Stonewall, the largest LGBT rights non-profit in the U.K., has included six law firms in its list of the 14 best global LGBT employers.  

Among the list of multinational companies are Magic Circle firms Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Allen & Overy, as well as Herbert Smith Freehills, Baker McKenzie and Simmons & Simmons, and Pinsent Masons, which earlier this year topped the list of the U.K.'s best 100 employers on LGBT inclusion.

The list, which "showcases the best multinational employers" in terms of LGBT inclusion and advancing LGBT rights "throughout their operations", was compiled from submissions made to the Global Workplace Equality Index. 

Companies that put forward their candidacy were scored against key criteria, including: policies and benefits; training; staff engagement; leadership; monitoring; procurement; community engagement and understanding local context; global mobiility; and additional in-country activity. 

Stonewall also recognised individual achievements, with Herbert Smith Freehills being commended on "global community engagement" for consulting local LGBT and human rights groups and experts in the countries it operates in. 

Meanwhile, Freshfields' Asia regional managing partner Georgia Dawson won the global senior champion award for, among other things, "establishing partnerships with other professional LGBT networks across the region." 

"The award actually reflects the work of a large number of colleagues who believe, as I do, that what we are doing as an organisation is vital because it engages a fundamental human right – equality," she said in a statement. "We want all our colleagues and those in our communities to enjoy the same rights and to be able to bring their whole selves to work."

Stonewall chief executive Ruth Hunt said of A&O's inclusion that the firm "demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that all their lesbian, gay, bi and trans staff and stakeholders feel included at work".

Also making the list were oil giant BP, management consultancy firm Accenture, pharma giant GSK and banks Barclays, RBS and HSBC.