The toolkit includes feedback mechanisms and case studies
The Law Society of England and Wales has introduced an updated diversity talent geared towards the retention of Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff in large law firms, reported the Law Society Gazette.
The toolkit recommends actions to improve retention rates, including confidential feedback mechanisms and a senior leader-sponsored equity, diversity, and inclusion committee that addresses staff concerns like work allocation regularly. The toolkit also urges firms to implement what it described as “consistent and transparent” work allocation practices and incorporate diversity and inclusion contributions into performance reviews.
Data revealed that just 8 percent of partners in large firms hail from minority ethnic backgrounds. Moreover, large firms record lower retention rates for minority ethnic solicitors than White solicitors; many minority ethnic solicitors move to small firms or in-house legal teams they perceive as being more inclusive.
The toolkit lists case studies of large firms that have successfully kept diverse talent on, including Stephenson Harwood and Kingsley Napley. Stephenson Harwood put together an ethnicity action plan that resulted in the recruitment of more Black trainees, while Kingsley Napley established a race, ethnicity and cultural heritage (REACH) group.
REACH group activities included advocating for the use of NameDrop software to educate staff on the correct pronunciations of names as well as “lunch and learn” sessions on diverse staff members’ backgrounds and heritage.
“In today's climate, focusing on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession is more crucial than ever. Embracing diversity fosters a more equitable workplace and enhances the quality of legal services by bringing varied perspectives and experiences to the table. Additionally, a commitment to inclusion helps attract and retain top talent from all backgrounds, driving innovation and growth within firms,” said Dr Sam De Silva, who chairs the Law Society’s ethnic solicitors network and is global co-head of the commercial practice group at global firm CMS, in a statement published by the Gazette.