Members of the legal profession celebrated sexual diversity at a special event for LGBT students hosted by Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF).

Belfast solicitor Jude Copeland, who co-leads the international law firm’s IRIS Network in Belfast, addressed the event.

He was joined by Conor McCormick of Queen’s University Belfast and Ciarán Moynagh, founding partner of McLernon Moynagh Solicitors, who together co-founded Lawyers with Pride.

Monye Anyadike-Danes QC and Jill Minne, strategic HR director at the Northern Ireland Civil Service, also spoke at the event.

Speaking after the event, Mr Copeland told Irish Legal News: “This event was a further opportunity to share the rich culture and heritage of diversity and inclusion we celebrate at HSF.

“This has been about us including and inspiring: showing LGBT students that they are valued. It was wonderful to meet students who were visibly moved by the simple fact of five professionals standing up and saying they support and value LGBT people.

“We are looking forward to future events.”

Last year, HSF formed a five-year partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, which has seen the firm sponsor the Student Hub in the new School of Law as well as a tailored suite of events, talks and workshops.