At GiveOut, we are proud to partner with organisations that are deeply committed to advancing LGBTQI human rights worldwide. A&O Shearman is one such partner, supporting LGBTQI organisations through GiveOut since 2022.
As a headline sponsor of City for LGBT+ since 2023, A&O Shearman has helped power our live crowdfunding event that makes a lasting difference to LGBTQI communities in the UK and around the world. The firm is also a sponsor of GiveOut’s LGBTQI Legal Aid Fund, which partners with leading law firms to provide funding and pro bono legal support to LGBTQI organisations using strategic litigation to advance equality.
We spoke with two of the A&O Shearman LGBTQ+ Committee co-chairs for London and a Senior Pro Bono Lawyer about their commitment to supporting LGBTQI organisations, the critical role of law in advancing equality, and their insights for other firms looking to make a meaningful impact on LGBTQI causes.
Could you start by introducing yourselves?
We’re Alastair Livesey, Counsel in A&O Shearman’s International Arbitration team, Josh Little, Senior Associate in our M&A practice and Aditi Kapoor, Senior Associate in the Pro Bono Team.
What inspires you to support the LGBTQI community, both within A&O Shearman and more broadly?
Josh: The astounding resilience of the LGBTQI community – both within the firm and outside. In any firm of this scale, it can be a challenge to create communities around shared identity and values. Support of the wider LGBTQI community has been instrumental in bringing together people from across teams with shared values who might otherwise not meet.
Al: Completely. I am really proud of how functional the network has been at adapting and reacting to change and challenges. The benefits of having strategic pillars focusing on wellbeing, pro bono and community investment, and engagement (amongst others) mean that people can focus their energies where their skills add most value. Creating a network for the internal community means we’ve been able to be there for our people and are also able to empower them to engage in work which makes them hopeful for change beyond our walls.
How does supporting LGBTQI causes align with A&O Shearman ‘s values and culture?
Al: Inclusion and respect are core to how we work—internally and with clients. Backing LGBTQI causes is a practical expression of that ethos: we invest in wellbeing, pro bono, and community partnerships because they make our firm stronger and our impact broader. Our global platform means we have a responsibility to use our voice and skills where they matter most.
Josh: It also reflects our focus on excellence and collaboration. Diverse teams do better work, and a culture where people can be themselves drives better outcomes for clients. Supporting LGBTQI organisations signals to our people—and our profession—that equality and integrity are non-negotiable.
“It’s an immense privilege to be able to do this work alongside the expert organisations who are making concrete change happen.”
Aditi Kapoor, Senior Associate in the Pro Bono Team
As one of the law firms supporting the LGBTQI Legal Aid Fund, why do you think it’s important to support LGBTQI organisations using the law and courts to advance equality?
Aditi: We have a dedicated LGBTQI rights-focused arm within our pro bono practice, which draws on the energy and enthusiasm of our lawyers. This includes those lawyers from within the LGBTQI community who are doubly invested in being part of legal and cultural change in this space. We might be supporting NGOs bringing strategic cases in international courts, or an individual LGBTQI refugee claim for humanitarian protection, whose flight from persecution might be layered with additional trauma. Either way it’s an immense privilege to be able to do this work alongside the expert organisations who are making concrete change happen. It has also been great to see our team develop extensive skills and knowledge in this area.
Josh: Yes, and it really does enrich your practice – both Al and I have been involved in LGBTQI rights focused pro bono work throughout our careers. Over the years I have been able to leverage my corporate practice to advise LGBTQI charities on governance and structural issues but also worked with others on mission driven matters, supporting advocacy for legal reform to benefit LGBTQI communities. This work is as interesting as it is rewarding.
A&O Shearman has been a headline sponsor of City for LGBT+ for several years. What has driven this commitment, and what has the experience been like for the firm?
Josh: City for LGBT+ is a rare platform that turns generosity into immediate, tangible outcomes. We’ve seen how a single evening can catalyse funding, visibility and new partnerships for grassroots groups—so staying the course was an easy decision. It is also great to be connected with global organisations we otherwise wouldn’t be connected with and hear about the stellar work they are doing to support our community all over the world.
Al: The experience has been energising. Our people love the live format, the direct connection to changemakers, and the chance to combine giving with pro bono. It has also strengthened client and community relationships (one of the beneficiaries this year is also now a pro bono partner of the firm), and helped us involve colleagues across grades and practices in a shared purpose.
“At last year’s City for LGBT+ event, seeing the individuals from organisations in GiveOut’s networks stand up and share such powerful stories about the change they are driving was so inspiring, and a reminder of why this work is crucial.“
Josh Little, Senior Associate for A&O Shearman’s M&A practice
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your partnership with GiveOut so far?
Al: For me, it has been really fulfilling to extend the reach of our pro bono work to support frontline and grassroots organisations working across the Global South via GiveOut’s network, including in some countries where there is widespread discrimination and even criminalisation of the LGBTQI community.
Aditi: Knowing that these organisations – some of whom are working in impossible conditions – are additionally benefitting from GiveOut’s fundraising and platform, is all the more impactful. Financial support goes hand in hand with pro bono support from our lawyers, addressing new areas of legal need for diverse client group we may not otherwise reach.
Josh: At last year’s City for LGBT+ event, seeing the individuals from organisations in GiveOut’s networks stand up and share such powerful stories about the change they are driving was so inspiring, and a reminder of why this work is crucial.
What advice would you give to other law firms looking to support LGBTQI causes?
Al: Always start by listening—partner with credible organisations and let them set priorities. Commit for the long term, and combine funding with targeted pro bono where your skills add distinct value.
Aditi: Don’t underestimate or gloss over the diversity of experience and intersectionality within the LGBTQI community – especially in different cultural contexts. Work towards sustainable partnerships and think critically about whether law firm pro bono is the right fit.
Josh: Resource it properly and measure outcomes. Empower your network, ensure senior sponsorship, and build in safeguards for staff working on sensitive matters, especially across challenging jurisdictions. Wherever possible try to provide flexible but predictable multi-year support.
What are your hopes for the future of LGBTQI philanthropy and funding?
Josh: More unrestricted, multi-year funding so organisations can plan, retain talent and respond quickly to threats and opportunities.
Al: Greater support for Global South and trans-led groups, including security, digital resilience and rapid-response mechanisms. And more collaboration among funders and law firms to share learning, reduce duplication and scale what works.