Only 90 out of 13,000 partners in England and Wales are Black, report finds

David Lammy, the official patron of the ‘1% Study’ writes in The Guardian: “In recent years issues of racial inequity have been thrust into the spotlight. We must seize this momentum to drive positive societal change. Improving representation in the legal profession will enable the sector to benefit from the brilliance of difference, leveraging the rich and diverse tapestry of cultures and ethnicities that make up our national identity; and better reflect the global client base that the legal sector serves.” 

extense ran a 21-month intense primary research investigation, interviewing Black partners at law firms across the UK to understand the core contributing factors that have assisted Black solicitors in reaching partner level at UK law firms. Their research is endorsed by The Law Society of England and Wales, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and is sponsored by five major law firms: 

• DLA Piper UK LLP; 

• Herbert Smith Freehills LLP; 

• Hogan Lovells; 

• Latham & Watkins; 

• and Linklaters LLP.  

The consultancy interviewed 65 Black partners at major UK firms uncovering that ‘outsider’ status, not having access to the same networks as their white peers, pressure to assimilate, and receiving less high-quality work as well as harsher scrutiny were major themes of Black partners’ experiences.  

The report also identifies five key actions law firms are currently not taking, but need to address if they’re to tackle the lack of Black representation in senior positions: 

1. Tying executive compensation to diversity and inclusion outcomes
2. Training for supervisors in managing diverse teams
3. Support for the “nuanced needs and talents acutely faced by Black talent”
4. Sponsorship programmes to target underrepresented talent
5. Delegating work and career development opportunities equitably, including through use of algorithmic technology