Diversity animosity
12 June 2008
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If theres one subject that gets lawyers hot under the collars its got to be diversity. Indeed, if you needed any more proof then all youve got to do is check out the string of user comments posted on TheLawyer.com triggered by the lead story in this weeks issue of The Lawyer.
Lawyer2B.coms sister title featured a legal first on Monday (9 June): a law firm being rapped for being too proactive about diversity.
That was the fate of Eversheds, which has ignited a blazing row with recruitment consultants after the top ten law firms head of diversity Caroline Wilson warned that they were getting away with murder by not monitoring race, gender or sexuality among their prot訩s. See cover story.
Some of the comments make amusing reading but others do raise serious issues about the difficulties candidates from non-traditional backgrounds face when applying for training contracts and qualified lawyer roles. In light of my own disability I was particularly drawn to the comment from a newly qualified solicitor with a disability who claims it took them five years and over 500 applications to secure a training contract despite gaining a 2:1 and a commendation in their LPC.
I also agree with the person who raises the question of how diversity is going to be achieved. It reads: Counting minority numbers doesn't achieve anything other than the creation of a long list of numbers - where will they take it from there?
Though an increasing number of firms, including Eversheds, are taking diversity more seriously at the graduate recruitment level, a lot more work still needs to be done to make lawyers from non-traditional backgrounds feel less alienated at work. An obvious example is client entertainment, which on the main continues to be dominated by activities that are of interest to the white middle classes. For instance, when I was a trainee I remember how left out I felt when asked to attend client wine tasting evenings, golf tournaments and rugby matches.
Its very easy to play the blame game. But given the amount of work that is needed to boost diversity in the legal profession Id like to see all the parties in this row to call a truce and start working together. We might then just have half a chance of giving those candidates from less privileged backgrounds the same opportunities as their male, middle-class peers.
If youve got a story to tell about the difficulties you faced breaking into the law then why dont you get in touch?
PS - don't forget to join the Lawyer2B group on Facebook where you'll find details of our fabulous competition
Readers' comments (1)
Autumn Curtis-Summers | 16-Jun-2008 10:49 am
Diversity
I actually want to tell you about how surprised I was at my success (so far) in the "legal world". After a fairly acrimonious divorce I decided that I would try and follow my dream of becoming a lawyer - despite being a single mother to two children under 4!!!
Full time study was not going to be an option with toddlers underfoot and a mortgage to pay so I applied to study the Graduate Diploma in Law by distance learning. As the finances were going to be tight I decided to have a go at applying to Middle Temple for a scholarship to help with the fees. I didn't seriously think that I had a chance, but figured I might as well have a go. Well I went up for an interview there and it was pretty overwhelming! A lot of the questioning revolved around how I would manage to devote enough time to the study with having a full time job and a part time job (to cover the bills…) and raising two pre-school children by myself. There was added pressure as I had graduated from my first degree seven years previously and had no experience of this kind of interview or indeed the reality of legal work. My only real experience was representing myself in protracted divorce proceedings!
After the interview I took a walk around the temple area and generally felt inspired, if a little daunted. A million miles away from changing nappies and wearing two jumpers instead of turning on the heating to save money in the winter! Still, I enjoyed the experience, and if nothing else it made me even more determined to "make it" in the legal world. Like I said in my interview, I was additionally motivated as I was not just pursuing this career for myself, but also to inspire my children that whatever life throws at you, you can still be a success.
A few weeks later I was gobsmacked when I heard I had received a scholarship from Middle Temple (only a small one - A Blackstone Entrance Exhibition award). It made me feel like I maybe did have a place in this world. In October I started studying the GDL by distance learning with Nottingham Law School and whilst am nervously awaiting my first year exam results, I am really pleased with my assessed work - averaging at 68%. I'm pleased to be getting these marks considering all the other responsibilities in my life.
Even better, a few months after starting the GDL I was offered a job as a paralegal. Again, I was amazed that a prestigious law firm would take on a single mother who blatantly said at interview that she had to be home by six every day to put the children to bed! I am now happy as I have ever been - I am working in a job that I love, my company is supporting me with my studies and I am getting good marks. My children are getting quite a legal education as I have found that bedtime stories can comprise case law if read in "interesting" voices.
I always thought that the legal world was quite closed. I am so happy that despite my "less than typical" circumstances I have been welcomed in with such open arms. Another year on the GDL, then I plan to study the BVC, again by distance learning. By the time I am Called my children will be old enough to be there, and share in joy of the day.
Just an alternative view, I suppose of diversity!
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