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05 June 2024
Issue: 8074 / Categories: Legal News , Education , Training & education , Discrimination , Bias , Profession
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Discrimination & bias affecting legal candidates from certain ethnic backgrounds

Research commissioned by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has identified multiple factors explaining why candidates from certain ethnic groups perform better than others in professional legal assessments

The study, by the University of Exeter and published this week, uncovered: discrimination and bias in education settings; decreased access to work experience opportunities in law firms; lack of ethnic diversity among academic staff, resulting in classroom bias; students’ sense of belonging; funding issues; and lack of role models.

Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, said: ‘This is a wakeup call for the legal and education sectors.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles

Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards

Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors—four promotions

Lime Solicitors announces four promotions

NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
A polished legal defence may owe more to artificial intelligence than legal merit—and creditors risk paying the price in delay and expense
Witness evidence can be compromised by AI before a solicitor sees the draft, leaving safeguards focused on authorship incomplete
Possession claims are entering a new digital era, with procedural traps awaiting practitioners who assume familiar rules still govern every step
The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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