REACH mentoring programme: Kick-starting the careers of aspiring black lawyers

Back in March 2022, we piloted our first REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) mentoring programme, aimed at kickstarting the careers of aspiring Black lawyers across the country to grow, nurture, and create a sustainable pipeline of future Black talent. 

Black people are disproportionately underrepresented in the legal profession, particularly in senior roles. The overall proportion of Black lawyers working in UK law firms is just 3%. We’re committed to playing our part in changing the landscape. 

Benefits of the programme

Our REACH mentoring programme will enable you to develop skills, get advice from experienced lawyers as well as gain an insight into what it really takes to be a lawyer.

Our programme includes a range of monthly sessions aimed at skill development. Successful candidates are expected to attend these monthly sessions, as well as monthly sessions with their mentor.

As a mentee, you will receive: 

• Six months 1:1 mentoring from lawyer members of our REACH network.
• Access to a series of skills-building sessions, including personal branding, presentation skills, and commercial awareness, both in person and virtually.
• A period of paid in-person work experience at one of the firm’s UK offices (please note that invitations to work experience are subject to engagement in the first half of the programme).
• Useful talks and information on the various routes into law, and how to make your application stand out
• Networking opportunities.

The programme provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience to build your CV, grow your professional network, and gain real-world career insights and skills that can contribute to lifelong success. 

The programme runs for six months, beginning in April each year.

Our approach

We partner with charities, non-Russell Group universities, and other educational institutions that work with talented and underrepresented students. This ensures the programme works for and benefits Black aspiring lawyers.

Eligibility 

Applications for the programme are welcome from individuals who are interested in a career in law, which includes:

• Students in year 12 or 13.
• University students.
• Graduates.
• Career changers.

Individuals who currently hold an offer of a training contract or pupillage are not eligible to apply.

Application process

Your journey starts with an online application. 

If your application is successful, you will be invited to a telephone interview - your chance to show your potential, why you want to be part of the REACH mentoring programme and what you hope to gain from being a mentee. 

Following telephone interviews, successful candidates will be invited to an in-person launch event at our Birmingham office where we’ll match mentors and mentees. Expenses to attend the event will be covered.

Applications for the 2026 REACH Mentoring Programme are now closed. Applications for the 2027 REACH Mentoring Programme will open in January 2027.

Learn more about the programme from our 2024 cohort below.

Watch the video

4:40

Watch our previous programmes

2023 cohort

2022 cohort