LSB sets out stall to improve EDI in the legal profession

News:

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has a chance to drive progress and reduce systemic barriers on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and wellbeing across the legal profession, the Law Society of England and Wales said today (2 March).

In November 2025, the LSB published a draft statement of policy* on "Encouraging a diverse legal profession" which aims to support EDI in the legal sector.

The Law Society’s response to the statement of policy highlights:

• The current statutory guidance has not driven consistent progress on EDI and wellbeing across the sector
• Our commitment to building a more diverse, open and inclusive profession. However, women, minority ethnic and disabled solicitors still face barriers to senior roles and disabled solicitors remain unrepresented**
• Concern with any increased regulatory burden on small firms – often run by Black, Asian or minority ethnic solicitors – if regulators introduce additional reporting requirements
• Support for the expansion of the current guidance for legal service regulators, to include wellbeing, recognising that women, disabled people and other minoritised groups report lower levels of mental health and wellbeing

Law Society president, Mark Evans, said:

“A diverse and inclusive profession is essential to ensuring public trust.

“However, workplace cultures, stress and mental ill-health leave people feeling like they can’t bring their best selves to work. It’s vital that people from all backgrounds can join, succeed and thrive as solicitors.

“We support the LSB’s ambition to improve diversity, inclusion, fairness and wellbeing across the profession and welcome a strengthened, evidenced-based regulatory approach that sets clearer expectations and accountability.”

On increased regulatory burdens on small firms, Mark Evans concluded:

“Research by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) shows that Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors are disproportionately represented in one partner and small firms.

"Structural pressures and operational strains make them more vulnerable to regulatory scrutiny.

“We are concerned that requiring every authorised firm to report their EDI policies could disproportionately impact these firms. A proportionate approach would be more appropriate.

“We look forward to working with the LSB as this draft policy statement is refined and implemented.”

Notes to editors

• * Section 49 of the Legal Services Act 2007 allows the LSB to issue policy statements, and requires them to consult before issuing policy statements. The LSB is using this power to issue a policy statement on EDI.
•  ** SRA research shows that 2% of solicitors have shared they are disabled (6% in private practice), compared to 23% of working-age adults.
• Read the LSB’s consultation on draft statement of policy on "Encouraging a diverse legal profession"
• The Law Society’s consultation response is available upon request