TLT appoints new EDI and Wellbeing Champions in support of inclusive culture

National law firm TLT has announced the appointment of Partners Chantal Stroker as Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion and Claire Graham as Wellbeing Champion, underscoring the firm’s continued focus on a culture of inclusion that promotes and sustains the positive wellbeing of its people, ensuring they feel supported and able to thrive.

The Champion position is a visible, internal, partner led role, to promote at a senior level the continued understanding of and engagement with the needs of TLT’s people to retain and enhance firm culture and effect positive change.

Chantal Stroker is a Partner in TLT’s Financial Services Disputes and Investigations team and takes the EDI Champion reigns from Esther Smith, who held the role from 2021-2025. Chantal joined the firm in 2017 and was promoted to Partner in 2023. As EDI Champion, she will be working with leaders, networks and external partners, including clients, to embed inclusive practice, influence decision‑making and drive meaningful, measurable impact across the firm.

Chantal has been involved with Women in Banking and Finance (Manchester Branch) for several years and has also been active in lobbying on culture and non-financial misconduct, including contributing to Treasury’s ‘Sexism in the City Inquiry’.

Claire Graham assumes the role of Wellbeing Champion from Head of Location in Manchester, James Chadwick, after almost three years. Claire is a Partner in the Banking and Restructuring team and has previously acted as a sponsor for the firm’s neurodiversity network. In her new role, she will provide support and direction for the firm’s overall wellbeing strategy and act as a visible figurehead and senior voice for wellbeing.

The two appointments demonstrate the firm’s ongoing commitment to building a people-first culture with inclusivity and wellbeing at its heart. It also reinforces the firm’s focus on supporting women to thrive, develop & build fulfilling careers at every stage and follows on from a series of recent recognitions of TLT’s drive for gender equality, including being named a Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality by The Times in 2025 for the third consecutive year. The firm achieved its goal of 33% female representation at partner level two years ahead of schedule and continues working towards its new target of 50% female partners by 2029.

Commenting on her appointment, Chantal Stroker commented: “It’s such a privilege to be taking on the EDI Champion role. It’s a role I wanted to take on because I am incredibly passionate about inclusivity, but also because I want to give something back to the firm that has given me a safe environment in which to flourish and be my authentic self.  Inclusion is a core priority for the firm, and I am excited for the challenge, not least given the fantastic platform Esther has built during her tenure. I’m looking forward to working closely with colleagues to support meaningful progress across the business.

“My vision for the role is to ‘champion from the heart’ - drawing on my own lived experiences and learnings to identify with our affinity networks, and to channel energy into the role. A key focus for me will be strengthening collaboration with our clients and playing an active role in external EDI initiatives, so that we continue to learn, evolve and drive positive impact together.”

Claire Graham added: “As we progress our 2030 strategy, I am excited to be stepping into a position where I feel I can drive positive change, continuing James’s excellent work. TLT has consistently demonstrated that supporting the wellbeing of its people is essential for creating an inclusive, flexible, and high-performing environment.

“I’m committed to building further on strong foundations to ensure every colleague feels supported, empowered and able to thrive both professionally and personally. Our culture is one of our greatest strengths, and I’m excited to help shape its next chapter.”

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