DLA Piper launches dedicated LGBT+ pro bono unit - Iris Represents
To coincide with LGBT+ History Month 2021, DLA Piper is announcing the launch of Iris Represents on 23 February, a range of dedicated, international pro bono services specifically tailored to LGBT+ focused NGOs and individuals.
DLA Piper has a leading global pro bono practice and Iris Represents formalises its pro bono offering in the LGBT+ space under a distinct and recognisable brand, provided by a firm with a strong commitment to diversity.
Iris Represents will leverage DLA Piper’s international LGBT+ network so its pro bono clients can be confident that the services being delivered are by lawyers who speak their language, are aligned to their values and who can support them wherever they are in the world.
In addition to advising NGOs with their existing advocacy work and supporting their general commercial requirements, Iris Represents is making a commitment to progressing more specific aims, including:
- Advocating for the rights of LGBT+ asylum seekers to help navigate the immigration system;
- Continuing to represent and advocate for the repealing of laws and policies that discriminate against the trans community, in particular relating to housing, healthcare, employment and education; and
- Partnering with prominent LGBT+ activists globally to support their calls for equality, build capacity and amplify their voices.
Commenting on the launch of Iris Represents, Nicolas Patrick, partner (Pro bono and Responsible Business) at DLA Piper, said:
”Through Iris Represents, we will deliver first-class legal representation to vulnerable LGBT clients around the world. Not only will we improve access to justice, but we will continue to challenge discriminatory laws and achieve systemic change by partnering with LGBT+ human rights defenders working in high risk situations.”
