The UK and Ireland law firm opened its doors to 12 students aged 16 and over, offering them the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the legal profession via the REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) mentoring programme.

Since launching in 2022, REACH has formed a key part of the firm's commitment to improving diversity within the legal sector. 

At that time, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) reported that Black lawyers accounted for just 3% of those working in UK law firms. 

REACH aims to address this imbalance by building a sustainable pipeline of future Black legal talent. It has supported nearly 60 aspiring legal professionals at the start of their careers, with 17 participants going on to secure roles within the firm. 

The latest cohort was introduced to the programme at a launch event held at Browne Jacobson's Birmingham office on 2 April. Newly appointed Senior Partner Jonathan Tardiff welcomed attendees, with sessions led by Bridget Tatham, Partner and REACH sponsor at the firm; Aggie Yemurai Mutuma, founder of Mahogany Partners; Adeyemi Ogunkoya, a former REACH mentee who has since progressed to become an associate at the firm; and representatives from Birmingham Black Lawyers.

Bridget Tatham, Partner at Browne Jacobson and REACH mentoring programme sponsor, said: "As a firm that aims to tackle society's biggest issues, we're proud of the impact our REACH programme is already beginning to have on advancing Black representation across our organisation and the wider legal profession.

“At its core, this is not about finding or creating talent - Black talent has always existed in abundance. It's about removing the structural barriers that have historically prevented Black lawyers from entering, progressing, and thriving in this industry.

“We're committed to ensuring that Black lawyers are not just welcomed, but genuinely supported at every stage of their careers, with the mentorship, sponsorship, visibility, and opportunities they deserve.”

Over the next six months, REACH participants will be paired with a Browne Jacobson mentor who will provide guidance, share insights and support their development as they explore potential legal careers.

Alongside one-to-one mentoring, the programme offers a range of structured sessions and experiences, including support for traineeship applications, an oracy workshop for developing communication skills, commercial awareness training and in-person work experience across Browne Jacobson’s seven offices.

It also features events, including a fireside chat with prominent Black lawyers I. Stephanie Boyce and Shaun Wallace, a Black Men in Law annual gathering held at Barclays’ Birmingham office, and a workshop exploring confidence and clarity in the workplace hosted by Obehi Alofoje, Director and Psychologist at corporate culture consultancy Aurora Inc.

Adeyemi Ogunkoya joined the pilot REACH mentoring programme in 2022 and has since secured a place on the firm's summer vacation scheme, completed a training contract and qualified as an Associate in the employment team in London. He now gives back to the programme as a REACH mentor.

He said: “Having been a mentee, I was inspired to become a REACH mentor because of the impact it had on my career and personal development. The guidance I received helped me secure a rewarding summer vacation scheme and a trainee position. These opportunities have shaped my career.”