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Diversity Access Scheme

  • Diversity Access Scheme 2011 students with Law Society president John Wotton

    (2011 DAS students with president John Wotton at the Law Society Excellence Awards)

    The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme aims to improve social mobility in the legal profession by supporting promising entrants who also face exceptional social, educational, financial or personal obstacles to qualification.
    The scheme offers successful applicants financial assistance with Legal Practice Course fees, access to relevant high quality work experience and a professional mentor.

    Previous alumni have experienced time in local authority care, resisted coercion into arranged marriage, and battled for access to university and work experience with severe physical disabilities. Whatever their obstacles, all have shown tenacity, courage and commitment to furthering their career.

    The Diversity Access Scheme has helped over 140 students to date but we want to help more.

    To find out more about the scheme, watch the video below.

    If you would like to support the scheme by sponsoring a place, acting as a mentor or offering work experience opportunities, please email: diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.

  • Scheme ambassador

    Sandie Okoro, Group Head of Legal, Baring Asset Management Limited.

    Supporters

    The scheme also receives the generous support of the following institutions

    • Aberystwyth University Department of Law and Criminology
    • Cardiff Law School
    • The City Law School
    • De Montfort University School of Law
    • Kaplan Law School
    • Mayer Brown
    • Northumbria University
    • Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University
    • Russell Cooke
    • Swansea University
    • University of Wolverhampton School of Law
    • University of Westminster

    More information

    Find out more about the scheme and how you can support it:

In about us

  • 'Words cannot begin to explain how grateful I am. The scheme has provided me with a life changing opportunity. In the past, I have faced many obstacles including domestic violence, school exclusion and homelessness. This award has given me the freedom to fulfil my potential and removed the social and financial restraints inherent within my background.'
    -DAS awardee 2011

  • 'I have been afforded opportunity to pursue my dream to become a solicitor. Having recognised my efforts and potential, the Law Society has given me a chance to further my legal education and to prove that the legal profession in England is not hereditary; something I could not have achieved without their funding and support.'
    -DAS awardee 2011

  • 'The award made by the Law society, to me, is much more than financing that allows me to continue my studies. It is not just finance. It shows that the Law Society believes in me, and believes that people with autism can rise above the limits placed upon them by many people. It shows that the Law Society believes that the truly august profession of law is not forbidden to us.'
    -DAS awardee 2011