Applications open for Diversity Access Scheme 2023
updated on 27 February 2023
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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.
Those accepted onto the scheme will benefit from:
- financial aid – funding for their Legal Practice Course or Solicitors Qualifying Exam;
- mentoring – being matched with a qualified solicitor mentor; and
- work experience – quality, paid work placements brokered through the Law Society.
Applications opened on Wednesday 22 February and will close on Sunday 16 April 2023. Interviews will then take place at the start of July.
To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must live in England or Wales and have plans to study while living in England or Wales. There are various other eligibility criteria that candidates must fulfil to be eligible to apply to DAS, including confirmation of financial status and confirmation of whether:
- they attended a non-fee-paying school;
- they’re part of the first generation of their family to attend higher education; and
- they were eligible for free school meals while at school.
Candidates must confirm two or more of the above statements.
The Law Society has also put together a list of “exceptional circumstances” that apply to candidates who don’t meet part of the initial criteria but who have “faced or will face exceptional circumstances to pursue their studies and career ambitions as a result of their”:
- cultural background;
- health problems
- disability;
- sex;
- gender identity;
- sexuality,
- race;
- religion; or
- other challenging personal circumstances.
To find out more about the full eligibility criteria and application guidance, as well as apply for the scheme please use the Law Society’s website.
