Jim is Chair of Allen & Overy’s LGBT network, with primary responsibility for acting as visible senior role model. The network is an international network involved in business development, graduate recruitment, mentoring and social responsibility activities. His profile raising of LGBT+ initiatives has led to LGBT+ and gender diversity being included as one of the firm’s key strategic priorities by the new management team. He also led on the successful launch of A&O’s first LGBT+ Allies group, and is working with Stonewall to ensure the firm’s LGBT network is truly global in its approach. Jim’s work as Chair of A&Out, such as a programme of staff awareness talks and mentoring of junior staff, has led to them being nominated for Pink News’ 2017 Business Equality Award. Beyond his role with A&Out, Jim has supervised the team providing pro bono legal advice to Stonewall on the recently passed Turing’s law and related matters. He participates in various external mentoring programmes, and often speaks on the topic of same-sex parenting.
