Simmons is top gay-friendly law firm for the fifth year in a row
18 January 2013
Simmons & Simmons has once again beaten its rivals to take the top spot amongst law firms on the Stonewall 2013 rankings of best employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.

This year eight law firms made the Stonewall list. That's an increase of one compared to 2012 with CMS Cameron McKenna making its debut.

Simmons came in 9th place overall, with the other law firms being Baker & McKenzie (19), Pinsent Masons (22), Herbert Smith Freehills (30), Hogan Lovells (40), Eversheds (52), Camerons (62) and Irwin Mitchell (72).

Almost all of the firms maintained or improved their position on last. Herbies showed the biggest improvement, leaping from last year's 80th to 30th position in 2013. But Hogan Lovells did well too, rising 22 places, and Pinsents and Eversheds both managed to jump 19 places. And whilst Simmons only rose by one spot, 9th place is the highest ever placing for a law firm, according to a Lawyer report.

Simmons' Senior Partner Colin Passmore said "We are very proud to support a number of internal LGBT initiatives and our efforts are clearly reflected in our ranking as top law firm again".

Simmons yesterday

Irwin Mitchell was the only law firm to drop down the list, falling an impressive 39 places. A spokesman for the firm said "we are of course disappointed to have slipped slightly from such a strong position previously, though it is good overall to see that the standard and engagement is rising". And at least the firm made the list, unlike any of the Magic Circle firms.

Accenture topped the list as Stonewall Employer of the Year, followed by Gentoo (a housing employer) in second and the Co-op in third. Elsewhere in the City, Ernst & Young (4th) and Barclays (7th) put in the strongest showings.

The full results are available here.