Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme opens for applications

Since its launch, the Law Society and its sponsors have invested £3.5m in DAS, helping more than 300 future solicitors complete their legal education and providing 4,000 hours of mentoring. Since 2020, 26 awardees have started or completed training contracts, with a further 11 securing qualifying work experience. The scheme supports candidates undertaking the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), offering funding, access to paid work experience and mentoring.

Law Society vice president Brett Dixon said the scheme has the power to 'transform people’s lives', highlighting that alumni now work across the profession, from City firms and in-house teams to banking and legal aid centres. Around 15 awards are expected to be made this summer.

Past recipients have spoken of the impact of the support. Mara Harris, who grew up on a council estate in Dudley, said the scheme enabled them to complete their LLM LPC and gain essential work experience. Fellow 2023 awardee Ali Bozoğlu said the funding allowed him to finish his LPC, graduating top of his cohort, and helped restore his confidence.

BARBRI, a long-standing sponsor, said its backing of the scheme reflects a commitment to ensuring talent and ambition—not background—determine who enters the legal profession.

Applications are open from 18 February to 1 April. Find out more about the scheme here, or email diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk.