ALL SHAPES AND SIZES - WE LOOK AFTER ALL EQUALLY

1. Introduction

1.1.
Our name ‘Metis’ has many different interpretations in different cultures, one of which can mean ‘mixed blood’ or ‘mixed heritage’. This is relevant to us as Metis Law is committed to celebrating diversity and promoting equality in all of its dealings with clients, third parties and employees. Our vision is for Metis Law to be a successful, internationally recognised, prosperous law firm that fully utilises the creativity, innovation and talents of both its clients and its people in order to place us at the leading edge of the legal practice sector. We are committed therefore to a culture where respect and understanding is fostered and the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances will be positively valued.

1.2
It is our view that the implementation of this Policy will help Metis achieve this vision. We therefore set out below our promises in relation to promoting our core values of equality and diversity.

2. Our Promises

2.1
We will not be party to or, through our employees, agents or consultants, act in accordance with any discrimination against any person on the grounds of:

- race or racial group (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins);

- sex (including marital status, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity and paternity);

- perceived or actual sexual orientation;

- religion or belief;

- age; or

- disability

2.2
We will take such steps, and make such adjustments, as are reasonable in all the circumstances in order to prevent any of our employees, partners, members, or clients who are disabled from being placed at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with those who are not disabled.

2.3
We will ensure that our staff will abide by the terms of this policy and take as reasonable steps as may be necessary to prevent discrimination and/or deal with instances of discrimination which might arise.  Any breach of this policy will constitute evidence of misconduct and we shall act swiftly in dealing with such breaches accordingly.

2.4
We shall aim to create a work culture with our clients and any third parties, which shall demonstrate our value for diversity, inclusiveness and respect, and which will hopefully empowers and inspire others  to reflect these values in their own dealings.

2.5
We shall promote equal and accessible access in the services we provide and shall therefore provide clear, meaningful information about what we do and how we do it to our clients, potential clients, and any third parties, in ways that best suit their individual needs.

2.6 
We shall identify as early as possible any individual requirements that we may need to be meet in order for a potential client or client to fully access our service and we will be responsive to changing needs and requirements.

2.7
We will provide equality and diversity training to all of our employees to help them
understand equality and diversity issues that may arise during the course of their employment; understand their rights and responsibilities in law; and create a working culture which values diversity, inclusiveness, equality and respect.

2.8
We expect each of our employees, members or consultants, to help us meet our commitment to creating a positive, diverse culture, by upholding this policy.

2.9
Both Paul Cooper and Rajat Sharma have overall responsibility in overseeing how we apply our equality and diversity policy across the services we provide.

3. Legislative Compliance

In addition to the above, we are committed in complying with all current and relevant anti- discrimination legislation.

4. The Aim of our Policy

The aim of this Policy is to challenge discrimination, to promote and implement equality measures, to progress social justice and to strive to ensure that no one is disadvantaged and to achieve equality of opportunity by removing any potential discrimination against any person(s) on any of the grounds set out at paragraph 2 above.

5. Monitoring and Review

We shall will monitor, assess and review the effectiveness of this Policy from time to time and when appropriate. If you have any suggestions regarding the way we can get improve or better implement our policy, please do not hesitate to let us know.