The global Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists, supported by Yahoo Finance, showcase LGBT+ business leaders and allies who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces across the world. This is York’s second placement on the list, having also been recognized in 2019.

York is the global leader of PRISM, Reed Smith’s LGBTQ+ business inclusion group. Over the last three years, he has brought about significant advancements within Reed Smith supporting the professional development, mentorship, and sponsorship of PRISM members, while also serving as an advocate for change, equity, and representation in his community. Under his leadership, PRISM has refined its focus to more intentionally connect LGBTQ+ lawyers and professional staff, to create a strong and sustainable pipeline of LGBTQ+ talent into the firm, to work with other marginalized communities to create intersectional programming, and to enhance employment policies and benefits directly impacting the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, York has made the promotion of LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion a critical and unwavering part of his practice. He is currently serving as a member of the National Leadership Council and leader of the Houston Leadership Committee for Lambda Legal, the US's most active and engaged legal organization fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities. He has also led efforts to bring to Texas the Name Change Project, a program of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund that provides pro bono legal services to individuals seeking name and gender marker changes.

“I am honored to be included in this amazing list of individuals fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community,” said York. “As with all progress for marginalized communities, steps forward are often met with increased resistance. I am proud of PRISM’s leadership team and of Reed Smith for constantly pushing to expand the rights of members of our community to live openly, authentically, and equally.”

“I’m so thrilled to be celebrating this global group of trailblazing Executives, Future Leaders and Allies who are driving meaningful and tangible change for LGBTQ+ employees across our global businesses. All the individuals within these lists are championing inclusion and, most importantly, leveraging their expertise and knowledge to drive inclusion initiatives and strategic change within their organizations,” said Founder & CEO of INvolve, Suki Sandhu OBE. “It’s vital that LGBTQ+ employees can succeed and achieve authentically, and these Role Models are essentials drivers of change who are smashing barriers to progress to create more inclusive organizations.”

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.

For more information, please visit www.reedsmith.com.