Government Legal Diversity Summer Scheme

The Government Legal Department and departments from the wider Government Legal Profession recently hosted the Diversity Summer Scheme for around 500 students in our offices in Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol. The programme aims to promote diversity within the legal profession and connect with talent early.

We partner with several organisations, including The Law Society , The Sutton Trust , SOCIETY OF ASIAN LAWYERS LIMITED , Black Lawyers Circle , The Social Mobility Foundation and Aspiring Solicitors . These organisations support aspiring solicitors by offering mentoring and work experience.

The summer scheme is an annual event that provides students with an opportunity to gain an insight into the challenging, high-profile work undertaken by government lawyers. The schedule for the week includes mock bill writing, interactive workshops, and talks from senior government lawyers.

Rachel, who took part in a previous Diversity Summer Scheme and who has now secured a training contract with GLD, commented “I came away feeling as though my personal experiences and background would be welcomed and seen as an asset”.

Mel Nebhrajani CB, Director General of the Justice with Litigation and Security Directorate, said:

“We have a profoundly important role as one of the largest employers of lawyers and consumers of legal services in the country to improve accessibility into the profession – to be more diverse ourselves so we are properly representative of the citizens we serve but also to lead the profession into greater diversity.

The Government Legal Diversity Summer Scheme is a key way we do this by engaging with students from under-represented backgrounds from different parts of the country in order to provide insight into a career in government law. It was inspiring to speak with students in Bristol and Manchester and hear about their unique journeys and why they are considering a career in law. It is also very energising to hear from our lawyers and why they love what they do! Huge thanks to all those involved in organising this very special week – it is time very productively spent on important outreach work – and to all those who spoke and supported the students.”

Details of the 2025 scheme will be published when available for prospective applicants.