Diversity Access Scheme

The Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) is a unique scholarship programme, designed to address key barriers to the solicitors’ profession faced by those from less advantaged backgrounds.

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 open.

Before applying, read the eligibility criteria (PDF 113 KB) and application guidance (PDF 370 KB) before starting your application.

All applications must be made using our online form.

It is not possible to work on the online form, save it and return to it. We advise that you preview the questions by reading through the PDF view-only application form first.

When you are ready to complete the online form, copy and paste these answers into the form.

Read a preview of the questions (PDF 388 KB)

If you require the application form in a different format, email Leila at diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk to discuss your particular needs.

Do not attempt to fill in the PDF form and submit it via email.

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

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