Socio-economic diversity and progression to partner in the law

Ten leading law firms have collaborated with the Bridge Group to understand whether, and how, socio-economic background affects progression to partner. We found that more than half of partners employed across the participating firms attended an independent school (53%) and the talent pipeline suggests that limited progress will be made over time. The figure is 47% for the wider employee population including associates and senior associates, and 46% among associates (the critical step on the journey to partner for most young people).

Our key findings include:

• Those who identify as White progress to partner nearly two years more quickly than those from other ethnic groups.

• Those from lower socio-economic backgrounds take a year and a half longer on average to reach partner than their colleagues from higher socio-economic backgrounds.

• Females take nearly a year longer than males to reach partner.

• Black and female employees are much more likely to be from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

• Ethnic group and gender combine with socio-economic background to amplify inequalities in rates of progression.

• The report recommends measures to address these inequalities.

Follow this link to view the report and report launch webinar.