range of affinity networks are open to all and welcome individuals from all backgrounds. We’re proud that they not only support the communities they represent, but also provide opportunities for everyone to learn more about those communities and share in enriching events that give insights into each other’s experiences.

We all have a role to play

Everyone benefits from an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and we expect everyone to play their role in creating that environment.

Openness is at the heart of our approach. We celebrate our progress and we’re honest with ourselves when the progress is not what it should be.

Our ambition goes beyond our firm. Our aim is to be a leader in driving positive change and demonstrating responsibility in our profession and the communities we serve.

Awards and recognition

• Rated in the top 100 of the Corporate Equality Index as a leader in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 2026.
• One of the top ten best performing private companies in the FTSE Women Leaders Review.
• One of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality, 2025
• Received a silver ranking in the Global Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2025.
• Recognized with a Stonewall Innovation Award for our Pride 2024 campaign. 

• Recognized in The Parker Review 2025 for being one of three law firms among the Top 50 private organizations with at least one ethnic minority director on its board.
• 3rd place in the Top 10 Employers category; and 2nd place in the Legal Industry category in the Community Business LGBT+ Inclusive Workplace Index 2025 (Hong Kong).
• Won Outstanding Collaboration award for our role in Legal CORE at the British Legal Awards 2025.
• Law.com International’s top ten firms for LGBTQ+ partner representation, 2024.