The Law Society of England and Wales has launched a diversity and inclusion framework to help law firms develop a more strategic approach to D&I.
The framework aims to help firms establish a purpose, develop a D&I action plan and ensure those actions lead to change. It also includes an action plan template and definitions of D&I terminology to build a shared understanding of what the profession is trying to achieve.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: “From the high street to the Supreme Court, the legal profession must reflect the society it serves.
“There is often a leap to action on D&I – a sense of urgency to ‘do something,’ with a myriad of advice, schemes and checklists available. This can lead to activity that is reactive to immediate pressures, short lived or not properly resourced or recognised.
“This risks a lot of effort being put into initiatives that don’t ultimately improve diversity or boost inclusion in your workplace.”
She said the framework would help firms identify their own rationale for taking action, set evidence-based goals, and ensure lasting change.
The Law Society’s annual report for 2021 showed that the number of female solicitors on the roll grew three times faster than males, making up 53% of those practising.
Solicitors from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds reached 18%, however the Society said there is still work to be done. Nearly a third of sole practitioners are from an ethnic minority background, many of whom move to sole practice due to barriers to progression at larger law firms.
Boyce said: “We hope the framework will support workplaces to take a strategic and systematic approach to diversity and inclusion activity to ensure that the change they’re seeking to make is sustainable.”
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