Tackling deep-seated bias in the profession

The law, like many other parts of the British establishment, is facing increasing scrutiny over a lack of diversity in its ranks. It is one of the few sectors where leaders are still predominantly from a private school background, with two-thirds of senior judges and over 50 per cent of partners in firms regulated by the SRA privately educated, according to a Sutton Trust report. Clearly the legal profession needs to change just as much – and perhaps more than other industry sectors.

CILEX has long argued for a justice system and legal services sector more representative of the society its serves, with lawyers and judiciary who bring a diversity of life experiences to their roles. That means challenging the existing and deep-seated cultural biases in legal services against those from non-traditional or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of CILEX’s being, arguably more so than any of the frontline legal bodies –  for nearly 60 years, offering a unique ‘earn while you learn’ route to becoming a qualified lawyer for those without university degrees.

This is reflected in our 20,000-strong membership, which is dramatically different from solicitors and barristers: 76 per cent of our lawyers are women, 16 per cent identify as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic, 85 per cent attended state schools, only 3 per cent have a parent who is a lawyer – and of those who attended university, 52 per cent said they were the first in their family to do so.

Though some graduates choose to pursue a legal career through CILEX, many of our members are a testament to the talent the law would otherwise have missed out on.

Disrespectful and discriminatory

Last year, a survey of over 2000 CILEX members found they faced discrimination and a lack of respect from employers, despite their qualifications and experience. Poor behaviours and employment practices were experienced by far too many members, the majority of whom come from socio-economic backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the profession.

This is an awful indictment of the culture of many firms, demonstrating attitudes among some solicitors that are disrespectful to those who they do not believe to be their equals. Many of our members effectively work in a hostile environment.

This needs to be addressed urgently and we are working to improve the employment experience of members. Alongside the other legal professional bodies, we want to ensure we root out bias and discrimination wherever it exists. The law should provide a workplace environment that is qualification-route blind, which nurtures, develops and rewards equally for work of equal value.