The widening of access to law schools as well as access to the legal professions and the judiciary have been prominent in the current political debate. The aim is to extend the rate of participation within groups that are under represented, with an emphasis upon fairness, the recruitment of the best people and the creation of a diverse body of graduates, lawyers and judges.
The widening access agenda has focused upon a number of factors, including the effects of social class, attendance at state or poorly performing schools and a lack of familial experience of higher education upon educational and career opportunities. Studies of diversity in higher education and the professions have also highlighted the continuing significance of factors such as race, gender and disability.
