News

The call for gender-inclusive language is getting louder, but the legal jargon is lagging behind, conclude Boudewijn Smit (Chairman of the Advisory Board FORWARD) and David den Blaauwen (Board Member FORWARD). They offer law firms training courses on language use in which every target group feels seen. Advocatie interviewed them about these trainings.

On 17 September 2021, study association Sirius organized the first edition of the Impact Day. During this day, various socially relevant topics were discussed during lectures and workshops. Lotte van de Leij and David den Blaauwen, both board members at FORWARD, gave a workshop on LGBTI+ diversity and inclusion.

Save the date for the FORWARD Winter Event on February 7, 2019. The Winter Event will take place on a spectacular location. More information to follow soon.

As of 1 January 2019, Lotte van der Leij will be the new chair of our foundation, taking over from Boudewijn Smit. The FORWARD events committee also has a new composition.

FORWARD is looking for people who want to get actively involved in FORWARD and organize events. Would you like to join the FORWARD team?

Dutch magazine Mr. (which name refers to the Dutch academic title, like LLM, not mister) features a lawyer each week in their column: Mr. of the week. This week it's our chair Boudewijn Smit (1991). Boudewijn works as a lawyer at NautaDutilh, and works to improve LGBTQI+ inclusion within the legal profession. FORWARD recently presented the 'Best practices for LGBTQI+ inclusion in the workplace', a manual with recommendations for companies in the legal sector who want to work on greater LGBTQI+ inclusion. Read the entire article (Dutch only): https://www.mr-online.nl/mr-van-de-week-boudewijn-smit-over-lhbt-inclusivity-in-de-juridische-wereld/

Legal LGBTQI+ network FORWARD has released a document with recommendations for a more diverse and inclusive work environment. The 'Best practices for LGBTQI+ inclusivion in the workplace' have been sent to partners and HR managers from all major law firms associated with FORWARD. Although the recommendations also apply to other companies, from diversity training to gender-neutral toilets.

Today, FORWARD introduces our Mentoring Platform. This platform links individuals working within the legal profession to a confidential basis to a more senior mentor. Law students are also eligible to enroll in the FORWARD Mentoring Platform.

Because 'pink' law is a different ball game.

FORWARD in the news!

Pink lawyers can network, exchange experiences and catch up with each other.

Legal network for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBTs)

The 'pink' edges of the law: what lawyers can do for the LGBTQI+ community

Legal LGBTQI+ network Forward has been founded

First legal LGBTQI+ network: 'Forward is not just for fun'