Law Society of Scotland launches new forum to boost social mobility

The Law Society of Scotland has launched a new group to further boost social mobility across the Scottish legal sector.

Legal and education experts are being sought to join the Lawscot Social Mobility Forum to target barriers linked to poverty, class and social outcomes that prevent prospective and current lawyers from accessing support and opportunities.

The forum is being added to the Law Society’s WIDEN initiative, which was launched last year to promote diversity, inclusion and wellbeing in the legal sector. Both groups sit alongside the Lawscot Foundation, a legal charity providing financial and other forms of support to law students from less advantaged backgrounds.

Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom said: “Our Social Mobility Forum is being launched to build on the work that’s been done across the profession to ensure a legal career is accessible to everyone.

“The Lawscot Foundation has made significant progress in supporting LLB students, but the socio-economic challenges solicitors face don’t begin or end at university. In bringing together experts from private practice, in-house teams, universities, career services and professional bodies we can work together to make positive change.

“Our experts will share best practice and new initiatives that firms and institutions can implement to help bridge the gap to joining our profession, including the route to qualification and structural and social barriers to law. I’d encourage anyone with the relevant experience or expertise to join the forum.”

The Social Mobility Forum will have their first meeting in February and will meet quarterly in hybrid meetings. To register your interest in joining the forum, sign up here by Monday 26 January.

If you have any questions please contact our Education Policy Executive GeorgiaTurnbull@lawscot.org.uk.