TLT launches new diversity access programme
updated on 14 October 2024
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TLT LLP has introduced a new diversity access programme, Beyond, aiming to eliminate barriers to entry into the legal profession for aspiring lawyers from ethnic minority backgrounds and improve diversity in early careers. This new initiative comes after the firm committed to reaching a diversity target of 35% ethnic minority representation across its early career roles (trainees and apprentices) by October 2030.
The Beyond programme will run in Bristol, Manchester and Scotland, with the first cohort commencing in spring 2025. The scheme will give students from ethnically diverse backgrounds the opportunity to develop their soft skills and take part in a series of workshops to build their knowledge of the legal sector. Successful candidates will also be matched with a professional mentor from the firm’s Ethnic Diversity Network and a trainee buddy, who’ll help with the key preparatory stage and provide ongoing support. The programme also includes a two-week work placement, which will run alongside the vacation schemes. Following the conclusion of the Beyond programme, candidates will automatically be considered for a training contract with TLT.
Andrew Webber, partner and early careers champion at TLT, said: “TLT is committed to removing barriers to entry into the legal profession for aspiring lawyers. The Beyond programme has been designed to intervene earlier and fill a gap to equip diverse talent with the skills required to succeed at all stages of the recruitment process and long into their career. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort to the business in early 2025.”
Applications for the programme are now open and will close on 10 January 2025. The scheme is open to:
- law students in their penultimate or final year;
- non-law students in their final year; and
- law and non-law graduates (in Scotland, non-law graduates must have commenced an accelerated LLB).
Applicants must also have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a minimum 2:1.
TLT also offers pre-programme sessions that are open to everyone. Firstly, the Introduction to Beyond webinar provides students with the opportunity to meet the early careers team, gain an insight into the programme and ask any questions. Meanwhile, Beyond – an insight into the recruitment process will provide students with top tips for applications and assessment stages.
