New research identifies effective practices within the legal sector
New research identifies effective practices in socio-economic inclusion within the legal sector
The next challenge is to embed inclusion throughout the career lifecycle
13 November 2025
A consortium of eight leading law firms* commissioned the Bridge Group to conduct collaborative research to identify effective practices to enhance socio-economic inclusion within the legal sector.
This new research builds on the Bridge Group’s previous research with law firms in 2018 and 2020 to inform their work from the early career stage through to progression to partner. Since then, the sector has made substantial progress, with the law firms involved in this research having evolved well-developed inclusion strategies and initiatives. This commitment to promoting socio-economic inclusion within the legal sector is exemplified by 30 law firms’ recently being ranked within the top 75 in the Social Mobility Foundation’s annual Employer Index.
Examples of firms’ effective practices in improving socio-economic inclusion:
High SEB data completion rates are supported by senior leaders actively endorsing data collection efforts.
Investment in early outreach with primary and secondary schools and engagement with a wider range of universities broadens the early talent pipeline.
Contextual recruitment, and other tools, are routinely used to assess candidates’ achievements and to enable firms to identify outperformers.
Supporting well-resourced and active social mobility networks helps integrate practice and policy.
Formal responsibility and accountability for implementing inclusion measures is devolved across the firm and embedded in leadership responsibilities.
The next challenge is to ensure that inclusion is embedded throughout the career lifecycle, rather than more concentrated at the point of entry. This will require a sustained focus on progression and retention, greater collaboration across other identity strands (such as gender and ethnicity), a re-examination of concepts of merit, and the alignment of systems and processes with inclusive values. Key to implementing this will be clarifying and strengthening the responsibility and accountability of managers and partners, so that the impact of inclusion efforts is more consistent between firms, and the gap is closed between strategic ambition and the lived experience of inclusion.
The research, which uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches, assesses current practices and analyses data to identify strategies and actions that are effective and will support further positive change in the sector.
The research was launched yesterday at a well-attended event in London.
Dr Penelope Griffin, Research Partnerships Director, said:
“Law firms are successfully investing substantial effort into attracting and recruiting the best talent and providing early career support. It takes time for talent to progress to more senior roles and we observed that firms are committed to supporting this journey.
“Leaders from these eight law firms are clearly demonstrating that they are open to learning, sharing good practice, and reflecting on the structural and cultural changes needed to advance inclusion within their organisations and the legal sector more broadly. We highly commend these firms for contributing their time and commitment to this important piece of research of benefit to the greater good.”
Jenny Baskerville, Chief Executive of the Bridge Group, said:
“Yesterday evening it was a privilege to be amongst such an inspiring group of law firms; their commitment to promoting socio-economic inclusion within their sector is a source of inspiration to many. Their rationale is clear; promoting socio-economic inclusion is fair for the individual, but also good for business. It builds competitive advantage, workforce resilience and creates a workforce fit for the future.”
Download the public report
*The Bridge Group has undertaken this research in collaboration with eight law firms: A&O Shearman, Ashurst, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, KPMG Law, Linklaters LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, and Slaughter and May. A full aggregate research report, alongside individual reports, have been provided to each of the contributing law firms.
To find out more about the Bridge Group’s previous two landmark research projects within the UK legal sector, see: https://www.thebridgegroup.org.uk/research