Equity, diversity and inclusion in the legal sector
Our goal is for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession to have progressed to a genuine meritocracy across all underrepresented groups throughout the UK and Ireland so that Aspiring Solicitors no longer needs to exist.
Provide free support
We help level the playing field for aspiring solicitors from underrepresented groups in law, through the free support and advice available to members.
Educate the next generation
Through our work, we ensure that there is a better understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion within the next generation of lawyers.
Promote diversity
Working with early career legal professionals, Graduate Recruitment Partners, HR specialists, we can promote and encourage diversity and inclusion from within the profession.
What we do
We work with law firms and legal teams to provide opportunities for aspiring solicitors from diverse backgrounds and to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. Our programmes for students and graduates include coaching, mentoring, events and competitions.
Since 2013, our diverse members have been offered more than 9,000 training contracts and vacation schemes. To find out how we can help you launch your legal career, visit our member services page.
9000+
training contracts and vacation schemes
With our help, you can boost your chances of securing that first step on the legal career ladder.
400+
legal mentors
Our legal professionals know first-hand what it’s like entering the profession from a non-traditional background.
105,000+
AS members
Join the biggest diversity focused network in the legal profession, and kick-start your career with our potential-enhancing services.
Our values
- Commitment: to our mission and vision, each other, our members, and our partners.
- Unity: we embrace differences and strive for meritocracy to make us stronger together.
- Promote difference: to champion diversity, equity and inclusion at all times, whilst ensuring fairness for all.
- Authenticity: we genuinely care about removing discrimination and prejudice.
- Respect: we treat others as we want to be treated ourselves, and positively encourage others to do the same.
- Impatience for change: to ensure positive change and progression with results and action required in the legal profession without delay, whilst unequivocally rejecting discrimination and prejudice in all forms.
Under-represented groups
‘Diversity’ is a term used to refer to a wide range of different identities and communities. We are committed to offering support across all under-represented groups in the profession, and to truly support equity, inclusion and diversity in the broadest sense. We consider ‘under-represented’ groups to include aspiring solicitors who are:
- socially mobile*
- Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic
- LGBTQIA+
- disabled, neurodiverse, and/or have a long term health condition
Our opportunities are also open to those who are interested in developing an understanding or awareness of such groups.
*Given this is not a defined characteristic in the Equality Act 2010, there are multiple variations of this meaning. Aspiring Solicitors considers this to include (but not limited to) candidates who (i) were eligible for free school meals or pupil premium aged 11-16 due to financial limitations, (ii) were state school comprehensive educated and the first generation of their family to attend university, (iii) spent time in local authority care or (iv) came to this country as a refugee.
