Hogan Lovells launches Global Ability Inclusion Network (GAIN)

Through GAIN, Hogan Lovells will provide a forum for colleagues with disabilities to build a community; and encourages the participation of those who are allies to and caregivers of individuals with disabilities.

Executive sponsor of GAIN, Owen Chan, Hong Kong Office Managing Partner and Hogan Lovells Board member said: “The launch of our new Global Ability Inclusion Network (GAIN) is an important action in providing continued support to persons with disabilities, and highlights the firm’s global commitment to playing a leadership role in advancing disability inclusion. GAIN encourages a diverse and inclusive workplace for our colleagues with disabilities, both apparent and non-apparent so that all our people are able to thrive by being their authentic selves.”

Hogan Lovells is a signatory to The Valuable 500, the largest network of global CEOs dedicated to diversity, and to the American Bar Association "Disability Diversity in the Legal Profession: A Pledge for Change". In the UK, Hogan Lovells is a Disability Confident Committed employer. Delivering on its commitments to diversity and inclusion and responsible business is a strategic priority for Hogan Lovells, with disability inclusion a core focus the firm recognizes is crucial to achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The firm has long been active in disability inclusion through its D&I engagement and other responsible business priorities. In 2021 Hogan Lovells advised on a  pro bono civil rights case brought on behalf of two disabled Black brothers who had been wrongfully convicted, sentenced to death, and spent 31 years in prison for a crime they did not commit. The US$75 million verdict is believed to be the largest in the history of the United States in a wrongful conviction case.

Hogan Lovells also provided pro bono legal support for the Para Sport Against Stigma project that for the first time allowed television viewers across Sub-Saharan Africa access to the Paralympic Games; and sponsored the Japan Riding Association for the Disabled and para-equestrian athletes prior to the re-scheduled Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, raising awareness of people with disabilities and the need for more inclusion of those with disabilities in sport. 

Hogan Lovells continues to advise a number of Para sports bodies pro bono; and since 2013 has been Official Legal Services Provider to the British Paralympic Association, in addition to supporting British Para sport through its Nicholas Cheffings Para Athletes Bursary. Nicholas Cheffings, senior counsel and former Chair, Hogan Lovells is today participating in a panel discussion on “Changing the Disability Conversation: Redefining Accessibility” on the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.