Partner Jacky Kelly and Rob Powell, Director of Pro Bono, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability in London, have been recognized as Social Mobility: Private Practice Champions of the Year at the Legal 500 ESG Awards. This category acknowledges truly exceptional individual contributions to improving social mobility in private practice.

Jacky Kelly and Rob Powell have spearheaded several long-term initiatives to improve social mobility. They formed and led a group of 60+ businesses, charities, academics and policy makers to explore making social class a protected characteristic in the Equality Act. This work has involved an extensive consultation process, group discussions, the collation of research/evidence and an analysis of anti-discrimination laws around the world. Among many other achievements, this Social Mobility initiative featured in the BBC TV documentary “How to Crack the Class Ceiling” presented by Amol Rajan.

Weil also led a Trailblazer Group of businesses to design an apprenticeship qualification for Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (CRS). This led to the launch of the U.K.’s first vocational route into CRS –  “CRS Practitioner (Level 4).” By 2024, more than 130 businesses had employed 200+ CRS apprentices and last year the qualification was awarded the King’s Coronation Emblem in recognition of its green credentials.

Previously, Weil was named one of the top 75 companies in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2023, highlighting the London office’s commitment to improving socioeconomic workplace diversity in the U.K. In addition, Real Deals, a leading European private equity news publication, recognized Weil as a Real Deals Future 40: ESG Innovator. This listing showcases alternative fund managers and advisers that are leading the way in transforming the industry’s approach to environmental, social and governance.