Magic circle firms back social mobility initiative

In the wake of reports of increasing elitism in the legal profession (see "Working-class accents bad news for legal wannabes" and "Legal profession favours the privileged"), magic circle firms Allen & Overy (A&O), Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Slaughter and May have backed a website designed to boost social mobility.

The trio, along with accountancy firm Deloitte, are among the first to sign up to charity website Accessprofessions.com, which gives students aged between 13 and 21 opportunities to enhance their career prospects. Students can access information on careers fairs, 'taster' days, work experience, summer schools, seminars and lectures; and those who register their details (including their education and career aspirations) are contacted by email when suitable opportunities arise. There are more than 100 opportunities listed currently, such as a careers information event to be held at The College of Law, Moorgate. 

Accessprofessions.com founder Mr Zao-Sanders told Legal Futures: "The website links young people with ways of accessing top professions. It establishes relationships with universities, businesses and employers, and law firms in particular, such as Freshfields, which is providing pro bono legal advice."

Zao-Sanders also put together a working group which includes A&O diversity head Jane Masey. She told LegalFutures: "Most young people don’t know how to access opportunities that help them further their career. The idea is to bring together work experience, internship and similar opportunities in a collaborative project."

The Law Society will be taking an active role in the website, having becoming one of 34 Accessprofessions.com 'partners'.