Law firms have known for a long time that diversity matters. City institutions have understood that equality, access and inclusion should be pillars of their working culture. And yet, in recent months law firms have reckoned with a truth that James Baldwin pointed out back in 1963, that “people find it very difficult to act on what they know. To act is to be committed, and to be committed is to be in danger.” Acknowledging that their efforts to date have not gone far enough, major firms such as Allen & Overy and Linklaters have set new diversity targets, and a wave of firms have pledged to invest in initiatives supporting equality.
Diversity and inclusion begin at home, and businesses must get their own house in order. It is the right thing to do, and there is growing evidence that it is good for business. But this should be only the first step. Given diversity’s financial upside, to not also support it outside their four walls can look hypocritical and opportunistic. This means supporting the people who are already out there doing the work, and artists are among the most vocal and effective agents for change working today.
