Launched in 2022, Social Mobility Awareness Day, which takes place from today, Thursday 15 June, exists to promote wider conversations around the issue and to encourage action that brings about positive change.
This year, the theme is #SpeakMore. People are being asked to add their voice to the conversation, either by sharing their personal stories, asking questions or simply spreading the word.
I understand how important it is to share stories and to support others who wish to join our profession.
I am the Law Society’s first Asian, first Muslim and seventh woman President. I am a Northerner, originally from Bradford, and I am from a working-class background. Diversity, social mobility and social inclusion have been a part of my life and are very important to me.
I strongly believe anyone who has the capability and determination – regardless of their background and upbringing – must be able to join our profession and progress within it.
The work we do
The Law Society has a strong focus on improving social mobility.
Our scholarship programme ‘The Diversity Access Scheme’ is designed to address key barriers to the profession faced by those from less advantaged backgrounds.
To date, the scheme has helped nearly 300 talented trainees to pursue their career ambitions.
Through our grants process, we financially support The Sutton Trust and Young Citizens.
The Sutton Trust works to increase educational opportunities for young people. Since 1997, they have worked to improve social mobility so that every young person has the chance to succeed in life, regardless of their background.
Young Citizens provides citizenship education to state schools and colleges across the UK. They deliver a range of resources, interactive programmes and resource libraries which empower children and young people to shape their communities, institutions and society.
We also work closely with PRIME which is an alliance of law firms across the UK and Republic of Ireland. It is determined to improve access to, and socio-economic diversity within, the legal profession.
These organisations and charities provide valuable support to aspiring solicitors and the legal profession and we are proud to support them.
Wider issues
The Law Society is committed to protecting access to justice. The government’s failure to invest in legal aid means only those with other sources of income are able to forge careers in the law.
People with little means find it harder to pursue a career in legal aid or criminal law, as the financial barriers to qualifying are so great.
We are continually seeking to improve the make-up of the profession and strongly believe that welcoming aspiring solicitors from all walks of life can only be for the benefit of the clients we represent.
Awareness days provide a valuable opportunity to highlight issues affecting the profession.
However, the changes we need to see have to happen throughout the year and not just during this particular period.
The onus is on all of us to be the change we want to see.
Lubna Shuja
Law Society President of England and Wales
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