Clifford Chance and Linklaters have become the first Magic Circle firms to offer gender reassignment surgery for transgender staff under their private medical insurance plans.

Linklaters said in an announcement today that the move was aimed at supporting staff with gender dysphoria, a medical condition where a person experiences discomfort and distress from a mismatch between their biological sex assigned at birth and their gender identity.

CC also has also agreed to update its medical insurance policy to cover gender reassignment surgery, according to a spokesperson at the firm.

Linklaters' benefit started at the beginning of this month, and CC's cover starts in May. AXA PPP healthcare provides the medical insurance for both firms.

Patrick McCann, Linklaters' global head of learning and LGBT committee representative, said in a statement: “This step reflects the firm's commitment to be best in class for diversity and inclusion in the legal sector, supporting our people as their employer, whatever their journey may be.

“The new benefit highlights the value we place on creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable and that they belong.”

A spokesperson for CC said: “It has already been agreed to update our medical insurance policy to cover gender reassignment surgery. The change will come into effect from the forthcoming renewal on May 1.”

Herbert Smith Freehills was the first UK firm to cover part or all of the costs of gender reassignment surgery early last year. The firm also offered transgender staff time off for medical appointments and procedures, and allowed time off for those who need to support transitioning family members.

Meanwhile, Allen & Overy's medical insurance covers pre-operative counselling for gender reassignment surgery, though it does not cover surgeries.

Slaughter and May offers private medical insurance through Bupa but gender reassignment surgery is not covered, according to a person familiar with the matter.

A spokesperson for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer also said that the firm's insurance does not cover surgery but “does include several benefits that help individuals including consultations and support”.

In 2016, Linklaters introduced its Transition at Work Toolkit aimed at giving transgender staff guidance both before and after their transition.

As part of its 2018 gender pay gap data report, Clifford Chance revealed that its mean sexuality pay gap  – the difference in pay between LGBT staff and others – across all levels of the firm, including partners, stands at 35.6 percent.