United Nations summit calls on Browne Jacobson partner to discuss role of legal frameworks in advancing DEI

A Browne Jacobson partner spoke about the role of legal frameworks in promoting gender equality and protecting human rights at a summit hosted by the United Nations (UN).

Laura Hughes, Head of Public Law at the UK and Ireland law firm, joined a panel discussion at the inaugural Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Thursday 26 June. 

The summit featured debates on cultural exchange, youth empowerment, sports, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as drivers of lasting peace and sustainable development. 

It was the brainchild of Bernie Davies, inspirational speaker and businesswoman, who founded Mastering Diversity CIC and is patron of TechCeFaCos Group. It brought together entrepreneurs, legal and finance experts, sports and arts representatives, and community leaders. 

Laura’s panel included Emma Waddingham, Vice-President of the Cardiff and District Law Society, and owner of Legal News Wales; Gwen Morgan-Evans, Partner at Hugh James; Michelle Cronin, Commercial Director at Thompsons Solicitors; and Dr Sally Penni MBE, a barrister and public speaker. 

Laura said: “It was an absolute privilege to be invited to be part of the first Global Empowerment and Inclusion Summit and speak at the UN about a subject that is close to my heart.  

“I felt humbled sharing a stage with such accomplished, articulate and strong women, with galvanising discussions on how to create lasting positive change by harnessing the diversity that exists in our society.

“There were key insights on the role that legal frameworks can have in promoting DEI – an issue at the heart of Browne Jacobson’s values as an inclusive firm working at the forefront of society’s biggest issues.”

Laura, who is also Executive Lead for Wales at Browne Jacobson, was named Law Firm Leader of the Year at a National Law Firm at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards earlier this year in recognition of her DEI leadership and advocacy for gender equality. 

Within Browne Jacobson, she has helped to reshape attitudes around part-time working, spearheading changes to the partnership deed.

Laura has also been involved in several external DEI and social mobility initiatives in Wales, including mentoring women in the civil service and helping the firm win the British Chambers of Commerce Equality Trailblazer Award.

Another key honour for Laura in 2025 included being named in The Lawyer Hot 100 listing of industry leaders nationally. 

This recognised her ground-breaking work in devolution, and leading rapid growth in both the firm’s public law practice and Cardiff office since it was launched in 2023.

Laura’s presence at the UN is the latest high-profile speaking slot for members of the Browne Jacobson team. 

In March, Tom Lyas, Head of Resourcing, joined a panel that provided oral evidence to the Social Mobility Policy Committee at the House of Lords. 

He discussed how education and work opportunities can be better integrated to improve social mobility. Tom used examples of Browne Jacobson’s work in this area, which led to the firm being ranked joint-top alongside PwC in the Social Mobility Foundation's Social Mobility Employer Index for 2024.

Caroline Green, Senior Partner and the firm’s executive DEI sponsor, added: “Laura is a fantastic ambassador for Browne Jacobson’s commitment to DEI. Being asked to speak at the UN on this subject is another key indicator that we are achieving our strategy of being at the forefront of society’s biggest issues. 

“We are passionate about creating a more equitable workplace so that our people and business can thrive. We regularly share the steps we have taken, and have still to take, with businesses and public sector organisations that we know share our ambitions.”