HSF unveils new disability mentoring scheme
Law firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has launched a disability mentoring programme in collaboration with diversity talent development organisation Aspiring Solicitors, it announced yesterday, August 20.
The scheme is aimed at improving diversity across the legal profession by engaging undergraduate students with a disability. The firm will also provide £1,000 to disabled applicants from low income backgrounds who apply to the legal charity, Aspiring Solicitors Foundation, for a grant for laptops, workwear and increased access to the legal profession.
This new disability mentoring programme will run from September this year for three months, and will match up to ten students with volunteer mentors, who will provide guidance about the nature of work within a law firm.
Students on the programme will attend three workshops where they will receive guidance about how to navigate the graduate application process in the legal sector and how to succeed in interviews.
They will also be advised on how to improve their written skills through a legal drafting session and will explore the details of a recent case to gain a better understanding of the role lawyers play.
Mentees on the scheme will also access sessions with graduate recruitment specialists alongside coaching from a mentoring team from Aspiring Solicitors. “Our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive environment remains steadfast. We are delighted to continue working alongside Aspiring Solicitors to ensure that students interested in pursuing a legal career are supported as individuals to achieve their potential and explore opportunities,” HSF CEO Justin D’Agostino said.
“At Herbert Smith Freehills, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to strive towards personal and professional goals. While there remains more work to do across the profession, this is a strategic focus for the firm. I am delighted that this partnership continues to enable us to deliver.”
Chris White, founder and CEO of Aspiring Solicitors, said: “Aspiring Solicitors are thrilled to launch the disability mentoring scheme for aspiring solicitors with Herbert Smith Freehills. In the current legal climate, it has never been more important to continue to drive recruitment of the best aspiring solicitors with the most potential.”
He added: “The disability mentoring scheme will ensure that Herbert Smith Freehills encourages disabled candidates to apply more than ever as the firm recognises the wealth of talented disabled candidates in the market.”
HSF has previously partnered with the organisation on a mentoring programme for black aspiring lawyers, which has led to two of the mentees being offered training contracts at the firm this year.
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