Law Society unveils diversity scheme for 2023 cohort

Recruitment opens for aspiring lawyers who face difficult challenges | Hogan Lovells | Withers | Fisher Jones | Squire Patton Boggs.

The Law Society has announced the opening of its annual diversity access scheme, aimed at improving social mobility and diversity in the legal profession.

According to the society, the scheme will support people who face exceptional social, educational, financial or personal obstacles to qualifying as a solicitor.

The recruitment for this year opened this month, with a deadline of April 16.

The scheme is sponsored by Natwest Legal, BARBRI SQE Prep, Withers,  Fisher Jones Greenwood, Kingsley Napley, Hogan Lovells, Sackers, Squire Patton Boggs, Nottingham Law School, BPP Law School, College of Legal Practice, QLTS School, University of Law, University of Westminster and UBS.

So far, the scheme has supported 300 trainees, and is open to those looking to complete the Legal Practice Course or Solicitors Qualifying Exam who need help with funding, accessing real work experience opportunities or meaningful mentoring, and might otherwise struggle to get the support they need to succeed.

Commenting on the scheme, Society president Lubna Shuja said: "Our profession needs talented, driven individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive. I encourage any aspiring solicitor who is facing particular challenges on their way to qualification to consider applying for a place on the scheme.

She added: “I am immensely proud of our DAS awardees and all they’ve achieved. Many are from less advantaged backgrounds, almost a third are disabled and over two-fifths are Black, Asian or minority ethnic [backgrounds]”.

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