Boyes Turner joins new campaign to drive social mobility in law

Breaking Down Barriers to Law aims to widen access to legal profession

Boyes Turner has joined a new industry initiative exploring how social mobility in the legal profession can be improved across the country. With a focus on regional firms, the project, Breaking Down Barriers to Law, brings organisations together to look at how meaningful change can be achieved across the profession.

Participating law firms will take part in a series of workshops focusing on outreach, access, recruitment, and progression. A final session will present a plan of action to member law firms, featuring analysis of the challenges faced by the legal sector as well as case studies of best practice. It will also include a comprehensive set of recommendations for the legal sector and law firms to boost social mobility and widen diversity and inclusion.

Kim Milan, Senior Partner, comments, “At Boyes Turner we’re committed to creating a culture where every young person feels they’re on a level playing field when it comes to starting and building their legal career. I was the first in family to go to university and all too aware of the challenges that navigating the career path presented – from training contract interviews through to promotions. Progress has been made but there’s more we can do as a profession to engage with talent from under-represented backgrounds and open access to law, to ensure inclusive and sustainable career progression.”

She adds, “We’re very much looking forward to collaborating with our colleagues from across the sector to develop a strategic and countrywide approach that embeds social mobility in the legal sector and truly boosts opportunity for young people everywhere.”

Breaking down barriers to law was launched by Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening. It builds on Levelling Up Law, launched in 2021 which worked with City law firms and led to the development of a talent platform with The Adecco Group, called FindMyPurpose, that will be launched later this year. Participating law firms include Fletchers Group, Lester Aldridge LLP,  Winckworth Sherwood, JMW Solicitors and Harbottle & Lewis and many more.

Rosie Hanlon, Project Director, Breaking Down Barriers to Law, “There’s still a perception that the law is a profession restricted to those who went to the right schools and universities or who have contacts opening doors for them. This means that many young people with the right talent simply don’t apply. Breaking Down Barriers to Low is about opening up the opportunities in law to a greater talent pool to create a real equality of opportunity at all levels. We’re delighted that Boyes Turner are part of this mission.”