Positive action on diversity by Bond Dickinson, the national law firm with a large office in Bristol, has resulted in it achieving Gold status in a scheme run by the Law Society.
The Diversity and Inclusion Charter was launched in 2009 to help law firms turn their commitment to diversity and inclusion into positive, practical action for their businesses, staff and clients.
Around 470 firms and practices have signed up to the charter, representing more than a third of the legal profession in England and Wales. 
Bond Dickinson achieved the coveted Gold status by successfully demonstrating its practices, policies and procedures aimed at creating a diverse and inclusive culture across the firm.
Bond Dickinson had previously held a Silver status for two years before the firm had to resubmit earlier this year.
Partner and board member Paula Dillon said the achievement was an endorsement of the firm’s work and the huge progress it had made since its last submission.
“Diversity and inclusion is a key priority for us and our aim is to create a diverse and inclusive culture for our staff and to attract and retain the very best people. Our diversity and inclusion group as well as our board agree priorities annually to make sure that Bond Dickinson remains a supportive work place, that acknowledges and celebrates difference, and where our people are happiest being their real selves.”
Bond Dickinson employs more than 1,100 staff across its eight UK offices, including 250 in Bristol. Last month it combined with US-based Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice to create a major transatlantic legal player with operations in 23 cities and will become Womble Bond Dickinson when the merger completes in October.
