Chadwick Lawrence Is Breaking The Conventional Barriers in Law

As part of a concentrated effort to improve social mobility within the legal sector, Chadwick Lawrence has actively engaged in a pioneering project, exploring avenues to better the opportunities across the country, particularly within regional firms.

Within our firm, narratives of unconventional career trajectories are far more prevalent than in many other firms, underscoring our commitment to nurturing diverse talent and challenging conventional norms. The Breaking Down Barriers to Law initiative, launched in Parliament, marks a pivotal milestone in the legal sector’s evolution towards inclusivity. By fostering collaboration among leading law firms and education providers, the initiative aims to dismantle systemic barriers and cultivate a more diverse and representative legal landscape.

Neil Wilson, our Managing Partner, recounts his journey into law  “I changed careers at the age of 33 having studied my law degree and postgraduate diploma part-time on evenings and weekends whilst holding down a full-time non-legal managerial position. I had no contacts whatsoever in the legal profession and I recall friends at the time saying I would have little hope in progressing a career as a solicitor without such contacts,” emphasising the firm’s support throughout his transition into the legal sphere.

Echoing these sentiments, Zoe Allen, one of our Associates, emphasises the significance of debunking preconceived notions surrounding legal careers. “As a first-generation lawyer, without any connections in the profession, I’ve experienced firsthand the barriers aspiring lawyers face,”

“Gaining work experience and later becoming a legal apprentice with Chadwick Lawrence gave me the opportunity to pursue and flourish in my career, without which, my journey might have been quite different. 8 years on, I have gone from believing that a legal career was not accessible to me, to being an Associate in a law firm and the sky very much remains the limit,” says Zoe, highlighting the impact of Chadwick Lawrence’s inclusive approach.

Read more about Zoe’s Pathway to Progression here.

Furthermore, Ellie Hirst, another of our Associates, underscores the firm’s commitment to promoting positive change within the legal sector. “It was an honour to represent Chadwick Lawrence at the launch ceremony for the Breaking Down Barriers to Law initiative.” 

“Having come from a background with no knowledge or contacts in the legal world, I understand the importance of regimes to encourage accessibility to the legal profession. The day itself was excellent and inspiring, and I enjoyed hearing from the Attorney General, Justine Greening and Members of Parliament to summarise the work done so far,” expresses Ellie, reflecting on the firm’s dedication to driving change.

Read more about Ellie’s Pathway to Progression here.

Catherine Milnes, HR Manager at Chadwick Lawrence, reflects on her remarkable journey within the firm, spanning over three decades. “I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now without the opportunities, kindness, understanding, support, and guidance they have shown me throughout the last 35 years.” 

“When the time was right for me, I was still given an opportunity to develop and study for my CIPD qualification, the firm funding the course, providing a high level of mentoring and a job role to support my learning,” acknowledges Catherine, further highlighting the firm’s impact on her professional journey.

The Breaking Down Barriers to Law initiative, launched in Parliament, marks a pivotal milestone in the legal sector’s evolution towards inclusivity. The initiative aims to dismantle systemic barriers and cultivate a more diverse and representative legal landscape by fostering collaboration among leading law firms.

Rt Hon Justine Greening, in commending the initiative, emphasises the transformative power of collaborative action in effecting meaningful change. “The legal sector has long been seen as a closed shop for many who might aspire to work in it,” underscoring the imperative for collective action to drive social impact.

Chair of the Breaking Down Barriers Commission, Nick Forbes CBE, lauds the initiative’s proactive approach to dismantling entrenched barriers within the legal profession. “This collaboration has seen a laser-like focus on creating career pathways beyond traditional networks,” he remarks, signalling a shift in the legal sector’s approach to inclusivity.

Paul Campbell, Senior Partner of Chadwick Lawrence who took the lead in this project for the firm, explains “It was inevitable that we would be attracted to supporting the Breaking Down Barriers to Law initiative and we are not only proud to be a part of it but also keen to learn more from the peer firms we are meeting on this journey.”

As Chadwick Lawrence continues to champion diversity and accessibility within the legal profession, the firm remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. The firm has now committed to the second phase of the project which will be initiated in a roundtable discussion led by Alex Cunningham, MP, the Shadow Minister for legal services, and Nick Forbes, CBE, the former member of Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet.