The Diversity in Business Awards celebrate organisations that place inclusivity and diversity at the foundation of their operations, with a focus on gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, disability representation, and cultural diversity.

RDJ won the national DEI award as well as best company in the professional services category.

The law firm, which employs more than 300 professionals across its Cork, Dublin and Galway offices, was commended for its DEI strategy, commenting on recruitment practices, employee support, training and community engagement.

In its commitment to a diverse workforce, RDJ has implemented recruitment methods such as blind CV screening and diverse hiring panels to ensure hiring is free from any bias.

The firm has also partnered with University College Cork and the University of Galway to reach diverse talent pools through diversity and inclusion scholarships.

In February 2025, RDJ became the first Irish law firm to achieve Certified B Corporation status, following an 18-month assessment of its social and environmental impact.

Managing partner Jamie Olden said: “To be recognised as the national leader for DEI is a proud moment for us and reflects the incredible work of many people across the firm who are committed to making RDJ a more inclusive and supportive place to work. 

“We’ve worked hard to make DEI more than just a policy, but to embed it in our culture, which is visible in our recruitment, our leadership pipeline, and the stories of our people.

“This award recognises that those efforts are having a real impact and drives us to continue our positive work in this area.”

RDJ supports career development through structured mentorship, clear progression pathways and DEI-focused training, including unconscious bias and allyship sessions.

Employees also receive access to professional development and wellbeing supports, with all solicitors completing 25 hours of CPD annually, which includes promoting diversity awareness and solicitor wellbeing.

Other notable initiatives commended as part of the submission included RDJ’s progressive family leave policies (covering fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, and surrogacy), a sabbatical policy, and wellness activities across the firm’s offices.

RDJ also has a trained mental health first aid team and wellness rooms, which are available to staff, along with regular workshops and initiatives covering mental health, nutrition, menopause and neurodiversity.