Legal sector boosts diversity programmes
updated on 31 May 2022
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There has been a recent increase in barristers’ chambers and law firms introducing mentoring for aspiring lawyers from underrepresented groups to boost diversity and inclusion.
Last month, we reported that Birmingham law firm Shakespeare Martineau LLP is supporting British Muslim charity Mercy Mission UK to launch a mentoring scheme, offering work experience placements to Muslim youth. Similarly, Ropes & Gray has launched a new social mobility scholarship programme designed for first-year university students from diverse and underserved low socioeconomic backgrounds in the UK.
In April, national law firm Browne Jacobson LLP welcomed six work experience students who are part of the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme, as part of the firm’s efforts to improve access and diversity within the profession.
In March, the Big Four, which consists of EY, KPMG, PwC and Deloitte joined law firms Addleshaw Goddard, DLA Piper UK LLP, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, Pinsent Masons LLP, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP and Walker Morris LLP to launch the Stronger Together – a diversity and inclusion network in Leeds.
Last year, we reported that a group of leading chambers partnered up with the Planning and Environmental Bar Association (PEBA) to launch a new planning and public law mentoring scheme for underrepresented racial and ethnic groups at the Bar.
The commercial set group is composed of:
- Cornerstone Barristers;
- Field Court Chambers;
- Francis Taylor Building;
- Kings Chambers; and
- Landmark Chambers.
PEBA’s mentoring scheme aims to provide advice and guidance to suitable candidates on the process of becoming a barrister specialising in planning, property and public law.
To find out more about planning law, read this barrister’s practice area profile.
To find out the benefits of mentoring, read LawCareers.Net’s Blogs and LCN Says:
