The Law Society of England and Wales has launched a new equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy for the solicitors’ profession. The strategy forms a key part of the Law Society’s 2025-2028 corporate strategy and promotes a more diverse, open and inclusive profession.
The strategy is the result of a robust foundation of member engagement, external expertise, and extensive, up-to-date research and analysis, the Law Society said. Over 220 people from across the society’s communities, networks, committees and the wider profession were invited to share their views through focus groups and interviews.
The 70 people who took part included aspiring and junior solicitors, mid-career professionals and senior leaders from law firms, in-house teams and other organisations working with the legal sector.
‘Over the last 12 months we have been working with our members to develop a three-year EDI strategy’, the Law Society said. ‘We also carried out a detailed review of current research and insights from across the sector to make sure our strategy reflects the real challenges and opportunities facing the profession today’.
Law Society president Mark Evans added:
“For two centuries, the Law Society has championed solicitors and their role in upholding justice. We’ve stood alongside the profession in its fight for equality, while trailblazing solicitors paved the way for greater inclusion.
“Yet, inequality and bias continue to shape career paths. Women, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ and disabled solicitors still face barriers to senior roles. Disabled solicitors remain underrepresented. And too often, workplace cultures leave people feeling like they can’t bring their best selves to work.
“We are committed to building a more inclusive profession – because when we do, everyone benefits.”
The Law Society says it will help to achieve the aims of the strategy by strengthening diversity in senior leadership, supporting disabled solicitors and building more inclusive workplace cultures. Members are encouraged to join its diversity and inclusion networks, which include LGBTQ+ solicitors, ethnic solicitors, women solicitors and disabled solicitors. Members can also sign up to volunteer, and register to vote for characteristic seats on the council.
‘At the Law Society we will continue to use our voice, influence and connections to build a more inclusive profession’, Evans promised.
“But we can’t do it alone. We need law firms, in-house teams, and legal professionals at all levels to step up and join us.
“Let’s build on the progress made and ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion become the foundation of our profession’s future.”
Equality, diversity and inclusion – a new strategy for meaningful change in the solicitor profession
The Law Society corporate strategy 2025-2028
