We recently caught up with Louise Shannon, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Wotton Kearney, to hear her story and talk all things Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).
In the below Q&A, Louise shares insights into her career journey, current work and vision for DEI at Wotton Kearney, the opportunities for businesses to lead on DEI, along with a fun fact you might not expect.
For more information on Wotton Kearney’s DEI initiatives, please view the Diversity and Inclusion section of our Community Footprint Impact Report.
You joined Wotton Kearney to lead our DEI strategy. Tell us about your career journey and what brought you to this role?
I began my career in Human Resources, where I developed a strong foundation in people strategy, employee relations, and organisational change. Throughout my HR journey, I was consistently involved in aspects of DEI – from shaping inclusive policies and leading employee initiatives to advocating for underrepresented voices.
Over time, DEI became more than just a part of my role, it became a clear focus and passion. I’ve seen the meaningful difference that inclusive practices can make – not just for individuals, but for entire organisations.
Joining Wotton Kearney felt like a natural next step. The opportunity to work alongside David Kearney, Odile Shepherd and Heidi Anderson and lead a DEI strategy at a firm that genuinely values inclusion and is committed to meaningful progress really resonated with me. I’m excited to bring my experience into the legal industry and work collaboratively to embed DEI into everything we do – for our people, our clients, and the communities we serve.
How would you describe your vision for DEI at Wotton Kearney?
My vision is to build a lasting legacy of respect, empowerment, and equity for all at Wotton Kearney.
We’re committed to moving beyond words and into meaningful action – by continuously learning, growing, and challenging ourselves to foster a truly inclusive and equitable workplace. To create lasting impact, DEI must be embedded into every aspect of the firm, from recruitment and leadership development to client engagement and community partnerships.
As Wotton Kearney continues to grow in both size and geographic reach, it’s more important than ever that our systems, processes, and culture reflect our commitment to inclusivity. We already have a strong foundation in place, and we now have an exciting opportunity to build on that momentum – positioning Wotton Kearney as a leader in DEI across the legal industry.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for businesses to lead on DEI?
The greatest opportunity lies in using our external influence to drive systemic change – grounded in a genuine internal commitment to inclusion.
At Wotton Kearney, building an inclusive culture strengthens our ability to model inclusive leadership and collaborate with clients, communities, and peers to advance DEI beyond our walls. Additionally working with clients on shared goals, through joint pro bono initiatives, inclusive briefing, or advocating for equitable panel selection, is key.
As a growing firm, we have a platform to help shift mindsets and promote more inclusive, transparent practices across the legal sector. But meaningful external impact depends on the culture we nurture internally – and we’re committed to ensuring both progress together.
What’s one common misconception about DEI work that you often encounter?
One common misconception is that DEI is just about diverse hiring or meeting compliance – a tick-the-box exercise rather than a long-term, strategic commitment.
In today’s social and political climate, DEI can be misunderstood or even polarised, which is why it’s so important to approach it with nuance and empathy. DEI isn’t about promoting one viewpoint or excluding others, it’s about creating inclusive environments where all voices and perspectives are heard and respected.
DEI isn’t just a “nice to have”, but a critical enabler of high-performing, resilient teams. When people feel seen, valued, and supported, they thrive – and so does the organisation.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a keen artist! Give me some acrylics, alcohol inks, and a splash of metallics, and I’m in my happy place! That shiny touch has become something of a signature style.
For me, creativity is more than just a hobby – it’s brain therapy. It gives my mind a break from the constant noise of life and helps me recharge and reset.
I also see creativity as a core part of inclusive leadership. It encourages us to stay open, curious, and adaptable in how we think, collaborate, and connect with others.
And hey, a little glitter and colour never hurt anyone!
Looking ahead, what’s a professional and/or personal goal you’re excited to pursue?
I’m genuinely excited to be part of an organisation like Wotton Kearney – a firm that truly values inclusion and is on a dynamic growth journey.
There’s something deeply motivating about contributing to a business that’s not only expanding its footprint but also committed to building something meaningful and enduring.
My goal is to help shape a sustainable, values-led DEI strategy that becomes embedded in the firm’s DNA – leaving a legacy of inclusion, impact, and belonging for future generations.
Careers at Wotton Kearney
At Wotton Kearney, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, an environment where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
Whether you’re starting out or taking the next step in your career, click the button below to discover how you can grow with us.