Beyond the Lanyard:
How can Allies do more?
Wednesday 3 July 2024, 6pm
Birmingham and online
The importance of allyship is a constant theme across the varying contexts of inclusivity. At its most basic, it is the quality of supporting others who may be treated unfairly as part of marginalised groups.
But what does this mean in reality, and what does it look like?
In this panel event, IP Inclusive and Gowling WLG explored what good allyship to LGBTQIA+ people looks like in practice, beyond the rainbow lanyards and badges. There was an opportunity for Q&A as part of the event.
Refreshments were provided.
Location
We were kindly hosted by Gowling WLG at
Two Snowhill
Birmingham
B4 6WR
Programme
5.30 – 6.00 pm Registration and arrival with tea and coffee
6.00 – 7.00 pm Panel event chaired by Michael Tushingham and Alex Driver, followed by Q&A
7.00 -8.00 pm Refreshments and networking
Meet the Panellists
Francesco Di Lallo
Fran Di Lallo (they/them) is a part-qualified trainee patent attorney at Barker Brettell LLP, specialising in protecting software and AI related innovation. Fran raises awareness of LGBTQIA+ experiences and helps shape DEI policies within IP practice. With just over two years’ experience in the profession, they bring a distinctive perspective of starting a career as an out and proud LGBTQIA+ member.
Jack Mitchell
Jack Mitchell is an Associate in the Project Finance team at Gowling WLG and is actively involved in the firm’s LGBTQIA+ network. He is a passionate advocate for DE&I and strongly believes that everyone should be able to be themselves at work, and in all aspects of their lives, and that a happy, diverse and inclusive workplace is in everyone’s best interests.
[Unfortunately, Jack was unable to take part on the day, due to rail network disruptions.]
Andrea Brewster OBE
Andrea is IP Inclusive’s founder and now our Lead Executive Officer. She is also a former President of The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA), LawCare Champion and Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney. Before moving into her CIPA and IP Inclusive roles she was a partner in a small regional IP practice, Greaves Brewster LLP, of which she had been a co-founder.
Kate Swaine
Kate Swaine is a partner and Co-head of Intellectual Property, Global at Gowling WLG
. She is also a member of the firm’s China Management Team that oversees the operations of its China offices. Kate is an experienced litigator and works with her clients on both domestic and international intellectual property (IP) portfolios. Kate is an expert in managing global enforcement programs and co-ordinates work in over 50 countries.
Chaired by
Alex Driver
Alex Driver is a Principal Associate in the IP Team at Gowling WLG and co-chair of the firm’s LGBTQIA+ network, Open House. He believes that huge strides have been made in the promotion of the importance of diversity in the legal profession but that more can be done by all.
Michael Tushingham
Michael Tushingham (he/him) is an Associate at Gowling WLG, working in the Tax team and based in Birmingham. He is also a co-chair of the firm’s LGBTQIA+ employee network, OpenHouse, and is a committed supporter of the wider ‘Inclusion for All’ programme at Gowling WLG.
Cost
This event was free. So are all our resources. That said, we do need money to keep the show on the road, so if you enjoyed the event please consider contributing. For more information, visit the IP Inclusive fundraising page.
Resources
A recording of the event is available at the top of the page. You may also be interested in our Allyship playlist of webinars on YouTube.