Browne Jacobson takes number one spot in social mobility Index – and top law firm for fifth consecutive year

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has been ranked number one overall in The Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Index 2025 for the fourth time in five years and is the top ranked law firm for social mobility for the fifth consecutive year. 

The achievement recognises the firm's sustained leadership in socioeconomic inclusion and its commitment to sharing expertise across the legal sector and beyond.

Caroline Green, senior partner at Browne Jacobson, said: "Being ranked number one law firm for the fifth consecutive year as well as the leading law firm for social mobility demonstrates our unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and creating genuine opportunities.

"Social mobility sits at the heart of our strategic vision to be at the forefront of society's biggest issues. This isn't just about what happens within our own firm – we believe in the power of collective action.  

“Through our Social Mobility Incubator, we're sharing our insights, tools and practical experience with clients, other law firms and organisations across all sectors, because real change happens when we work together to build a fairer, more inclusive profession and society." 

Sarah Atkinson, Chief Executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, said: “Congratulations to all the employers in this year’s Index. They’re leaders in creating workplaces where everyone can thrive, leading to more representative, innovative, successful organisations.

“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Too many young people are being held back from reaching their potential because of their background. That’s unfair for them, and in a country facing a skills shortage, it’s bad for all of us.

“We need more employers to step up their game, enter the Index, and take action to improve social mobility. And we need the government to follow the lead of this year’s forward-thinking entrants and make all large employers report socioeconomic data for their workforces.”

Data-driven approach recognised 

The firm's success has been driven by enhanced data analysis, including examination of geographic patterns of socioeconomic background across its workforce. For the first time, Browne Jacobson has published its socioeconomic workforce data on its website. 

Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Nottingham, the firm collected qualitative data about experiences of social mobility which led to the development of accent bias and socioeconomic awareness training. The firm has trained up its key people who are involved in supporting recruitment, promotion and progression. The programme has been widely covered in the press and is shortlisted for several awards. 

Opening doors for thousands 

The firm's FAIRE (Fairer Access into Real Experience) programme, launched in 2019 which has, to date, supported over 80,000 aspiring professionals, continues to create pathways into the legal profession. On 28 October 2025, Browne Jacobson will host 'The Big One': a virtual experience day for students interested in legal careers when where the 11,000 students who have signed up to date will hear from guest speakers including The Solicitor General, Rt Hon Ellie Reeves MP, Chair of The Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC, and President of The Law Society, Mark Evans as well as some of Browne Jacobson’s young lawyers talking about their careers. 

The firm’s in-person FAIRE work experience programme supports 100 young people annually, with 85% from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Sharing expertise across sectors

Browne Jacobson's Social Mobility Incubator series – a first-of-its-kind initiative – supports clients and other organisations including other law firms to transform their approach to social mobility by sharing practical insights, tools and real-world examples. 

Looking ahead, the firm will launch an employability hub in November 2025, offering practical, work-based skills sessions and information to people interested in legal careers, as well as resources for teachers, parents and careers advisors who want to support them. In February 2026, the firm is also introducing a tailored mentoring and skills programme for young people who are care experienced.