Interested in a future career as a lawyer? Use The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in Law to get started
Find out about the various legal apprenticeships on offer and browse vacancies with The Law Apprenticeships Guide
Information on qualifying through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, including preparation courses, study resources, QWE and more
Discover everything you need to know about developing your knowledge of the business world and its impact on the law
The latest news and updates on the actions being taken to improve diversity and inclusion in the legal profession
Discover advice to help you prepare for and ace your vacation scheme, training contract and pupillage applications
Your first-year guide to a career in law – find out how to kickstart your legal career at this early stage
Your non-law guide to a career in law – everything you need to know about converting to law
updated on 04 February 2016
The annual Law Society Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) has reopened its system and is accepting applications until 6 April 2016.
The DAS aims to increase social diversity in the legal profession by supporting promising entrants from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who face exceptional obstacles to qualification. The following support is offered to the successful applicants:
It is also possible to apply for DAS Plus, which offers both LPC funding and a guaranteed training contract at a national Law Centre.
Previous DAS alumni include individuals who have experienced time in local authority care, resisted coercion into arranged marriage and escaped oppressive regimes. Others have simply faced financial and social hardship growing up in households where there was very little money and support to enable them to pursue their studies.
A number of law firms sponsor the DAS, including Eversheds, Hogan Lovells, Reed Smith and Withers LLP.
Jonathan Smithers, president of the Law Society, said: “Individuals invited to join the scheme have demonstrated a commitment to a career in the law in the face of extreme disadvantage and without the DAS would not be in a position to join our profession. It has been my privilege to meet a number of our DAS alumni. While their obstacles differ, the common thread is the inspiring way they have fought to overcome barriers to qualification. You may wonder why we are opening more pathways when the profession is already crowded. It is a fair question but I believe the long-term prosperity of our profession depends on its ability to attract talent from the widest possible range of backgrounds. A diverse profession will thrive as it reflects the society it serves.”
For more about the scheme (including specific downloadable criteria), to watch a video of a former DAS applicant and to apply, click here.