Diversity Access Scheme
In 2024, we will be celebrating 20 years of DAS and we'd love to hear from alumni.
If you are a past recipient, please get in touch on diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.
On this page:
Go to our frequently asked questions.
Through the DAS, we're able to support talented, aspiring solicitors to pursue their legal education and careers through:
- Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) scholarships
- mentoring
- work experience
As part of the scheme, we offer you the chance to be matched with a professional mentor and to get work experience during your studies.
We’ll help find a placement in a practice area that interests you.
We'll also build formal soft skill support sessions into the DAS next year.
Find out how the Diversity Access Scheme has helped others
Read our report on applications for the 2023 DAS round of awards (PDF)
Who can apply
Read the full eligibility criteria for 2024 (PDF 113 KB) If you have any questions, check the FAQs or email diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.How to apply
Applications to the 2024 Diversity Access scheme are now closed.
Read the 2024:
- eligibility criteria (PDF 113 KB)
- application guidance (PDF 370 KB)
- preview of the questions (PDF 388 KB)
For any queries, email diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.
Key dates
Wednesday 28 February – applications open at midday
Saturday 13 April – applications close at midnight
Friday 14 June – applicants informed whether they have been shortlisted
Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 July – interviews and assessments with shortlisted applicants via Microsoft Teams
Wednesday 24 July – all shortlisted applicants advised whether they have been successful by 5pm
Our sponsors
The scheme benefits from the generous support of the A W Blackwell Bequest and the support of Kingsley Napley in offering the Brandusa Tataru-Marinescu Award for Diversity and Inclusion.
With thanks to Zarine Kharas for her donation to the Diversity Access Scheme 2023 awards.
We are also supported by the following firms and in-house legal teams who generously offer work experience placements and internships for our Diversity Access Scheme awardees:
- Arm
- Bindmans
- Browne Jacobson
- Endava
- Cerberus Capital Management
- General Medical Council
- Gowling WLG
- Hickman and Rose
- Justice
- Kingsley Napley
- Leeds City Council
- Link City
- Sackers
- Santander
- Squire Patton Boggs
- UBS
- University of the Arts, London
- Wedlake Bell
- Withers
- Zaiwalla & Co