Law Soc Diversity Access Scheme opens for applications on 2 Feb

The Law Society’s annual Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) is about to open for submissions, this year including 10 awards offering financial assistance and mentoring, plus one new award for a law centre worker that guarantees a training contract.

The DAS aims to "increase social diversity in the legal profession by supporting promising entrants from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who face exceptional obstacles to qualification". Each award includes financial support for the LPC, the chance to undertake work experience and the support of a mentor. Sponsor firms include Eversheds, Hogan Lovells, Irwin Mitchell, Reed Smith and Withers LLP.

In addition to the 10 standard awards, this year the Law Society is offering one new award – the "DAS plus" – to a current law centre employee or volunteer. This award will help the winning applicant pay for his/her LPC fees, as well as offering him/her a training contract at a national law centre.

The 2015 application system opens on 2 February and closes on 13 April. There are a number of financial and background criteria that must be met by applicants, including that he/she attended a non-fee-paying school and is unable to pay for the LPC through any other means.

For more details, and to see testimonials from DAS alumni, go to the Law Society’s DAS page.