What is Trans in BigLaw?
The Trans in BigLaw Monthly Networking Program is an affirming space made up of nearly 100 trans and nonbinary attorneys and business professionals from the largest law firms in the world. The program aims to increase trans and nonbinary inclusion in the legal profession by providing support and mentorship to trans and nonbinary legal professionals, and resources for firm DEI leadership and recruiters.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Who Runs the Program?
The National LGBTQ+ Bar started the Trans in BigLaw Monthly Networking Program in January 2022 with help from its founding sponsor, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. The group meets monthly, and is facilitated by openly trans attorney Dru Levasseur, the Bar’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Why is the Trans in BigLaw Program Necessary?
Although the number of out trans and nonbinary legal professionals has grown significantly over the last several years, law firms continue to struggle to attract and retain trans and nonbinary talent. Existing LGBTQ+ Affinity groups do not directly address the isolation and exhaustion that many trans and nonbinary legal professionals experience, in part from lack of representation at their firms. The Trans in BigLaw Monthly Networking Program has grown to nearly 100 members, and provides tailored encouragement, hope and a built-in community for professionals to network with people with similar experiences.
Who can Join the Group?
Anyone who identifies as trans and/or nonbinary and who works in BigLaw can join by contacting Dru Levasseur at dru@lgbtqbar.org or completing this online form.
How Can My Law Firm or Company Support this Program?
You can join the growing list of firms sponsoring this group to take a visible stance of support for trans and nonbinary legal professionals. Sponsorship provides your organization with many benefits, including one-on-one coaching and support for attendees, closed DEI update sessions, networking with peer DEI leaders who are working to create trans-inclusive law firms, and special sessions for legal recruiters. Sponsors have use of a tailored media kit and sponsorship badge, and are recognized publicly by the Bar on its website, newsletters, and at the Trans in BigLaw in-person meeting, which takes place at the Bar’s flagship annual conference.
Testimonials
“Having my firm be willing to put its name and money behind a group that is so visibly queer and so visibly trans makes me feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Big law can sometimes feel isolating as a nonbinary person, but knowing that my firm is a vocal supporter of trans representation helps me feel supported and valued.”
─ Trans in BigLaw Participant
“I never thought I would see this… I never expected there to be a way to connect not just with other Big Law lawyers, but with specifically queer and trans people who are working to find their way, their path to success, however they define it. Every time I log into the monthly Zoom, it feels like the first time I walked in the door at Lavender Law as a 1L and went, “Oh wow, there are others like me?!”
─ Rebekah Scherr (they/them), Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
“While many DEI programs bring value to their audiences, the Bar’s DEI Consulting Practice goes further by providing the tools, resources, and individual mentorship needed to foster belonging for your trans and nonbinary employees. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, laws, and discourse are running rampant in this country, and vitriol for transgender and nonbinary people is being normalized. Your firm has an opportunity right now to lead by example in building a workplace where trans and nonbinary legal professionals can thrive. We were here to partner with you every step of the way on this journey and ask that you support our visionary work as sponsors.”
─ Anya Lynn-Alesker (they/she), Executive Director, National LGBTQ+ Bar
