Promoting diverse pathways into the legal profession
Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler is proving itself a champion supporter of efforts to diversify how new talent is recruited into the legal profession.
The firm has taken steps such as partnering with Leadership Through Sport and Business to attract applicants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, demonstrating a real commitment to true diversity within the profession.
LTSB is a social mobility charity that prepares and supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into meaningful roles with major firms.
"Many talented individuals would not consider university as their first choice, or indeed as an option at all, so our alternative pathways allow us to nurture talent that our industry might otherwise have missed out on,” said Sarah Bond-Williams, people & culture director at FBC Manby Bowdler.
"We've had particular success in qualifying those applying later in life, including staff from legal secretary backgrounds."
Sarah said the firm emphasises tailored support for all trainees, recognising that some individuals face additional challenges such as caring responsibilities or learning differences. Mentors and buddies across the firm for apprentices and trainees have had a real impact by providing additional support.
“Our track record is good in this field, which benefits us as a firm by tapping into this under resourced talent pool, but also the colleagues we’re bringing with us on the journey.
“A staggering 12 per cent of our workforce is currently on an apprenticeship or flexible study route to qualification.
"And while we continue to offer traditional training contracts, we're seeing much better engagement from individuals from diverse backgrounds through our wider training offering," explained Sarah.
"This includes our commitment to qualifications through CiLEX, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, an approach to on-the-job training that marries legal knowledge with the practical skills, behaviours and commercial awareness without age restrictions, along with apprenticeships at paralegal, solicitor and graduate levels, also without age limits."
FBC Manby Bowdler has established itself as an early adopter of alternative routes into the profession, having already qualified three individuals through legal apprenticeships with more set to qualify over the next six years.
The firm also supports the Breaking Down Barriers to Law campaign, helping facilitate the initiative which challenges traditional recruitment practices that have historically limited opportunities, offering a broader access to legal careers.
When 2,000 teenagers from various backgrounds were surveyed last year, 40% believed university fees would be prohibitive, while 18 per cent thought family or social connections were necessary for success. Fourteen per cent considered private education essential for a law career, and 38 per cent reported being actively discouraged from pursuing legal careers during their education.
"The statistics painted a concerning picture of how the legal profession is perceived by young people," said Sarah. "By limiting our recruitment pool, we not only miss out on exceptional talent but also create a legal system that fails to reflect the society it serves."
Sarah Bond-Williams is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and earlier this year became a Chartered Fellow, the highest level of CIPD qualification.
About FBC Manby Bowdler
FBC Manby Bowdler (Midlands) Limited is a 35-Partner award winning regional law firm focused on and committed to intelligently delivering stellar service to its customers.
The firm's approach is 'One Team' and is committed to delivering the greatest quality of service and advice possible. FBC Manby Bowdler's Client Charter explains the firm's promises to clients about the stellar service experience they can expect to receive.
FBC Manby Bowdler (Midlands) Limited is recognised in the 2025 Legal 500 Directory as a top tier Firm for Agriculture & Estates and Family
For further information, please visit www.fbcmb.co.uk, or follow the firm on LinkedIn @FBCManbyBowdler and Instagram @fbc.manbybowdler
