Schellenberg Wittmer is determined to maintain and develop a spirit of inclusion, diversity and acceptance of all, irrespective of their age, gender, origin, sexual orientation, or any other personal background or characteristics. Throughout the year, our diversity and inclusion taskforce, SW IDEA, coordinates various initiatives to promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness within the firm and across our activities. Schellenberg Wittmer also provides a comprehensive support structure to its employees, who have access to four dedicated Diversity Officers and an external, independent Trusted Office Mentor (TOM).

To further our commitment to the LGBTQI+ community, for the third year in a row, we are proud to renew and increase our support to two Swiss non-profit organizations:

• Le Refuge which brings help to young individuals who are facing difficulties at school, within their family or in other social environments because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Le Refuge is an association that accompanies these individuals on their path towards independence and self-affirmation.
• Regenbogenfamilien which socially and legally defends the interests of homoparental families in Switzerland and offers a supporting network of families, associations and organisations.

Schellenberg Wittmer is also proud to announce that it is partnering with The Legal 500 to organise the Diversity & Inclusion Forum taking place in Zurich on June 20^th 2023. The event will focus on all aspects of Diversity & Inclusion, looking at the challenges of gender diversity in the workplace and discussing how to improve the quality of business through the creation of a diverse and inclusive work environment, including by promoting LGBTQI+ inclusivity. Senior in-house counsel interested in joining the event can register here.