12 October 2011

Deputy Prime Minister tells lawyers ILEX is “a huge part of the solution” to diversity problem

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg has told law firms that the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) represents a “huge part of the solution” to the problem of a lack of diversity within the Legal Sector.

Speaking at the Financial Services Lawyers Association dinner on Monday night (10 October 2011), Mr. Clegg explained how social mobility is his passion and that “The legal profession has made some progress, but not enough. You have to do better. You have to open your doors wider.”

He continued: “One area in particular that I think is crucial is looking at alternative routes in to the profession, giving people second chances, and non-graduate entry routes. The Institute of Legal Executives group offers the only route to becoming a qualified lawyer that is open to all, regardless of education, social status or background.”

Echoing ILEX’s own campaigning, Mr Clegg added: “It (ILEX) offers a route into the profession – for the 22,000 legal executives, trainee legal executives and paralegals. 85% of them come from families where neither parent went to university; three out of four are women. But at the moment only a minority of posts are filled by this route. So if you are serious about social mobility, it seems to be that a huge part of the solution lies right on your doorstep – or at least back in your offices.”

ILEX Chief Executive, Diane Burleigh was pleased to hear Mr. Clegg’s words: “One thing ILEX will never do is rest on its laurels. We will constantly promote and support our members’ skills, so to hear Mr. Clegg echo what we have always said shows that the message is getting through. ILEX is the best route to a career in law.”

During the speech Mr. Clegg called on more large firms to sign the Business Compact on Social Mobility, a commitment from firms to recruit fairly and open up their internship programmes. He said that politics and law served a diverse sector of people and so both need to do more to ensure they mirror those they represent.

This news comes as large firms such as Pinsent Mason, Irwin Mitchell, Gordons, Minster Law and DWF announce they are turning to ILEX for their lawyer ‘apprenticeship’ training programmes.

ENDS