Linklaters has enhanced the firm’s Private Medical Insurance Scheme to include gender reassignment surgery and Dentons is holding a fundraiser next week for trans. However, a legal team was in trouble for disrespecting a transgender client by using her birth name when advising on an employment discrimination claim.

Diversity and inclusion

The move is in support of people with gender dysphoria, a medical condition where a person experiences discomfort and distress from a mismatch between their biological sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. The new benefit, effective from 1 March 2019 and provided by AXA PPP healthcare, forms part of the firm’s strategy to create a diverse and inclusive environment in which transgender colleagues feel supported. AXA will pre-authorise the surgery in line with NHS protocols which requires the individual seeking treatment to be under the care of an NHS Gender Identity Clinic. The Clinic will provide robust mental health support from specialists in dealing with gender dysphoria including counselling and speech therapy. As part of its ongoing support, the firm launched a Transition at Work Toolkit in 2016 with guidance from external trans-inclusion specialists. The Toolkit provides practical guidance to support transgender staff during their preparation for, and following, their transition. Patrick McCann, global head of learning and LGBT committee representative at Linklaters, said ‘this step reflects the firm’s commitment to be best in class for diversity and inclusion in the legal sector, supporting our people as their employer, whatever their journey may be. The new benefit highlights the value we place on creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable and that they belong.’

Charity fundraiser

Next week Dentons in Australia is opening its doors in support of trans and gender diverse Australians. To celebrate the launch of the first trans and gender diverse legal service in Australia, Dentons LGBTI+ network, GLOW, and the Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) are hosting a charity fundraiser on 4 April 2019 to raise money in support of trans and gender diverse Australians who need legal services. Guests will hear personal stories about the importance of the Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service from special guest speakers. Partner and GLOW executive sponsor, Ben Allen said, ‘the Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service is the first pro bono services in Australia that focusses specifically on helping trans and gender diverse individuals. Trans and gender diverse individuals face unique legal challenges, and it’s critical that they have dedicated support services.’

Leaked report

The unnamed law firm has been forced to pay compensation for ‘misgendering,’ according to a leaked document from the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) for England and Wales . The demand was because the firm referred to the client’s birth name in correspondence that provided detailed advice on the claim. The firm was ordered to pay despite the ombudsman acknowledging that its solicitors had asked the client how she wanted to be referred to and had received no response. The ombudsman noted in the leaked memo that the lawyers ‘chose to refer to the complainant using her birth name throughout a long letter assessing her claim,’ leading her to complain that she ‘felt disrespected.’ The ombudsman said the firm should pay the complainant compensation ‘to recognise the emotional impact of their service failing’ and recommended that they reconsider their approach and procedures. According to the leaked report, the firm and its client accepted the decision. The ombudsman refused to identify the law firm or to confirm the amount of compensation that was ordered paid to the client.