Deian became Head of the International LGBT Network at Simmons & Simmons in September 2016, shortly after arriving at the firm. He has reinvigorated the UK LGBT Network and raised its profile internally to offer LGBT colleagues a more visible support structure. Under his leadership, the Network has reached a new audience by co-hosting events with the firm’s other affinity networks and has strengthened its links with the Simmons & Simmons Straight Ally Network, including in Asia. The firm co-hosts an annual graduate recruitment event with one of its key clients, and has engaged a number of other organisations recently in the LGBT context, including those keen to establish their own networks. As Head of the International LGBT Network, Deian also offers one-to-one mentoring to all of the firm’s trainee solicitors who identify as L, G, B or T. Externally, as well as being a regular speaker and panellist, Deian supports a number of LGBT related charities and is an investor in ‘Maldod’, the first independent gay feature film to be made in the Welsh language.
