DCA Seeks To Encourage Diversity In Legal Profession

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

26 July 2006

The UK's Department of Constitutional Affairs on Tuesday launched an initiative to encourage more people, irrespective of background, to think about a career in law.

'Routes into the Legal Profession' is a leaflet published by the DCA giving an overview of training required for different legal jobs, and outlining alternatives to the traditional routes to becoming a lawyer.

Speaking at a recent conference on diversity in the legal professions, Legal Services Minister Bridget Prentice explained that:

"Many of those aiming for a career in law are unsure about where to start looking. Not everyone has the benefit of knowing someone who works in the legal profession."

"But there are lots of options open to people - and I want to make sure that this message gets out."

"If we can encourage more people to pursue legal careers, it will a big step forward in helping to increase the diversity of the profession. And this will help the profession become more representative of all the people it serves."

Of the 100 top legal firms that the Minister wrote to last November about publishing their diversity data, only 34 had replied, she revealed. Out of those, 32 had already published the data.

Meanwhile, the appointment of 175 new QCs has been welcomed by those campaigning for more diversity within the legal sector, as the list contained greater numbers of women, representatives of ethnic minorities, and solicitors than in previous years.

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