At Baker McKenzie, we view inclusion, diversity & Equity (ID&E) as fundamental to our culture and perspective.

As a global firm with 13,000 members who speak more than 70 languages in 45 countries, we believe that diversity is what makes us stronger, more interesting, more thoughtful and more capable of understanding complex client issues from multiple perspectives so that we can offer realistic solutions. We are also committed to providing an open and tolerant environment in which all members of the firm can work to the best of their abilities, with respect and acceptance of each other’s individuality.

Baker McKenzie Tokyo’s ID&E Committee, comprised of professionals and staff, works closely with the global firm on a variety of issues facing Tokyo office members, clients and the community, including policy development, training, information dissemination and pro bono work.

Tokyo ID&E Committee

Akifusa Takada
Akiko Hosokawa
  • ID&E Mission

    We are committed to serving our clients by providing innovative solutions made possible by a diverse talent pool and an inclusive community. It is our goal to foster an environment where individuals of every race, color, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, nationality, age, disability, marital and parental status can succeed professionally and fully contribute to the goals of the Firm.

  • Global Policies and Code of Conduct

    The Code focuses on ID&E, stating that discrimination, harassment and bullying are unacceptable.
    The Master Services Agreement that governs our relationships with all of our suppliers mandates compliance with the Code’s principles.
    The PointOne Workplace Safety, Respect and Inclusion Initiative reinforces the mission of the Code and sets out a clear structure for raising and effectively responding to concerns.

  • LGBT+

    Our policies provide for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in all of our offices regardless of jurisdiction.
    The global BakerPride+Allies Business Resource Group brings together professionals from around the globe.

  • Gender

    Targets: our global targets call for our partners and other leadership positions to be 40% women, 40% men and 20% flexible (women, men or non-binary persons) by July 2025.
    Leaders Investing For Tomorrow (LIFT): sponsorship initiative to help women advance into leadership roles.
    HeForShe initiative: encourages male leaders to act as allies and champions for gender diversity.
    Signatory to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles

  • Client Collaboration

    Through collaboration, we can deepen dialogue, share best practices, develop talent and make an impact. Partnering opportunities include: Mentorship Exchange, Best Practice Sharing Sessions, Joint Continuing Education Programs and Working Parent Events.

  • Race & Ethnicity

    Global Task Force on Racial & Ethnic Diversity: develops and deploys tools that advance racial equity across our offices.
    Anti-racism and allyship education: fosters inclusion and a culture of learning and accountability.
    Color Brave campaign: fosters open discussion on race.
    Retention and promotion initiatives: including affiliate mentoring, networking and development circles.
    Signatory to the Race at Work Charter and the Law Firm Alliance on Antiracism.

Progress Indicators

We measure our progress against targets every six months.

  • More women partners than any other law firm
  • Women chair one third of our global practice/industry groups.
  • 40% of our partner promotions globally have been women on average for the last three years.
  • 39% of partners and 22% of principals in the APAC region are women.
  • Incoming Japanese associate classes have consistently achieved gender parity in recent years.
We participate in and support various initiatives together with our communities to promote a more diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Lawyers for LGBT & Allies Network
  • Out leadership
  • Catalyst
  • Quest – a Global Leadership Institute for Early Career Women
  • Stonewall
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Black Lawyers Directory (BLD)
  • Social Mobility Foundation
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
  • Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA)
  • Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP)
  • Women In Law Japan(WILJ)
  • Business Disability Forum