Law Society announces new EDI strategy for the solicitors' profession

News

The Law Society of England and Wales has today (6 November) launched a new equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy* for the solicitors’ profession. The strategy forms a key part of the Law Society’s 2025-2028 corporate strategy and aims to build a more diverse, more open and inclusive profession.

“For two centuries, the Law Society has championed solicitors and their role in upholding justice. We’ve stood alongside the profession in its fight for equality, while trailblazing solicitors paved the way for greater inclusion,” said Law Society president Mark Evans.

“Yet, inequality and bias continue to shape career paths. Women, minority ethnic, LGBTQ+ and disabled solicitors still face barriers to senior roles. Disabled solicitors remain underrepresented. And too often, workplace cultures leave people feeling like they can’t bring their best selves to work.

“We are committed to building a more inclusive profession – because when we do, everyone benefits.”

The Law Society’s new member-facing EDI Strategy (2025-2028) is about turning that ambition into action which will:

• strengthen diversity in senior leadership
• support disabled solicitors
• build more inclusive workplace cultures

Mark Evans concluded: “At the Law Society we will continue to use our voice, influence and connections to build a more inclusive profession. But we can’t do it alone. We need law firms, in-house teams, and legal professionals at all levels to step up and join us.

“Let’s build on the progress made and ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion become the foundation of our profession’s future.”

Notes to editors

• * The Law Society’s EDI strategy for 2025-2028 was shaped by a robust foundation of member engagement, external expertise, and extensive, up-to-date research and analysis. Over the last 12 months we have been working with our members to develop a three-year EDI strategy. Over 220 people from across our communities, networks, committees, and the wider profession were invited to share their views through focus groups and interviews. Over 70 people took part - including aspiring and junior solicitors, mid-career professionals and senior leaders from law firms, in-house teams and other organisations working with the legal sector. We also carried out a detailed review of current research and insights from across the sector to make sure our strategy reflects the real challenges and opportunities facing the profession today
• Law Society members are encouraged to join one of our Diversity and Inclusion networks to network and stay informed, join Get Involved to help shape our work and to register to vote for characteristic seats on our Council. Find out more.
• Find out more about the Law Society’s corporate strategy 2025-2028
• Find out more about our EDI Strategy