BAME Progression To Be Addressed By Law Society

BAME Progression To Be Addressed By Law Society

With figures showing that 25% of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) solicitors make partner compared to 35% of their white counterparts, the Law Society of England and Wales is launching a series of virtual round table discussions to explore why this group is under-represented at the senior level.

The Society’s Ethnic Minority Lawyers Division (EMLD) is conducting in-depth research to explore the career experiences of those from minority groups, and these discussions will go towards the research.

The Law Society is hoping to speak to approximately 100 solicitors across the profession, covering all of the sectors, and all at different stages in their career.

Employers are also being approached to see how they currently recruit candidates and whether this can be adapted.

At a time when there has been success at recruitment levels with 17% of solicitors defining themselves as BAME, above that of the working population in England and Wales (14%), this research aims to explore experiences around recruitment, retention and progression, to establish why BAME solicitors are still under-represented at a senior level and to identify how organisations and the profession can continue to support and improve the working lives of BAME members.

Simon Davis, President of the Law Society, said:

“BAME solicitors are not sufficiently represented at senior levels in the profession, and we are therefore conducting detailed research into the representation of BAME lawyers across the country..

“Racism and all forms of discrimination and prejudice have no place in our justice system – or in any other aspect of society. Our Society and the solicitors’ profession continue to strive to ensure access to justice, equality for all under the legal system and to promote the rule of law.

“Virtual round table meetings are being run with solicitors, and with those responsible for recruitment and progression, across the country, from Birmingham to Manchester and London to Cardiff, throughout July and August. Once completed, we plan to draw up detailed conclusions from members’ feedback.”

The desk research phase confirmed that whilst a higher proportion of BAME solicitors are sole practitioners (11%) compared to 4% of White European solicitors, BAME solicitors are less well represented at partnership level within the larger firms.

Simon added:

“Some work is already being done to address this in some of the large firms – by those with a good understanding of the diversity profile of their workforce, those setting aspirational targets around new partnerships and by those voluntarily publishing their ethnicity pay gaps ahead of any legislative requirement. But more needs to be done.”

Previous research in this area, by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Law Society found that the main challenges the industry faces include educational attainment; the development of soft skills; careers guidance; university access; significant financial obstacles; access to work experience; and recruiting practices of employers.

The current research will examine recruitment, retention and progression, to identify what practical steps the profession can take in addressing the challenges and to from a longer-term strategy for the Law Society.

Jennifer van Deursen

Jen is the Senior Media Officer for Today’s Conveyancer, Today’s Wills & Probate  and Today’s Family Lawyer. Having gained a degree in Multimedia Computing, Jen fell into a content role after successfully applying for a job at Cheshire Police. During her 6-year service, she took on the role as personal Press Officer under the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire and worked in the busy press office for the force. Jen has experience in the marketing and communication sphere, which stems from her time in the public sector, private care sector and now here at the Practical Vision Network, where she can utilise her skills and challenge herself further.

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