Thompsons Solicitors has topped the league in the annual Black Solicitors Network survey of national and international law firm’s records on diversity.
The survey, described by Harriet Harman QC MP as “shining a light on equality in the legal profession”, reports on the ethnicity and gender of employees from paralegal to partner level.
The research commented on Thompsons’ ‘‘high levels of gender diversity and ethnic representation across nearly all levels of practice’’.
In sub rankings within the survey Thompsons came:
1st in the table for female trainees
4th in the table for female partners
7th in the table for ethnic minority Associates
This year the survey included statistics in relation to employees with disabilities, although these did not contribute to the overall rankings. Thompsons came 7th in the ranking of participating firms.
The Black solicitors Network was formed in May 1995 to promote the interests of black solicitors and is recognised as a Law Society Group. Thompsons has participated in the Black Solicitors Network (BSN) survey for the last three years and in each year has improved its ranking.
The firm’s feature page within the survey profiles two personal injury Team Managers, Imogen Wetton and Warinder Juss. Imogen joined the firm in 2000 as an Assistant Solicitor. She has been actively involved in campaigning and the Law Centres Movement, using the law to enforce people’s rights – particularly the rights of disabled people.
Imogen commented: ‘’Thompsons has proved to me that it is committed to providing training and education opportunities for all staff.’’
Warinder joined Thompsons as a trainee and his career development has been supported by the firm’s excellent supervision, training and instruction.
He said: ‘’Thompsons is committed to promoting diversity. In my experience the firm not only encourages and attracts a diverse workforce, it also actively supports staff to be involved in the legal, political and social issues affecting our clients.’’
Stephen Cavalier, Thompsons’ Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that every year we have taken part in this survey we have improved our ranking. To have come top is a fantastic achievement.
“We take diversity very seriously at Thompsons. This result confirms and reinforces the measures we have taken to ensure that we attract, recruit and retain the very best people, whatever their ethnic background or gender.
“We are committed as part of our equality and diversity action plan, to continually make progress in all areas of diversity so that our people reflect the communities we serve.’’