Equality and diversity
What we're doing
The Law Society is committed to supporting the profession and to play a leading role in the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality of opportunity and diversity in all our activities as a representative body and an employer.
Groups and associations
We can help you work collaboratively to provide cost effective ways to improve performance and understanding.
The Law Society supports all legal practices to aim beyond legal compliance so that they are able to fully realise the business benefits of equality and diversity in all aspects of their professional work.
The Law Society wants the profession to be:
- Inclusive – its composition reflecting the diversity of our society
- Responsive – able to provide a sensitive, appropriate and highly professional service to all sections of society
- Good employers – recruiting on merit and offering training and opportunities to all staff regardless of background
Law Society charter
The Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Charter is the flagship diversity initiative of the legal profession. It is an instantly recognisable public statement of commitment by its signatories and a framework for positive action across all strands of diversity.
Practice support
We aim to help law practices to confidently meet the requirements of Principle 9 of the SRA Handbook and the Equality Act 2010.
New duties and responsibilities have been created as a result of the Equality Act which means you may have to review existing policies and processes within your firm.
The Law Society has produced a practice note that sets your duties to clients and staff.
Your equality and diversity strategy
Having a well-defined equality and diversity strategy will help you meet the requirements in the Code of Conduct and Equality Act 2010. The Law Society has produced materials to help you define and implement your strategy.
- Case studies
- Equality standards and toolkit
- BME, women and LGB solicitor survey reports
- Diversity profile of the profession 2011 (PDF, 260kb)
Additional resources
Online training
Ensure compliance with Principle 9 of the SRA Handbook and understand the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 with the Equality and Diversity in Practice online course, available at the Law Society's online CPD centre. Accredited for 2 CPD hours, it comprises two individual online courses (available separately or as a set):
See sample screenshots from the course (Powerpoint).
The more places you book, the more you save:
- 6-24 individuals – save 15%
- 25-99 individuals – save 25%
- 100-150 individuals – save 35%
Email cpdcentre@lawsociety.org.uk for more information about these discounts.
Equality Act 2010 book
Equality Act 2010 is an invaluable legislation guide that offers coverage of the Act's provisions. Written by a team of leading barristers from Littleton Chambers, this comprehensive book provides expert commentary on the provisions and includes the text of the Act itself.