Breakfast Bite: Diversity in law: is the SQE making a difference?

Did you know that Jarred Consulting founder Kerry is also a host of the ReImagine Law podcast? For those who want behind-the-scenes intel on how to get into the legal profession, she and her co-hosts speak to experts on how to find the right path in what can be a complex field.

In this episode, Kerry is joined by Chris White founder of leading diversity platform Aspiring Solicitors and Jonny Hurst of educational group BPP. They explore the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (the SQE) and the impact it’s having on diversity, inclusion and equity in the sector.

Is it making a difference?

To tackle this question they talk about:

• Concerns over the latest round of SQE examinations and how data shows a disproportionate impact against diverse talent.
• The reasons behind pass rate disparity and how they range from students having to work throughout preparation to survive, to the costs of the exams themselves.
• The grants, bursaries and other free support available and what every student can do to help themselves if they fail the SQE. Such as pausing for breath before retakes, analysing where they went wrong and strategising a way forward.
• The different routes now available to get into the legal profession including solicitor apprenticeships and why these open up huge opportunities for anyone who wants to get into law.

‘Now is more important than ever to be focused on diversity, inclusion and equity and we can’t lose momentum on this.’ Chris says. ‘We must speak up against and remove rhetoric about diversity being old hat and we’ve gone too far.’

Whether you work in the legal profession or not, this is an important sentiment with wide-reaching importance across all sectors.

It’s about the less obvious, more systematic mechanisms at play that we need to be aware of and overturn where we can. Like Chris and Jonny we can be part of direct and indirect action to ensure the next generation of professionals and leaders represent the diversity of our world.

To enjoy the podcast click here or search ReImagine Law Diversity and the SQE on your favourite podcast platform.

Have a great day.