Connecting, Inspiring And Teaching
The Next Generation Of Lawyers
Law City adopts a multi-faceted approach to advancing social mobility within the legal profession. While there has been encouraging progress as leading firms increasingly acknowledge the sector’s lack of social and economic diversity, significant challenges persist. Many initiatives and opportunities, though well-intentioned, are not equally accessible and often fail to reach those who would benefit most, as research consistently demonstrates.
Recent data illustrates the scale of the issue: although only around 7% of the UK population is privately educated, a disproportionately high share of the legal and corporate elite still come from fee-paying schools. At the Bar, 19.4% of barristers (including non-respondents) attended independent schools, and among those who disclosed their school type, the figure is approximately one in three. Similarly, 37% of UK-educated FTSE 100 CEOs and 68% of chairs were privately educated, highlighting a persistent imbalance in socio-economic representation at senior levels.
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There is clear evidence of substantial barriers to entry for aspiring lawyers from lower socio-economic backgrounds. While opportunities do exist, they often reach only a small fraction of these students due to restrictive application processes or a general lack of awareness about available resources and programmes. As a result, many talented individuals are unable to access the support required to pursue a career in law.​
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CONNECT
At Law City, we understand that the legal industry in the UK can often feel like an exclusive club, especially for those from low socio-economic backgrounds. The traditional pathways to becoming a lawyer are frequently perceived as complex and inaccessible, creating significant barriers for aspiring legal professionals. Many passionate young people are deterred from pursuing a career in law simply because they lack the connections, guidance, and financial resources to navigate this elite landscape.
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Law City is committed to breaking down these barriers and promoting social mobility within the legal sector. We strive to make a legal career more accessible by connecting aspiring lawyers with established professionals in the City of London, providing them with exposure to leading firms and chambers from the outset of their journeys.
Our approach is simple: the only requirement to join the Law City community or attend our events is a genuine interest in law. By removing traditional obstacles such as age, prior experience, and costs, we aim to discover and nurture the next generation of talented lawyers who might otherwise be discouraged from entering the profession due to the industry's inherent challenges.
We inspire excellence in aspiring lawyers by exposing them to lawyers practicing within the best firms and chambers in London. Having Partners and Chief Executives attend and speak at our events gives aspiring lawyers the opportunity to not only visualise a goal but also receive mentorship and practical guidance to excel within the legal industry.
INSPIRE
TEACH
We support aspiring lawyers from low socio-economic backgrounds in preparing for a successful legal career in the city. Our workshops and events offer valuable insights into various legal fields, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to explore and build their careers in these areas. Additionally, our blogs are specifically tailored to address frequently asked questions, providing crucial information that helps guide their journey to becoming lawyers.