Sixteen law firms feature in first index of employers who have done the most to improve social mobility

Law firms make up almost a third of the organisations which feature in what is believed to be the first ever social mobility index, which was unveiled by the government today (21 June).

The social mobility employer index, run by the Social Mobility Foundation and the Social Mobility Commission, aggregates the top 50 UK employers to have most furthered the cause of social mobility in the last year. Some 16 law firms feature in the inaugural top 50 – they are:

• Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP (eighth place);
• Baker McKenzie (11^th);
• Pinsent Masons LLP (15^th);
• Burges Salmon (17^th); 
• Clifford Chance (19^th);
• Linklaters LLP (20^th);
• Herbert Smith Freehills (25^th);
• Hogan Lovells (26^th);
• Simmons & Simmons (27^th);
• Eversheds Sutherland (29^th);
• Freeths LLP (32^nd);
• Brodies LLP (39^th);
• Holman Fenwick Willan (43^rd);
• DLA Piper (46^th);
• Charles Russell Speechlys (48^th); and
• Stephenson Harwood (50^th).

The Ministry of Justice also made the list, coming in at 14^th, while the Bar was represented by The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, which entered the index in 35^th place.

Robert Bourns, president of the Law Society, congratulated the 16 firms on their achievements. He said: "To see so many law firms in the top 50 employers for social mobility is simply inspiring. As solicitors we uphold the law, including important equality legislation. The inclusion of such a significant number of law firms in the index reflects how many are leading by example. I would urge all law firms to strengthen their businesses and our society by considering how they can contribute to greater social mobility. Our vision is of a profession in which all solicitors - present and aspiring - can be confident that talent, ability and application are rewarded irrespective of background, gender or ethnicity."