The Law Society is calling for final applications for its Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) to assist aspiring lawyers wishing to undertake the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
The unique programme, now in its eighth year, was originally created to increase social mobility in the legal profession through supporting young lawyers who face social, educational, financial or personal obstacles to qualification.
Law Society president John Wotton said: “Fair access for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds is an important and topical issue for the profession and the DAS helps to support it.”
The scheme, which attracts around 200 applications per year, is boosting its places on DAS to 50 places this year, marking a rise of 25 per cent from 2011.
DAS participants receive financial support as well as work experience opportunities and mentoring provided by the partner organisations.
Law firms Allen & Overy, Eversheds, Hogan Lovells, Field Fisher Waterhouse, Irwin Mitchell, Reeds Smith and Withers sponsor the programme. It is also supported by 13 universities from across the UK.
Ambassador for DAS Sandie Okoro added: “DAS is not about providing charity, it is about enabling talent. And the more law firms, legal departments and LPC institutions who support the scheme, the more talent can be enabled.”
The news follows The City Law School signing up to the programme last year and offering a free place on its LPC (15 March 2011).
Applications for the scheme close at midday on 20 March 2012.
