Six diversity access schemes in law for Black aspiring lawyers
updated on 16 October 2026
Dear Oracle
Are there any law-related diversity access schemes designed to improve access to the profession for Black aspiring lawyers?
The Oracle replies
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From internships and mentoring to scholarships and pupillage support, there are a range of initiatives designed to help candidates from underrepresented backgrounds access the legal profession. For Black aspiring lawyers, some schemes provide opportunities specifically for Black candidates, while others support a wider group of candidates who face barriers to entering law.
This Black History Month, we’ve compiled a list of six schemes designed to support Black candidates’ entry into the legal profession.
For a more in-depth list of diversity initiatives and access schemes, head to LawCareers.Net’s Diversity Access Schemes page. Alternatively, if there’s a particular law firm/chambers that you’re targeting, you should be able to find out about the initiatives the firm/chambers has in place or has partnered with to support the profession’s drive to increase diversity.
1. The 10,000 Interns Foundation
The 10,000 Interns Foundation began in 2020 as the 100 Black Interns project, initially focusing on investment management, before expanding across a wide range of sectors. By 2025, it’d created more than 10,000 paid internship opportunities with over 1,300 organisations across over 35 sectors. Its 10,000 Black Interns programme provides Black students and graduates with access to paid workplace experience, alongside training, development and mentoring. Applications are currently open for the summer 2027 programme.
Law firms that partner with 10,000 Black Interns programme include Osborne Clarke LLP, RPC and Travers Smith LLP.
2. The Black Solicitors Network
Founded in 1995, the Black Solicitors Network (BSN) champions equal access, career progression and representation for Black solicitors in England and Wales and now has more than 3,000 members. For aspiring lawyers, its Grassroots Programme is a flagship undergraduate programme delivered with universities through workshops designed to help students navigate a path into the profession. BSN also runs a jobs board and a range of networking and development initiatives.
Firms that partner with BSN include Ashurst Perkins Coie, DWF Group Limited and Shoosmiths.
3. Bridging the Bar
Founded in 2020, Bridging the Bar (BTB) aims to improve access to opportunities at the Bar for candidates from underrepresented groups. Its Academy selects 100 candidates for a year-long programme of training and development designed to help them secure pupillage and succeed at the Bar. Applications for the 2027/28 Academy are currently open.
Chambers that sponsor BTB include 4 New Square, Blackstone Chambers and Pump Court Tax Chambers.
4. Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network
Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network (WCAN) supports ambitious Black women from university into the early stages of their careers, connecting its members with employers through mentoring, recruitment events and structured talent programmes. Its network now has more than 15,000 members and works with over 80 employer partners across sectors including law, finance, consulting and technology.
Firms that partner with WCAN include Baker McKenzie, Dentons and Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.
5. The Access Project
The Access Project works with secondary schools and colleges to help pupils from under-resourced backgrounds access higher education. Its programmes combine in-school mentoring with university application guidance, enrichment opportunities and, depending on the programme, tuition or skills coaching. Over the past 15 years, it’s provided mentoring and tutoring to more than 10,000 students. In 2025, 96% of its Year 13 students received a university offer and 83% received an offer from a top university.
Magic circle law firm Slaughter and May has worked with The Access Project for more than 10 years.
6. The Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme
The Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) helps aspiring solicitors from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who lack the financial support and professional networks needed to pursue their legal education and careers. Successful applicants can receive funding towards eligible Solicitors Qualifying Exam study, alongside mentoring and work experience. Applications for the 2026 scheme have now closed, so prospective applicants should check the Law Society website for details of the next application round.
There are details of the 2026 scholarship awardees in our recent News story: ‘Law Society awards 16 Diversity Access Scheme scholarships to aspiring solicitors’.
A number of universities and law firms sponsor the scheme, including BARBRI, The University of Law, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, Kingsley Napley LLP and Withers LLP.
How to find more diversity access schemes?
It’s clear that the legal profession recognises the need for change and the above access programmes are great examples of legal employers and education providers getting involved in the drive towards a more diverse, inclusive and accessible profession.
You can see a list of other diversity access schemes on LawCareers.Net. Plus, many firms/chambers tend to provide a list of schemes and projects they’re involved with on their individual websites and their LawCareers.Net profiles too. Application windows, eligibility requirements and programme details can change from year to year, so check each organisation's website for the latest information before applying.
To find out what else the legal profession is doing to improve diversity, head to LawCareers.Net’s Diversity hub.
