Matteo Tola has been a driving force for LGBTQ+ inclusion as Senior Associate at Freshfields. He is an active lead in “Halo”, the firm’s LGBTQ+ and allies network. He serves on Halo’s Global Committee, Central Europe Committee, and as Person of Trust for the Italian offices, shaping firm-wide strategy, coordinating cross-office events, and providing confidential support to LGBTQ+ colleagues. His efforts have fostered psychological safety and visibility in a traditionally conservative legal environment. Externally, Matteo is a board member of Parks – Liberi e Uguali, Italy’s leading LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion non-profit. He co-authored national guides on civil unions, parental rights, and workplace gender transition, contributed to trans healthcare research, and supported member organizations in adopting inclusive HR policies. As the first openly-out lawyer in Freshfields’ Italian offices, Matteo’s visibility has sparked cultural change, inspiring colleagues to embrace authenticity and allyship while advancing inclusion across Italy’s legal sector.
