Law firm Browne Jacobson has retained its ranking as the UK’s leading employer in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2022, the leading authority on social mobility workplace best practice in the UK.
The firm, which has offices in London, Manchester Nottingham, Birmingham, Exeter and Dublin, was the first law firm in the history of the Index to top the rankings in 2021.
Over the past 6 years Browne Jacobson has launched a series of initiatives and partnerships to open up the legal profession for young people of all backgrounds, especially those from socially disadvantaged groups and regions across the country. The Social Mobility Foundation has praised the firm in particular for its school outreach work..
In 2021-22:
- 100% of the firm’s outreach was conducted at non-selective state schools and 62% of the young people who took part were eligible for free school meals ;
- Browne Jacobson introduced a mentoring scheme specifically for aspiring young black lawyers to address the under-representation of this group across the profession;
- The firm partnered with Forage, a leading global virtual platform, to launch a “free to access” work experience programme for 16-18 year olds;
- The firm hosted its third virtual FAIRE career insight event in October 2022, attracting over 3000 participants, with more than 53% of participants taking part being Black, Asian or Minority ethnic, 77 % female and 64% from lower socio-economic backgrounds. More than 23,500 students have benefited from the FAIRE programme since inception.
Caroline Green, Senior Partner at Browne Jacobson, who leads on diversity, inclusion and well-being at the firm, said: “We are incredibly proud to maintain our position as the leading employer for social mobility in the UK and our ranking is testament to the hard work and dedication of so many of our people. As a firm we recognise that academic qualifications are not the only measure of success and the initiatives we have implemented have significantly widened the pool of talent as well as fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
“At Browne Jacobson, we believe in fairness and that success should not be dependent on “who you know”. We do not have limitless resources and our success has been achieved through a change of approach that everyone can adopt. We are delighted to share best practice to encourage other employers to level the playing field.”
Rt Hon. Alan Milburn, Chair, Social Mobility Foundation, said: “The economic crisis is widening the deep social divide in Britain. Young people are on the frontline of this great divide which is why employer-led social mobility efforts are so vital to creating opportunity based on merit and not social class. The employers represented in this year’s Index are proving that it is possible for aptitude and ability, not background or birth, to decide your progress in life. They are doubling down on improving social mobility, but many more employers need to join them. In particular it is lamentable that just one profit-rich energy company othered to enter the Index. That is an abdication of their social responsibilities.”
Sarah Atkinson, CEO, Social Mobility Foundation, said: “Well done to all the organisations which submitted this year – especially the 31 firms who have participated six years in a row. In the context of recovery from the pandemic, economic uncertainty and ongoing political upheaval, these employers are rightly continuing to prioritise social mobility as an investment in the future. The Index shows businesses and organisations are starting to lead the way to combat the cost-of-living crisis for their employees. Opportunity creation for the next generation must be at the top of their agenda, especially as working people are struck with a class pay gap and the rise in living costs eating away at their salaries. The SMF stands ready to support employers of all sizes in their social mobility journey.”
The Index is created by the Social Mobility Foundation and identifies those employers that have taken positive action to improve social mobility in the workplace. It assesses firms on a number of key areas including working with young people, attracting talent, routes into the business, recruitment, selection, and progression. This year 149 businesses and public sector organisations – employing nearly one million people entered.
Contact
Henrietta Scott
Head of Marketing
henrietta.scott@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 2299
You may be interested in...
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson scoops two accolades at The Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson launches free job simulator to give aspiring barristers a taste of life in legal profession
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Solicitor apprenticeship: Dispelling the myths
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Tips on applying for a solicitor apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Advice for those considering a legal apprenticeship
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson launches new pro bono strategy in partnership with LawWorks
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appoints new Dublin Corporate Partner amidst firm growth in the Irish market
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson bolsters presence in Wales with three new appointments
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson wins Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for Small Employers at the Personnel Today Awards 2023
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson recognised in O Shaped’s inaugural O List showcasing legal profession trailblazers
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson win Social Mobility Initiative of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2023
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson launches dedicated team to advance Socioeconomic Diversity
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson ranked as leading specialists across an impressive 38 practice areas in Chambers & Partners UK guide
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson wins Equality and Diversity Award at the National BCC Business Awards
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson hits the top tier across 27 practice areas for the first time in Legal 500 UK guide
Published Article - Firm news
O with the flow
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson solicitor becomes first in private practice to be awarded Plain Numbers accreditation
Press Release - Firm news
Dublin firm Browne Jacobson strengthens growing TMT practice with promotion of dispute resolution specialist
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson cements its offering in the Welsh market with launch of its seventh office, in Cardiff
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson relocates Exeter office to prime city location to accommodate further growth
Press Release - Firm news
Record financial results for Browne Jacobson as turnover hits £105m
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson becomes first law firm to partner with Plain Numbers to improve understanding of numbers
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson wins brace of legal industry awards for social mobility programme
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson first law firm to join Ladder for Greater Birmingham campaign
Published Article - Firm news
Neurodiversity in law firms: Thinking outside the box
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Hints and tips to help you apply for a Solicitor Apprenticeship
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
A day in the life of our Solicitor Apprentice Laura Morland
Opinion - Future Lawyer blog
Why consider an apprenticeship over going to university?
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson health lawyer wins major accolade at Made in Manchester Awards
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson maintains top spot in Social Mobility Employer Index 2022
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appointed to first Social Mobility Commission Employer Advisory Group
Press Release - Firm news
Law firm wins Franco-British Business Award for Diversity and Inclusion
UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has won the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 23rd Franco-British Business Awards 2022.
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson partners with Forage to launch virtual work experience to improve diversity and inclusion in legal sector
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson barrister wins Manchester Young Talent Award
Holly Quirk, an associate barrister in Browne Jacobson’s Manchester office, was awarded the Legal Professional of the Year Award at this year’s Manchester Young Talent Awards.
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson named as one of the UK’s best law firms by The Times
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson targets further growth as it unveils its new Birmingham office at 103 Colmore Row
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson double deal success at Insider Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2022
Browne Jacobson’s corporate finance lawyers are celebrating after two of its deals won major awards at the Insider Midlands Dealmakers Awards 2022.
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson implements latest Real Living Wage rates with immediate effect to offset cost of living crisis
Law firm Browne Jacobson has confirmed its commitment as a Real Living Wage employer by implementing the Living Wage Foundation’s newly announced rates with immediate effect to help offset the cost of living crisis for low paid workers.
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson announces 10 to its 2022 trainee solicitor scheme
Browne Jacobson has welcomed 10 future lawyers to its trainee scheme for 2022 – 2024 as it continues to grow its business. The new recruits have joined 36 trainees currently at the firm, bringing the total number of trainee solicitors at Browne Jacobson to 46 – a record number for the firm.
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson strengthens its UK&I commercial practice with hire of new retail & consumer specialist partner
Browne Jacobson has bolstered its commercial practice in the UK with the appointment of commercial contracts and international trade specialist, Emma Roake, into its City-based London team.