UK Legal Services Minister Calls For More Diversity

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

07 December 2006

The UK's Legal Services Minister, Bridget Prentice on Monday asked lawyers to help open up the legal profession to people from different backgrounds, in order to retain and enhance public confidence.

Speaking at the Law Society's Equality and Diversity forum in London, Ms Prentice said that the legal profession should be - and be seen to be - representative of the people it serves.

She challenged more law firms to publish their equality and diversity figures to show their commitment and acceptance of the valuable contribution diversity and equality made, which would increase staff morale and public confidence.

The Legal Services Minister explained that:

"In a modern and democratic society, equality and diversity should be acknowledged, taken seriously and celebrated. It is not enough to say we are doing it, we must show that we are".

"Some law firms have taken up my challenge to them last year to publish their diversity and equality data to give a visible sign that the legal profession is at the forefront of upholding our values. But not enough!"

"Almost everyone will use legal services at some point in their lives. People may choose to use firms that have demonstrated their commitment to diversity and equality. Publicly declaring their diversity policy therefore makes business sense."

At the same time, she announced the findings of a working group, set up by the Department for Constitutional Affairs to explore the recommendations made in the Increasing Diversity in the Legal Professions Report.

The working group identified a number of barriers that people face in pursuing a career in the legal profession and suggests ways of overcoming them.

The obstacles identified include:

• Lack of easily accessible information about how to pursue a career in law or alternative routes into the profession.
• Inadequate information to students about costs, timescales, employer expectations, skills and experience required.
• Lack of comprehensive research about what affects career progression, equal pay, and flexible working.
• The need for more recognition of work based learning and other skills and experience as part of recruitment.

Bridget Prentice concluded:

"Today's report outlines the problems people from certain groups face when trying to pursue a career in the legal profession. Those barriers can occur at any stage of a career."

"It is important that, in addition to encouraging people from a wide range of backgrounds into the profession, there are policies and practices in place that will make them want to stay in the profession."

"Opening up the profession to people from diverse backgrounds and educational establishments will bring innovation, creativity and further skills for firms to benefit from."

Recommended