Diversity: Diversity

"Be yourself and be confident in your own ability – never try to change yourself to suit other people’s expectations. Always be mindful and eventually people will adjust to you in the same way you’ll adjust to others."

Are law firms elitist?

The Oracle

"I didn’t go to a selective school, but have good A levels and my ambition is to be a City lawyer – what does this mean for my chances?"

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Diversity and inclusion – Q&A with Gowling WLG associate Elvis Tse

Elvis Tse is an associate at Gowling WLG (UK) LLP.

"At university, I had no idea what career to pursue. I studied social sciences and laws so I had a few career choices!"

Age discrimination in law

Am I too old to become a solicitor?

"I’m in my 40s and thinking about retraining as a solicitor, but is there any point? I have heard that recruitment focuses on young graduates."

Career changers: five tips for those switching careers to the legal profession

If you’re serious about moving into the legal profession, read our five tips to help you get started.

Retired workers returning to the workforce - beware age discrimination in the workplace

It’s important that policies and employees are up to date around age discrimination.

Videos

See more videos

What is WORK-LIFE BALANCE like in the legal profession?

Webinar | Legal apprenticeships: routes into the profession

TOP TIPS: being yourself, social media, practice areas

The anti-desk stretch with Eloise Skinner

Webinar | Should I do a Master of Laws (LLM)?

Firm insights

Find out about firms' diversity and inclusion initiatives straight from recruiters and practising lawyers

Meet the Lawyer

Zoya Khan

From secondment opportunities to the firm's diversity networks and friendly culture, Zoya Khan provides an insight into working life at Gowling WLG and the incredible opportunities available to all staff.

Meet the Lawyer

Graeme Anderson

Corporate associate Graeme Anderson outlines his early experience in the profession and how it’s shaped his career today at Hill Dickinson.

Meet the Lawyer

Emily Cridland

Partner Emily was attracted to studying law by the variety of potential subjects and the problem-solving skills required. She now works on strategic M&A for public and private companies. Read on for more detail on her work at this global elite law firm.

Disability inclusion

Removing barriers for ADHD lawyers

Read this LCN Says on equal opportunities for ADHD lawyers

How to find the right law firm for your career and disability

Read advice from Demi Rixon.

What is neurodiversity at work?

Neurodiversity refers to the natural diversity of the wiring of the human brain (how people process information differently).

How accessible is the legal profession for lawyers with disabilities?

"Should I disclose my disability when I apply for a vacation scheme? Are careers in the legal profession accessible for candidates with disabilities?"

LCN Says

Ed Thompson - Neurodiversity to neuroinclusion

Ed Thompson

Large organisations in the UK, US, Australia, and elsewhere had experimented with and seen success from what became known as disability hiring programmes – targeted efforts to recruit and retain talent within disability categories.

How to be a disability ally

The Abled Lawyer

There’s so much power an individual possesses when it comes to creating cultural change for better disability inclusion.

LCN Says

Phil Steventon - How firms can better support neurodiverse employees in the workplace and during recruitment processes

Phil Steventon

Neurodivergent lawyers have a number of unique strengths, abilities and perspectives that can benefit any employer and workplace.

Recent podcasts

Episode 38: life as an LGBTQ+ lawyer - with Danni Davies and Michael Tushingham

In this episode we speak to real estate lawyer Danni Davies (they/them) from Latham & Watkins and tax associate Michael Tushingham (he/him) from Gowling WLG (UK) LLP about life as an LGBTQ+ lawyer.

Episode 32: neurodiversity and the legal profession – with Phil Steventon

Phil Steventon from The Neurodivergent Lawyer blog shares his experiences and insight into neurodiversity, including how it might impact people’s journey to becoming a lawyer.

Episode 30: diversity and inclusion in the legal profession - with Gowling WLG

In this episode, we speak to Emma Dennis, diversity and Inclusion manager at international law firm Gowling WLG (UK) LLP.

Sponsored by

Diversity and inclusion: Q&A with Gowling WLG’s Greg Standing

Head of enterprise risk management, Greg shares his experience at Gowling after losing his hearing and being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Sponsored by

Disability and inclusion: Q&A with Gowling WLG’s Simon Stephen

Simon Stephen, legal director at Gowling, opens up about how being honest about his mental health over the years has made for a better working environment.

Sponsored by

Disability and inclusion: Q&A with Gowling WLG’s Vivienne Reeve

Vivienne Reeve opens up about the two conditions she has been diagnosed with and how she continues to do the job she loves thanks to her supportive team and firm.

LGBTQ+ representation in the legal profession

How do I ensure I’m practising allyship towards the LGBTQ+ community?

"I’ve recently seen the term LGBTQ+ ally, but what is it and how can I be an authentic ally?"

LGBTQ+ History Month: queer history through legislation

Let’s look at the laws that have landed us where we are today.

Being proud and queer in the legal profession with Anna Casey-Woodward and Bridget Garrood

Diversity and inclusion is at the forefront of most firms. But how can you tell which firms are truly inclusive and supportive?

Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill

What’s Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill?

News

New data from UCAS reveals women make up 67% of law course applications

A freedom of information (FOI) request made to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has revealed that twice as many women as men are applying to study law in the UK.

News

Birketts announces 40% female partnership

UK top 50 law firm Birketts LLP has achieved 40% female partnership ahead of International Women’s Day 2023, following its ongoing commitment to supporting gender diversity.

News

Law Society agrees to trial regional admission ceremonies

Following a campaign by in-house lawyer and blogger Emma Lilley, the Law Society has agreed to trial regional admission ceremonies in a bid to improve access.

News

Applications open for Diversity Access Scheme 2023

Applications are now open for the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme (DAS). The DAS seeks to support talented, aspiring solicitors from less advantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in the legal profession.

Women in law

Belonging at the Bar: women’s journey from barriers to barristers

We’re no strangers to women in the courtroom on TV but very few (if any) programmes express the difficulty women have faced getting to this point.

The women who changed the legal industry

Women have been vying for their place within the legal profession for well over 100 years.

Celebrating 100 years of women solicitors – the drive towards equality and diversity in law

December 2022 marked the centenary of the first woman to be admitted to the Law Society as a solicitor.

Covid-19 and the growing gender pay gap

In the 21st Century ‘modern world’ that we live in, it’s alarming that women, and other minority groups, are still facing gender pay discrimination.

Balancing being a mother and a solicitor

Monica reflects on her experiences of juggling motherhood and a career as a solicitor.

Race, religion and belief

Six legal books by Black authors to entertain, fascinate and inspire you

Katherine Bryant (she/her)

Since the 1960s, a whole wealth of legal writing has been produced by Black authors.

Black candidates share legal recruitment experiences

Katherine Bryant (she/her)

Structural inequality and a lack of representation at senior levels mean that Black candidates continue to face additional barriers to becoming lawyers.

Drinking culture, religion and networking opportunities

The Oracle

"I want to network with my colleagues but I don’t want to drink alcohol – what do I do?"