Women@CC is the internal network, created in 2013, to encourage a professional environment supporting women in the Paris office. The objectives of this important initiative are the identification of opportunities to develop skills and networking, the creation of a discussion forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences, the organisation of initiatives for business development and networking and the development of relations with clients carrying out similar initiatives.
Arcus is Clifford Chance's global network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) colleagues and their friends. Arcus aims to encourage an inclusive and integrated culture within the Firm that gives colleagues the choice to be open and out. Arcus is latin for rainbow, a popular symbol of gay pride and diversity. Arcus members are drawn from a wide cross-section of the Firm. All levels of lawyer (from trainee to partner) are represented together with a significant number of colleagues from business professionals.
Arcus has an impressive list of achievements since its inception ten years ago, from its pro bono and community partnerships to its vital role in assisting our recruitment teams in recruiting and retaining the best talent, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The highlight of the Arcus calendar is the annual Pride Art exhibition, which has grown to become one of the biggest corporate supported exhibitions of work by LGBT+ artists in the world, with parallel exhibitions taking place simultaneously in many of our offices.
Clifford Chance also launched the "Arcus Ally" network for employees who are supportive of fostering an inclusive environment for LGBT staff. They advocate for equal rights and fair treatment of LGBT individuals, and take action to challenge prejudice against the LGBT community. This year's exhibition in Paris, entitled Blurred Lines, was created and developed by members of Arcus Paris and their allies to explore the boundaries between gender, sexuality, race and identity.
Allies are very important in fostering an inclusive and diverse environment as acceptance is only possible if it is articulated by those that are not LGBT themselves. Allies at all levels of the firm including senior management, partners, line managers, lawyers and business service staff help LGBT staff to be open about their gender or sexual orientation.
This helps foster an inclusive and diverse workforce that by performing at its best, is able to deliver the best service to our clients. Matthew Layton, Partner, was named in the Top 50 LGBT Ally Power List compiled by OUTstanding and the Financial Times.
Since 2008, Clifford Chance Paris has had a partnership with the FIAC (Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain), as part of the firm's programme of support and commitment to sponsorship of the arts. Across its offices, the firm leads cultural initiatives which allow Clifford Chance to support up and coming artists or those already internationally renowned. We believe that art is a reflection of the values of diversity, creativity and open-mindedness which inspire us every day and demonstrate our capacity to provide innovative solutions to clients.
This tenth year of partnership with the FIAC is special because Clifford Chance is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of its LGBT+ association, Arcus. The firm fosters an inclusive work environment where everyone is free to be themselves.
It also developed the initiative Women@CC, as well as a partnership with Frateli, an association created to promote equality in orientation, academic success and professional integration. This year, Clifford Chance Paris is proud to celebrate diversity with you as a whole!
As a leading global firm, we service clients from all over the world. In order to meet their demands and find solutions to their most complex challenges, we must build the best team, made up of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, and nurtured in an inclusive and supportive environment.
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