DWF drops specific A-level requirements for training contract applicants

Multinational firm DWF Group plc will no longer set specific A-level/Scottish Highers requirements for training contract applicants, as the firm continues its drive to attract a more diverse range of candidates and increase social mobility in the legal profession.

DWF is now asking for "good A-levels/Scottish Highers or equivalent" instead of specific results. The move marks the next step in the firm’s diversity efforts since implementing the Rare Contextual Recruitment system in 2017.

Research by Rare shows that the A-level results of candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds often do not reflect their performance at undergraduate level. On average, disadvantaged candidates achieve better results once they reach university.

James Szerdy, graduate recruitment Partner at DWF, said: "Since implementing the Rare Contextual Recruitment system in 2017, we have been able to look at an applicant's achievements in the context that they were gained which has enriched our recruitment process and has given us a clearer idea of candidate potential. We want to take the next step towards a more contextual assessment, ensuring that we are attracting and recruiting talented individuals from all backgrounds."

DWF ranked sixth in the Social Mobility Employer Index in October 2019.