Herbert Smith has appointed its first inclusivity manager, as City firms seek to demonstrate their commitment to diversity issues.

The firm has hired Carolyn Lee, a diversity consultant at Deutsche Bank, to develop its inclusivity programme and diversity agenda.


Ms Lee will work with external organisations, including Opportunity Now and the Employers Forum on Disability, to promote best practice within the firm, organise diversity training, and develop diversity-related policies and initiatives.


Sasha Scott, managing director of consultancy Inclusive Diversity, said such an appointment was common in US firms and investment banks in London, but this was the first time such a position had been created in a top UK law firm.


'It demonstrates the greater emphasis being put on diversity issues by clients, government and the Law Society,' she said.


Law Society chief executive Janet Paraskeva welcomed the appointment, but said: 'There are many ways in which solicitors' firms can make progress on equality and diversity issues and it is by no means essential to have a dedicated in-house specialist.'