Diversity

Necessary progress or an erosion of professional formality? Thomas Boyce examines two small words that have prompted a big debate

The legal profession’s claim to be a ‘guardian of fairness’ is under scrutiny after stark findings on gender imbalance and opaque progression. Writing in NLJ this week, Joshua Purser of No5 Barristers’ Chambers and Govindi Deerasinghe of Global 50/50 warn that leadership remains dominated by a narrow elite, with men holding 71% of top court roles

A fair & equitable profession? Joshua Purser & Govindi Deerasinghe explore some troubling research

Draft Legal Services Board (LSB) proposals on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) could make life tougher for many Black, Asian or minority ethnic solicitors, the Law Society has warned

Aspiring solicitors facing financial or personal barriers are being encouraged to apply for the Law Society of England and Wales’ Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), as recruitment opens for the 2026 cohort. The scheme aims to promote social mobility and improve diversity within the profession by supporting those who may otherwise struggle to qualify as solicitors due to social, educational or financial challenges

The judiciary has set itself a trio of objectives and a trio of focus areas for the next five years, in its Judicial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2026-2030

The Legal Services Board (LSB) is consulting on proposals to replace its 2017 guidance on equality and diversity with an outcomes-based ‘framework’ for regulators

UK law firms have risen up an annual index of responsible business activity, while US firms have regressed amid President Trump’s diversity and equality crackdown

Inner Temple Scholar Monique Simone Fremder has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Professor Jo Delahunty KC Essay Competition, part of the Bridging the Bar Academy programme

Monique Simone Fremder, winner of the Professor Jo Delahunty KC Essay Competition, considers the legal framework & practice guidance that the UK has in place to accommodate the needs of neurodiverse individuals in legal proceedings. Does it achieve its aims?