Slaughter and May part of consortium of firms to commission research on effective practices in socio-economic inclusion in the legal sector

Slaughter and May, as part of a consortium of eight leading law firms commissioned the Bridge Group to conduct collaborative research to identify effective practices to enhance socio-economic background (SEB) inclusion within the legal sector. The commissioning firms are Slaughter and May, A&O Shearman, Ashurst, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, KPMG Law, Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright.

This new research builds on the Bridge Group’s previous research with law firms in 2018 and 2020 to inform their work from the early career stage through to progression to partner. Since then, the sector has made substantial progress, with the law firms involved in this research having evolved well-developed inclusion strategies and initiatives. 

The research assesses current practices and analyses data to identify strategies and actions that are effective and will support further positive change in the sector. The report gives details of further research findings and additional examples of best practice to date.

In 2023, Slaughter and May became the first major law firm to set Social Mobility targets, backed by a comprehensive action plan.

The targets aim to increase the representation of lower socio-economic background (LSEB) individuals in the firm as follows:

•    Total population to 25% by 2033 from a baseline of 18.8%.
•    Lawyer population to 15% by 2033 from a baseline of 10%.
•    Business Services population to 40% by 2033 from a baseline of 34.7%.

Partner Andrew Jolly, said, “Collaborating with the Bridge Group and other law firms is invaluable in driving meaningful, sustainable change on social mobility. By sharing best practices and focusing on effective ways to enhance socio-economic inclusion within the legal sector, we can break down barriers, create equal access to opportunity and ensure lasting progress.”

Dr Penelope Griffin, Research Partnerships Director, said, “Law firms are successfully investing substantial effort into attracting and recruiting the best talent and providing early career support. It takes time for talent to progress to more senior roles and we observed that firms are committed to supporting this journey. 

“Leaders from these eight law firms are clearly demonstrating that they are open to learning, sharing good practice, and reflecting on the structural and cultural changes needed to advance inclusion within their organisations and the legal sector more broadly. We highly commend these firms for contributing their time and commitment to this important piece of research of benefit to the greater good.” 

The Bridge Group’s report is available here. Find out more about Slaughter and May’s Social Mobility strategy here.