Contributors
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has highlighted the work it is doing to cultivate a more inclusive and accessible industry in a 'fireside' chat with aspiring students.
Working in collaboration with social mobility charity STRIVE, which is committed to sourcing and developing talent from under-represented backgrounds to help develop their skills and unlock potential, the firm hosted 40 students at its London office to share experiences and how the firm is breaking down barriers.
The event was led and organised by the firm's Early Talent team. WBD's managing partner Paul Stewart delivered a talk highlighting the firm's commitment to social mobility and affirmation that diversity in the workplace not only enriches the professional environment, but accelerates innovation and success.
Paul was also joined by partners Jonathan Blair and Will Fraser, managing associate Krish Dholakia, members of the firm's Early Talent team, and the firm's London trainee solicitors to allow for students to get a full understanding of the challenges and opportunities which exist while working in the sector.
Bertilla Chow, STRIVE's Chief Operations Officer, said:
"We’ve had absolutely phenomenal feedback from the students both during the event and subsequently many have expressed how genuinely they felt the firm cared about social mobility as a cause. The students shared how the Lawyers, Trainees and Early Talent team clearly have a deep, often personal connection with Social Mobility."
WBD proudly sponsors STRIVE's Supernova programme, which is the charity's flagship and industry leading social mobility access scheme for future commercial lawyers.
Earlier this year, WBD climbed to 11th in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2023, improving its position for the third consecutive year – up from 41st in 2022, and 110th the year before. The firm now sits in the top ten law firms in the Index.
For more information on WBD's Responsible Business commitments, please read our most recent report.
