More “visible” role models, mentors and coaches from minority groups are needed at senior levels within firms
More “visible” role models, mentors and coaches from minority groups are needed at senior levels within firms, but overall diversity is improving in the solicitor’s profession.
The Law Society conducted three surveys in the past year, on the issues and barriers faced by black and minority ethnic (BME), lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) and women solicitors. The results show the confidence and ambition of solicitors from all three groups benefit if there is a member of their group in a senior role as this removes the fear of discrimination.
The survey showed BME solicitors would benefit from more information about extra-curricular activities and work experience at the start of their journey into the legal profession to enable them to move into the more profitable areas of practice.
They also suffered from discrimination.
Law Society President Linda Lee said: “Research is vital to our understanding of what is happening across the profession and to the development of support and advice to individual solicitors and their employers. These detailed findings will help us all move the diversity agenda forward.”
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