Diversity Access Scheme
The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) supports talented and tenacious aspiring solicitors from less advantaged backgrounds. It provides funding, work experience and mentoring for successful applicants.
Applications to the Diversity Access Scheme will open on 1 March 2021.
Full details of how to apply, including the application guidance and application form, will be available on our website from 1 March. For urgent enquiries, contact diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.
The Diversity Access Scheme 2021 will offer awardees funding for either LPC or SQE fees.
Make sure you read the eligibility criteria and application guidance before filling in the application form.
If you have any questions not covered by the application guidance, or require additional support or adjustments, email diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.
The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme supports talented and tenacious aspiring solicitors from less advantaged backgrounds.
The scheme offers 10 diversity scholarships each year. Each place includes:
- a bursary to fund your Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- work experience
- mentoring support
Who can apply
Read the full eligibility criteria (PDF 40 KB) to see who can apply.
How to apply
Applications are now closed. We will update this page when the scheme reopens for applications in 2021.
Read the application guidance (PDF 266 KB) before completing your application form.
Once applications reopen, you can apply for the scheme via:
- an online form
We prefer online applications where possible.
If you're submitting your application by email, download and complete the application form (PDF 308 KB).
You’ll also need to answer the essay question in the application form. Essay questions in previous years have been on topics such as Brexit, legal aid and government resourcing.
Submit your application by email to diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.
If you're visually impaired and need assistance accessing the DAS application guidance, eligibility criteria and application form, email Leila at diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.
Work experience and mentoring
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.
Previous host organisations have included:
Find out how the Diversity Access Scheme has helped others
Results of the 2020 scheme
The 2020 application process closed on 27 April. We received 153 applications. We shortlisted 31 applications for interview and made 10 awards.
We made changes to the process in 2020 to encourage more diversity in applications and to adapt to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Download our report on the 2020 process (PDF 474 KB)
Our sponsors
The Diversity Access Scheme benefits from the generous support of the A W Blackwell Bequest.
