Overview
(January 7, 2019, Brussels) — At the initiative of Steptoe and Van Bael & Bellis, 20 law firms in Belgium have joined efforts to found the Legal Diversity & Inclusion Alliance (LDIA). The LDIA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace in which everyone benefits from equal treatment and opportunities, irrespective of race, ethnic or social origin, gender or sexual orientation, age, disability, language, religion, political preference or any other grounds of personal discrimination.
Steptoe's pioneering role and pledge in the LDIA is a further demonstration of the firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Steptoe's participation was spearheaded by Kat Van Nuffel, who serves as director of the Brussels office, with the support of Ruxandra Cana, the Brussels office managing partner.
"As the legal industry in Belgium deepens its focus on matters related to diversity and inclusion, Steptoe feels it is important to make a substantive contribution to this effort," said Van Nuffel. "I am delighted by the response this initiative has received by our peer firms in Brussels, and look forward to working with all of the members to create work environments that are welcoming to all."
Cana added: "This is a great opportunity for Steptoe to show leadership for a cause that is at the heart of the firm's identity, and to commit to diversity in the legal profession in all jurisdictions in which the firm is present."
For more information, please visit: www.legaldiversityalliance.be.
About Steptoe
In more than 100 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.