An international firm which has helped support dozens of homeless LGBT+ asylum seekers has been recognised for its contribution to the community. 

Weil, Gotshal & Manges was one of a handful of winners at last night’s Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards – rewarding the capital’s most responsible businesses. 

The firm has teamed up with charity Micro Rainbow in recent years to open the UK’s first ever safe house for LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers. The initiative runs on volunteer work, financial support and pro bono legal advice, and since 2017 the partnership has helped 37 individuals into safe housing.  

The firm was the winner of the ‘innovation award’ at the ceremony held at The Mansion House in the heart of London.  

Weil-MicroRainbow

Firm teamed up with Micro Rainbow to open UK’s first ever safe house for LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers

Rob Powell, head of pro bono and corporate responsibility for the firm, said: ‘At Weil, we call the time we spend on pro bono work ‘Our Finest Hours’ and that is certainly true of our partnership with Micro Rainbow.  

‘Their ground-breaking approach to supporting LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers has delivered a tangible social impact and it’s a pleasure to have played a small part in it.’ 

The awards scheme, run by the City of London Corporation, celebrates firms of all sizes and from all sectors who are tackling social problems in London and the UK. 

This year’s applicants supported over 2.5m people across the UK, helping communities, charities and local enterprises and investing £32m.