Diversity Q&A: ‘COVID-19 will have a massive impact on work-life balance’

As we start 2021, WIPR asked IP lawyers for their thoughts on the legal sector’s progress in the area of diversity and inclusion, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement on these initiatives. Véronique Durand Rettally, partner at the Mexico office at Baker McKenzie, shares her thoughts.

Is the legal profession doing enough to promote D&I?

Over the past few years, there has been important progress in D&I in the legal sector as it is an issue that has been in the spotlight, and is now recognised as key in the development of talent and business success.

Many D&I organisations have testified about the importance of promoting gender equality to easily transition to the inclusion of other groups such as people with disabilities, the LGBT+ community and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

However, the main ongoing challenge for any organisation is to achieve a truly inclusive culture so diverse people from all backgrounds develop a sense of belonging.