Insight

IN PARTNERSHIP

Inclusion in the UK Legal Market: Why Diversity Really Matters

Diversity and inclusion are increasingly important in law firm business models, driven by client and stakeholder demand, corporate responsibility and recruitment and retention success.

Woman sitting at boardroom table with several other people
FT

Financial Times

June 7, 2023 03:30 PM

This content was paid for and produced by Best Lawyers in partnership with the Commercial Department of the Financial Times.

In July 2021, the UK legal market showed it was serious about improving diversity and inclusion in law firms by introducing the Mansfield Rule. Firms seeking Mansfield Rule Certification must show that when hiring for leadership roles, and inclusion in formal pitch presentations to clients, they consider candidate pools that are at least 30 per cent female, from minority ethnic backgrounds, with disabilities or who identify as LGBTQIA+. This national move reflects an industry-wide shift.

However, the pace of change is slow. Minority ethnic representation in full equity partnerships has risen by a maximum of 1.1 percentage points from 2021 to 2022, and as of May 2022 constitutes just 17 per cent of lawyers[1], while disabled lawyers, and those educated in state schools, are still substantially under-represented compared with the UK workforce average[2].

Prioritising diversity and inclusion in law firm practices is critical to the sector’s evolution. “During the pandemic, EDI [Equality, Diversity and Inclusion] was off the agenda for many firms, but it’s now firmly on top for everyone, which is where it needs to be,” says Bates Wells partner Chetal Patel, who has been recognised by the peer review-based research, ranking and publishing company Best Lawyers in its 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom™ for Immigration Law. “Simply paying lip service to EDI isn’t enough. Staff and clients want more – they want to know how committed firms are and what action they are taking.”

Power of Diversity

With research revealing that the biggest firms also employ the smallest proportion of disabled lawyers, and that the number of partners from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic group is more than four times greater in one-partner firms, the discrepancy issue is coming into sharper focus. Business models increasingly factor in diversity and, what is more, clients are speaking out: major global companies have warned they will seek alternative instruction or cut fees if racial and gender diversity in the law firms they work with doesn’t improve[3].

Jane Colston, a Brown Rudnick partner who is recognised in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom™ for Commercial Dispute Resolution, says that many of the GCs her firm works with want to see a diverse legal team. “They recognise the benefits, such as avoiding the echo chamber, and the influence they have in this regard. We certainly have clients with a genuine interest in our DEI efforts and progress, as shown by the increased number, year-over-year, of client requests for the demographics of the teams working on their matters.”

Improving diversity and inclusion can result in more rounded advice, which can only be helpful both to firms and their clients. In addition, disrupting bias in the UK legal market can boost performance. Recent research by the Harvard Business Review reveals that companies with above-average total diversity achieve on average 19 percentage points higher innovation revenues and nine percentage points higher EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margins[4]. “The business case is clear, and certainly a motivating factor across the industry,” says Colston. “Our leadership continues to harness the opportunity provided and is engaged in discussions that promote greater representation of diverse talent.

The Data Gap

Analysis of the landscape, while vital for improving the situation, can be challenging. It was only a few years ago – in 2018 – that Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy was criticised by the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee for refusing to report on its diversity statistics. “While ethnicity pay reporting isn’t mandatory, we’re seeing many law firms publishing their data,” says Patel. “Some of the data isn’t great, and it can be an uncomfortable read, but it reflects the reality of where a firm is. It acts as the starting block for being honest with ourselves, seeing the gaps and addressing key issues.

Elizabeth Petit, Director of Research & Development and Managing Editor at Best Lawyers, says that supporting lawyers to create a digital footprint early on is key for recognising diverse legal talent. “We have the opportunity to highlight and spotlight certain firms and individuals, and to really drive that narrative. We are trying to give more visibility through our content and our coverage,” she says. This starts with a diverse nominee base when it comes to its peer review approach to analysing the legal market. “The more diverse a pool we start with, the better off we are. So, we have been very proactive in asking for nominations from minority bar associations and diversity officers.” Better visibility, she says, starts from the very beginning. “It isn't an afterthought.”

The process of change is “a journey”, says Patel – and one that comes with challenges and rewards. “It’s important to remember that some conversations around inclusion are difficult but, as a sector, we need to lead the way for others and ensure that the legal profession is open and accessible to all.”

Headline Image: credit: iStock/ AzmanL

Related Articles

Presenting The Best Lawyers in The United Kingdom 2024


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the 12th edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom™ and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in the United Kingdom for 2024.

Big Ben and bridge over water in London at sunset

IN PARTNERSHIP

In Today’s World, What Does It Mean To Be a Successful Lawyer?


by Financial Times

As the corporate world evolves, attitudes about what makes a good lawyer are shifting. What do clients want, and how can individuals distinguish themselves

Bright sun shining through office window on man with head down

IN PARTNERSHIP

Closing the Gender Gap in the UK Legal Market


by Financial Times

The number of female lawyers at the UK’s top 100 law firms is increasing, but only slowly – so why are women still significantly under-represented at partner level?

One male and two females working together at table with computer and notebooks

Announcing The Best Lawyers in The United Kingdom™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers and firms from the United Kingdom.

The Best Lawyers in The United Kingdom 2023

The Future of Litigation Is Changing for Female Solicitors in the U.K.


by Catherine Baksi

The support of entire law firms, organizations and senior counsel members will be the key to encouraging female solicitors and positive change in the industry.

Changing Litigation for UK Female Solicitors

The Importance of Content Marketing for Law Firms and Strategies for Success


by Jennifer Verta

Strengthen client relationships, boost visibility and drive growth with effective content marketing tailored for law firms.

Illustration of a central red figure surrounded by gray figures in a circular network

IN PARTNERSHIP

Trial Lawyers Protect Employees, Make Workplaces Safer


by Esquire Bank

Trial lawyers Jeffrey Laffey and Sean Flaherty fight hard for injured workers because of their own personal experiences with the aftermath of workplace injuries.

Lawyers Jeffrey Laffey and Sean Flaherty Protect Employees

How to Optimize Your Law Firm’s Website for SEO


by Best Lawyers

Making the most of your law firm's SEO is vital for marketing your legal practice and driving potential clients to your website. Here are a few basics you should know.

Magnet Attracting Metal Balls Symbolizing Law Firm SEO Strategy

The Hidden Constitutional Crisis: Maine’s Mounting Criminal Law Catastrophe


by Gregory Sirico

The number of criminal defendants lacking legal representation in Maine is skyrocketing like nowhere else in the US. Is there any stopping it?

Client in handcuffs sits across from lawyer

US Criminal Law Legal Guide: Navigating Future Changes in Legislation


by Gregory Sirico

This article highlights noteworthy pending criminal justice reform legislation, such as the Equal Act, the First Step Implementation Act and the Federal Prison Oversight Act.

Capitol building split in half

Leveraging Competitor Analysis for Effective Legal SEO Strategies


by Jennifer Verta

Maximize your law firm’s SEO strategy with competitor analysis.

Hands Typing on Laptop with Competitive Analysis SEO Search Bar Hologram

Building a Greener Future on Unsolid Ground


by William S. Thomas

As climate change only intensifies, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and shifting how construction legal professionals conduct litigation.

Multi-level house in the process of being built

Civil War


by Anastasia Shubert-Baranowski and Meghan Wynkoop

In several globally spanning industries, sex-trafficking lawsuits have increased dramatically, targeting online platforms, property owners and companies.

Women sitting on floor in fully red room

California Overhauls Controversial Private Attorneys General Act


by Eric C. Schwettmann and Katherine A. Hren

Enacted 20 years ago, PAGA is well behind the litigation curve in an age where change is always in motion.

Lawyer seated in an empty court

ERISA Reaches Its Turning Point


by Bryan Driscoll

ERISA litigation and the laws surrounding are rapidly changing, with companies fundamentally rewriting their business practices.

Beach chair and hat sit in front of large magnify glass

IN PARTNERSHIP

How A Trial Lawyer Overcame Adversity and is Paying It Forward


by Esquire Bank

After fighting to take the bar exam, Matt Nakajima continues to beat the odds for his clients as a personal injury trial lawyer, winning millions in settlements.

Trial Lawyer Matt Nakajima Overcame Adversity and Gives Back

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Why Backlinks Matter for Law Firm SEO


by Nancy Lippincott

The key ingredient to a law firm's online search visibility could lie within backlinks, a driving factor in the industry's efforts to build an SEO-based future.

Collection of search bars, menus and posts in front of gray background

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background