Our social side
We're lucky that we enjoy each other's company, and this extends into social, community outreach and sporting activities. We will encourage you to continue with the interests that made you interesting to us.
Once you join us there are plenty of activities to get involved with – with the trainee group, your legal group and the rest of the firm.
Our Trainee Solicitors' Committee is a group run by trainees across all intakes that represents the trainee body to the firm. It also organises activities and parties at various venues in London throughout the year, including a welcome event for new trainees.
We have a variety of networks and clubs, including football, netball, rugby, gardening, art and a book club which are open to everyone and the firm also holds quarterly drinks and an annual dinner dance.
The firm’s community and pro bono projects offer you the chance to use your skills to have a positive social impact. From tutoring young people from less-advantaged backgrounds, to advising vulnerable people at our local law centre, we believe in providing a variety of volunteering opportunities to enable as many people as possible to get involved. This is not just the right thing to do – it is good for the firm and our people. It is part of our culture.
A Network of Networks
The firm has eight diversity networks run by employees and supported by partners. Collectively, they form a Network of Networks that work collaboratively with each other and the firm to create a more open-minded and inclusive working environment.
Each network offers an informal support mechanism for employees with similar backgrounds, outlooks or interests and hosts a number of events throughout the year, ranging from inspirational lunchtime talks to social evenings. These events are open to everyone and are a great way to meet new people in the firm while celebrating difference.
Christian Network, DIVERSE (our network that celebrates and promotes ethnic and racial diversity), J-Net (our Jewish network), Muslim Network, Family Network, PRISM (our LGBT+ network), Thrive (our mental health and wellbeing network) and GEN - Gender Equality Network.
Why do we need a mental health and wellbeing network like Thrive?
Kate, associate
Law in the City is full of high achievers and deep thinkers working under pressure, a combination which can in some circumstances increase the potential for mental ill-health. It's not restricted to the profession: many have loved ones or friends who have been affected, and in reality everyone can benefit from positive practices which encourage mental wellbeing. Thankfully, there has been a real shift in the last few years in how the legal profession recognises and addresses these issues.
Thrive was inaugurated in 2018 with a panel discussion aimed at raising awareness and reducing stigma. The event had a record number of attendees and was followed by many messages of support and others volunteering to tell their own personal stories on our intranet site. Thrive offers a wide range of activities, such as talks from mental health professionals, yoga and art workshops. Now, in our second year, the network is focusing on self-care. We have just had several events for Mental Health Awareness Week and we have some more exciting things planned.
What inspired you to become involved in DIVERSE?
Akshay, associate
I think the more progress we make - and much has been made - the more we see how much is still to be done. Breaking down prejudice - socio-economic as well as racial - on all sides can be a subtle process, especially when people aren't always aware that the barriers are even there. But the benefits are enormous. We're working in three ways: more broadly to engage the City; to engage internally; and to change attitudes by celebrating diversity. I'm particularly keen on using events to raise the profile of the conversation.
We had talks from Sandra Kerr OBE; and Matthew Ryder QC. We ran a writing competition around food and particular recipes that held special memories for people. A number were shortlisted and then our staff restaurant prepared the dishes, with the stories on display. That was immensely popular. Something like this involves everybody, and opens a dialogue even with those who perhaps might not consider themselves traditionally as having a place in the DIVERSE Network. But it is for everyone.
