Removing Barriers: The Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme
updated on 28 June 2005
When Lisa Nguyen went for her interview for the Law Society's Diversity Access scheme, she knew a lot was at stake. It was her chance to get sponsorship for the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Without help, it would be almost impossible to complete her legal studies and achieve her dream of becoming a solicitor.
"I was surprised that the interview was so short. It only lasted about 20 minutes and I didn't think I had enough time to impress the panel. I didn't hear anything and thought I hadn't been successful. It was only when I made a check call I found out that I had won a place and the letter had gone to my old address as I was moving house" said 26-year-old Lisa.
"It was fantastic news as I wouldn't have been able to fund myself on the LPC” said Lisa, who will complete her course at BPP Law School this summer. “Because I knew a career in law would be so competitive, it's been one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I felt I didn't come from the right background to be able to compete, but now I am determined to succeed."
Lisa, who lives in Cambridge, is Vietnamese and was brought up in Sweden. She has also lived in China and Hawaii. Her ambition now is to secure a training contract and to work either in public law, perhaps in a government department, or in commercial litigation where there may be more opportunities. She was one of 14 young people who made up the first intake of the Law Society's pioneering scheme to help talented would-be lawyers overcome obstacles to training.
Between them, the individuals who won the awards demonstrated a wealth of talent and experience. Some had already developed legal advice skills by working in law firms and volunteering in advice centres. Others had been involved in human rights projects as well as funding their studies in difficult circumstances.
Nominations have closed for this year's scheme and the society hopes to again offer free or subsidised places on the LPC, or help with fees for the Common Professional Exam or the Graduate Diploma in Law. It is aimed at people with the drive and commitment for a career as a solicitor but who find themselves at a disadvantage. This could mean a disability, or difficult family, social, educational or financial circumstances.
Amanda Sanchez is another successful applicant who was awarded a scholarship to attend BPP Law School in London. Amanda had shown a real commitment to a career in law and has worked at BPP's Pro Bono Centre helping in the advice and information service. She has also advised on social security law for a charity organisation that helps people appearing before tribunals.
She also took part in the National Mentoring Consortium scheme, which places people from ethnic minorities with graduates – in Amanda's case she shadowed a Home Office Presenting Officer. The scheme resulted in her winning the 'Mentee of the Year Award 2004'. Amanda has combined her studies with looking after her three-year-old son Brandon. "I couldn't possibly have afforded to get myself through the LPC course as I was refused a bank loan, so the scheme has been fantastic. I'm still trying to find a training contract, but I'm planning to register with a legal agency and work as a paralegal until something comes up", she said.
The Diversity Access Scheme was launched by the Law Society in 2003. Although there have been growing numbers of women and ethnic minority students entering the profession, the society realised that there was work to be done on improving diversity – particularly when training to be a lawyer means a serious financial commitment. The Trainee Solicitors' Group estimates that in the near future students will qualify with debts of between £29,000 and £44,000. In a recent study the group found that 82% of students indicated that they were currently in debt. The majority of those (76%) had accrued more than £5,000 in debt. Almost half of those in debt (45%) owed between £5,001 and £10,000, with a further third of students owing more than £10,000. This represents a significant proportion of likely earnings as a trainee solicitor.
There's been widespread support for the scheme, particularly from those with an interest in training. Offers of help with places have come from BBP, Cardiff Law School, the College of Law and Nottingham Law School. Council members from the Law Society helped with the interview and selection process. Ninety-plus applications for the 2005 scheme were received, with interviews being held this month.
The solicitors' profession is changing. The percentage of practising solicitors in England and Wales who are from ethnic minorities has risen to about 8% - mirroring the position in the general population. The number of students from ethnic minorities enrolled with the Law Society is growing and stands at 22% of all entrants. And for trainees registered with the Law Society, 63% are women and 18% are from ethic minorities.
When Janet Paraskeva, Chief Executive of the Law Society, took part in the first presentation of the first scholarships, she said it was an inspiring occasion. Janet said that the future of the profession would be in good hands with the addition of the aspiring solicitors who were being helped by the scheme. She also felt that they had shown immense resourcefulness and initiative in the face of adversity.
"Many solicitors have already discovered that promoting equality and diversity can bring tangible benefits to their business. It's vital that the profession reflects the rich diversity of British society and embraces people from every kind of background and experience", she said. "Provided there is ability, nothing should stand in the way of an ambition to become a lawyer."
Isobel Rowley is press and PR officer for the Law Society of England and Wales.
