What the Legal Profession Loses by denying Diversity

As part of my current research on the role of lawyers in the justice system, I’ve been reflecting on access to the profession — not just who gets in, but who moves forward, and how.

We know that around 18% of lawyers in England & Wales are from ethnic minority backgrounds. I’m part of that group. Like many, I came from a state school, with no family connections in the UK legal world, and no ready-made professional network.

The UK has its challenges, but at least we have data. In most of Europe — France, Germany, Spain, Italy — we don’t. Ethnic origin isn’t recorded. So how do we even begin to measure inclusion?

The 93% Club survey (link) offers a clue. It showed that:

– 92% of respondents can’t turn to former classmates for advice or support

– 70% believe the best-connected peers get the top jobs

– Nearly half said that being well networked matters more than qualifications

This isn’t just about ethnicity. It’s about class, connection, and capital — social as much as financial.

Still, many in the profession see this conversation as unnecessary. Some even view it as a distraction. And interestingly, some of the loudest voices downplaying inequality come from within — lawyers from minority or immigrant backgrounds who insist that merit is all that matters, because that’s how they explain their own success.

But personal stories, however inspiring, don’t erase structural patterns.

So the question stands: who gets ahead — and why?

I don’t have the answer. But I believe that when we deny inequality, we lose more than just people — we lose trust, depth, and the credibility of a profession that claims to serve justice.

This isn’t just about numbers or access. It’s about how we support those who come into the profession without inherited networks or familiar routes. If connection and belonging matter as much as merit — and the data suggests they do — then we need to ask: who is responsible for bridging that gap?

Perhaps this is where the Inns of Court — Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple — could step in more deliberately.

Could they do more to offer not just training, but also structured support, mentorship and connection, especially for those who didn’t grow up knowing how this world works?

It’s a question worth asking — and answering.