The Black Lives Matters movement has prompted various law firms to reconsider their approach to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Some City firms have pledged new targets and others are investing in new forms of positive action, internally and externally, to address the underrepresentation of BAME individuals in their workforce.
As well as the moral dimension, there is undoubtedly reputational pressure on law firms to make progress in this area. However what of the regulatory obligation that exists under Section 1 of the Legal Services Act 2007 to encourage an “independent, strong, diverse and effective legal profession”? How likely are we to see this being a priority for scrutiny by legal regulators going forward?
