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Top UK law firm Mishcon de Reya has become the latest organisation to join Women in Football's #GetOnside campaign and support gender equality in the game.

The firm, which has worked closely with WIF for over five years on a pro bono basis, has cemented its long-standing relationship by pledging to become Official Legal Partner of Women in Football.

As part of their partnership, Mishcon de Reya supports both WIF and its 6,000 members with an offer of free legal support, having previously advised WIF members in a wide variety of situations and workplaces, from a sports presenter in libel dispute regarding comments made on air to a club director bringing claims of discrimination and victimisation. 

Mishcon de Reya is noted for its inclusionary work, being one of the organisations that teamed up with Queen Mary University of London on the 'Pink Law' project to give free advice to LGBTQ+ people on legal issues, and the Black Justice Project, to provide members of the black community with free legal assistance.

Its other partnerships include a link with B Lab UK, the overseer of the B Corp certification for ethical businesses; and pro bono support to Meals for the NHS, the non-profit set up to provide food out of hours for NHS staff caring for Covid-19 patients round the clock.

Mishcon de Reya and Women in Football have recently collaborated on several events, including a 'Football on Trial' session, which considered whether football's governing authorities are sufficiently supporting the development of women’s football and encouraging the participation of women at all levels of the game.

The firm also lined up among the supporters of breakout sessions at the recent Women in Football Be Inspired Conference in partnership with Barclays, contributing to a highly successful workshop on mentoring.

 

Mishcon de Reya's #GetOnside pledge We pledge to #GetOnside by becoming an official Women in Football partner and providing WIF and its members with pro bono legal advice

 

Women in Football CEO Yvonne Harrison said: "Having already worked with Mishcon de Reya for many years, Women in Football is well aware of the organisation's principled approach to providing high-quality legal services.

"As admirers of their commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect, we're delighted to be taking our relationship with Mishcon de Reya to the next level and adding their services to the package of amazing free benefits enjoyed by Women in Football members."

Mishcon de Reya Partner and sports immigration specialist Maria Patsalos said: "Both our sports group and the firm are passionate about equality-related issues, and we are proud to recommit to supporting Women In Football on this next exciting period in its journey."

Simon Leaf, Mishcon de Reya's Head of Sport, added: "We are excited to continue this rewarding and worthwhile partnership with Women in Football, who also support our own Sports Law Academy sessions.The #GetOnside campaign is one that our diverse team of sports law specialists are keen to support."

The #GetOnside campaign, launched by Women in Football last September, has now attracted around 150 pledges of action from organisations and individuals to support gender equality in the game. Those taking part include the Premier League, Sky Sports, Barclays, McDonalds, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Rangers, and the English, Scottish and Welsh FAs.

To find out more about the campaign, see a full list of pledges, and discover how to join, see the #GetOnside web pages.

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