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Hogan Lovells has implemented a global diversity and inclusion initiative as a strategy to create better teams

Hogan Lovells has introduced diversity & inclusion (D&I) billable hour credit for U.S. lawyers, an initiative being implemented globally and further affirming its commitment to diversity as a strategic priority.

All U.S. counsel and associates are permitted to count approved D&I activity as billable, upon reaching a set client billable threshold each year toward bonus levels in an amount of up to 50 D&I hours. Those 50 hours may also count towards achieving the firm’s existing 1,850 threshold for pro bono work.

The D&I activities eligible for billable credit:

1. Leading or organizing D&I events or diversity network initiatives.
2. Recruiting underrepresented professionals to the firm.
3. Mentoring or sponsoring underrepresented professionals.
4. Participating in allyship and action-oriented D&I programs that extend beyond education.
5. Preparing for and participating in client-related D&I activity.
6. Additional activities to be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The rollout of D&I billable credit has been applicable to offices outside the U.S. since 1 January and the process is expected to be complete by early February.

Global Managing Partner for Diversity & Inclusion and Responsible Business, Susan Bright, said: "The introduction of D&I billable hour credit is part of our global strategy to create and maintain a diverse and inclusive working environment throughout our firm, and at the highest ranks. It also enables us to achieve our global minority and LGBT+ goals, and measure engagement at a substantive level. We recognize that diversity of all kinds creates better teams, and better serves our clients."

Carine Stoick, head of the Aerospace and Defense M&A group and Americas Professional Development & Diversity Partner, commented: "Part of our strategy to recognize, retain and advance talent at all levels is to create a culture whereby our people can be part of the journey and dialogue surrounding diversity and inclusion. By recognizing individual contribution through billable hours, it aligns our focus and commitment to reaching our goals collectively as a global business."

Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Bendita Cynthia Malakia, said: "The rationale behind establishing billable D&I credit is twofold: to ensure our underrepresented colleagues are credited for disproportionately undertaking diversity and inclusion activities, and to incentivize all our people to undertake activities that enhance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at the firm."

It follows the firm's recent introduction of two new global diversity goals, 15% minority partners*; and  4% LGBT+ partners*, which it aims to achieve by 2025, as well as appointing two new members to the Diversity & Inclusion Americas leadership team.

Delivering on our commitments to diversity & inclusion, Citizenship, and sustainability is a strategic priority for the firm, on par with putting clients at the center of everything we do and enhancing profitability. CEO Miguel Zaldivar appointed Susan Bright to the newly created role of Global Managing Partner for Diversity & Inclusion and Responsible Business, effective 1 July 2020. The firm’s diversity team is also now a separate global function that reports directly to the CEO, an important change that reflects the business-critical function of the team and allows us to accelerate the progress the firm has made in recent years.

For more information about Hogan Lovells global diversity & inclusion, here.