By Olayiwola Balogun – To coincide with Black History Month, the Law Society of England and Wales has published new guidance to support Black or minority ethnic students entering into the profession.
The guidance provides advice on: Challenging assumptions and overcoming barriers; Securing a training opportunity; and Funding opportunities.
Aspiring solicitors are encouraged to obtain a training opportunity by being proactive and building a network, making connections and utilising their background. As law firms search for the unique insights and experiences, minority ethnic solicitors can provide cultural and regional understandings as well as an additional language or anything else unique to their background.
The guidance also provides a range of funding opportunities available to Black or minority ethnic students. This includes the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), which has supported 300 talented trainees pursue their career ambitions since 2004.
Freshfields’ scholarship has also helped 28 scholars accept training contracts at the firm and 84% of vacation scheme holders that attended the Aspiring Solicitors’ headstart workshop secured a training contract.
Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “The journey to a legal career can be a daunting experience for all aspiring solicitors. For a minority ethnic student, the extremely competitive environment may feel even more overwhelming, especially with the added challenges of having to overcome barriers often based on assumptions and lack of knowledge.
“As we celebrate Black History Month, I urge aspiring solicitors to make use of our guidance in order to enter the legal profession and widen the talent pool to help shape a dynamic and diverse workforce. Those looking to enter the legal profession should not feel shy about promoting their abilities and insight as valuable assets, both at interview stage and through their career progression.”
Ms Bainton, who is part of the DAS scheme for this year’s intake said: “The DAS scholarship has provided me with the financial security and confidence to pursue a career in law. Coming from a working-class family in one of the most deprived areas of Wales and having attended a non-selective state school with no connections to the legal profession, this scholarship is truly life-changing for me.
“The mentoring I will receive will open doors to opportunities previously unavailable to me, allowing me to explore various areas of law and develop skills that will be invaluable in my future career. It is an honour that an esteemed organisation such as the Law Society sees my potential and is willing to invest in my future. I am committed to giving back and supporting others from similar backgrounds.”
Christopher Hutton, social mobility partner sponsor at Hogan Lovells, and one of the founding sponsors of DAS, commented: “We are delighted to have sponsored the DAS for almost all its 20 years, to create wider access to the legal industry for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
“The success of the programme has been rooted in its varied support to awardees in the form of bursaries, mentoring and work experience – tangible elements which are key in breaking down barriers to entry.
“Many DAS awardees are now senior lawyers in institutions across our sector, which is testament to the success of the programme, and we are pleased to have been able to welcome participants into our own firm.”
Rebekah, one of the 2024 DAS awardees, added: “I am incredibly grateful for the financial and other support provided by the Law Society in helping me on my journey to becoming a solicitor. Growing up in a low-income household in a deprived area of Liverpool, and managing the challenges of a physical disability, I have faced various barriers throughout my academic journey.
“Following four years of academic legal study, I am thrilled to be embarking on my Solicitors Qualifying Exam and qualifying legal work experience with the Law Society’s support. I look forward to completing my solicitor qualifications and pursuing a long and fulfilling legal career as a practising solicitor.”
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