Global firm Herbert Smith Freehills just took a groundbreaking leap forward when it comes to benefits for transgender employees in the Biglaw world. The firm is now the first in the U.K. to cover gender affirmation surgery for attorneys and staff.
The firm’s new medical benefit is available to 1,651 U.K. employees, and will cover “all or part of the cost” of the surgery, and will provide psychological support “at any time during their transition process.” The firm’s new medical benefit was announced in tandem with its new Global Transitioning Guidelines, a set of policies which aim to support transitioning employees and create a culture of inclusion for all transgender employees. Employee Benefits has more information on the firm’s plans for its transgender employees worldwide:
Herbert Smith Freehills is also offering other medical benefits for global transgender employees. This includes time off for medical appointments and procedures, as well as time off for employees who want to support family members who are transitioning. The law firm is also looking to expand its gender affirmation surgery and psychological support medical benefit to a global scale in due course.
Stressing that HSF is a trans-inclusive workplace, Justin D’Agostino, the firm’s global head of disputes and the regional managing partner of its Asia offices, said, “[t]he transgender community faces ongoing discrimination and in launching these guidelines we are acknowledging the ongoing impact of transphobia on the everyday lives of our transgender colleagues and clients and the importance of creating a global workplace that is safe and supportive.”
Congratulations to Herbert Smith Freehills for being the first Biglaw firm in the U.K. to cover this important medical benefit for its transgender employees. What is your firm doing for its transgender employees? Please email us or text us (646-820-8477) to let us know. Thanks very much. We look forward to hearing from you.
Herbert Smith Freehills Launches Groundbreaking Global Transitioning Guidelines For Transgender Employees [Herbert Smith Freehills]
Herbert Smith Freehills launches gender affirmation surgery benefit for UK staff [Employee Benefits]
Herbert Smith Freehills becomes first law firm to pay for lawyers’ gender reassignment surgery [Legal Cheek]
Staci Zaretsky has been an editor at Above the Law since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.