55 This network has grown from an employee support network to a group at the heart of various D&I-focused graduate recruitment, mentoring and social responsibility activities. As a global firm, we have the ability to drive change and take responsibility not just within the profession but within the wider communities we serve. As a member of the board within the firm responsible for dealing with our local law firm network, I seek to share best practice, express how shared values are at the core of how we as a firm operate and wish our best friends to operate. However, I also seek to listen to and be sensitive of different cultural paradigms. What works in New York and Amsterdam does not in Dubai and Casablanca, but we can be clear as to our firm values and the direction of travel wherever we are located. Jeremy: Epstein Rosenblum Maoz (ERM) is extremely supportive and participates in various DEI initiatives. Most directly, though my membership on the board of @LGBTech, I am deeply involved in LGBTQ+ DEI. ERM supports the legal needs of @LGBTech on a pro bono basis and participates in various @LGBTech initiatives. At @LGBTech for example, we are now launching our third-annual ‘EqualLGBTQ+ Index’ – a measure of Israeli employers’ inclusivity towards the LGBTQ+ community. Participants doubled to 17 in 2023, and we expect more significant growth in our 2024 index which is opening for registration. We also run a huge annual campaign, where our specially chosen ‘Pride Squad’ of inspiring speakers give lectures each pride month (or beyond) – with a growing list of over 50 companies (employing between them over 10,000 people) providing substantive content to their personnel, to foster a better understanding of the challenges and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond that we also work with companies year-round to help them develop, improve, and maintain their policies of DEI towards the LGBTQ+ community, work with policymakers on broader matters of national inclusion, and host events for our community members on a range of topics. This year was the 8th year in which we hosted a reception at the residence of the British Ambassador to Israel. At ERM, we also help guide clients on the legal aspects of their DEI efforts – whether it comes down to general corporate governance, or more bespoke labour-related queries, and beyond.
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