Browne Jacobson is a leading UK law firm with over 1,400 employees, distinguished by its commitment to driving positive change in both business and society, and renowned for its expertise in social and environmental impact.
The problem
The legal profession in the UK faces a significant underrepresentation of Black lawyers, with only 3% of lawyers identifying as Black. This lack of diversity poses challenges for both individual career progression and for the profession as a whole, as it limits the opportunities for aspiring Black lawyers to receive mentorship and gain access to high-quality career development resources. Additionally, firms struggle to attract and retain Black talent, leading to a homogenous work culture that may not reflect the diverse communities they serve.
Browne Jacobson recognised the need for targeted action to address this imbalance and provide support to aspiring Black lawyers. This led to the creation of the REACH Mentoring Programme, which was designed to bridge the gap and offer tailored development opportunities for Black law professionals.
The solution
In response to these challenges, Browne Jacobson launched the REACH Mentoring Programme, a six-month initiative aimed at increasing the representation of Black lawyers within the legal profession. The programme was designed with a holistic approach to career development, offering:
- One-on-one mentorship: Mentees are paired with practising lawyers or barristers, who provide tailored guidance, career advice, and professional insights based on their experience in the legal sector. This mentorship enables mentees to benefit from direct advice and support, helping them navigate the complexities of building a legal career.
- Paid work experience: Participants receive two weeks of paid work experience at the firm, allowing them to gain hands-on experience, build their networks, and get an inside view of the firm’s operations. This experience is a critical step in their professional development and is a valuable addition to their CV.
- Personal development sessions: Monthly sessions cover key skills such as resilience, leadership, and networking. These workshops are designed to provide mentees with the personal and professional tools needed to thrive in the legal industry.
- Engagement with high-profile Black legal professionals: The programme also facilitates interactions with successful Black legal professionals, which inspires mentees and helps to break down barriers by providing role models and networking opportunities within the community.
These elements combined to form a robust support system designed to empower aspiring Black lawyers, providing them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed in the legal profession.
The results
The REACH Mentoring Programme has had a profound and measurable impact on both the individuals involved and the organisation as a whole.
- Mentee success: The programme boasts an impressive 75% conversion rate, with three-quarters of participants securing permanent roles within the firm following completion. This demonstrates the initiative’s effectiveness in creating tangible career outcomes for Black lawyers.
- Increased diversity: Over 85% of the firm’s intake of Black candidates in the past year has come from the REACH Mentoring Programme. This has had a direct impact on the firm’s ability to increase its diversity and foster a more inclusive workforce.
- Employer branding: The programme has helped enhance the firm’s reputation as an employer of choice for Black talent. The firm is now recognised externally for its commitment to DEI, which has boosted its appeal to top Black professionals in the legal sector.
- Employee engagement: The programme has also had a positive effect on internal employee engagement. There has been a growing demand for mentors within the organisation, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting diversity and mentorship, which has led to a more inclusive and engaged workforce.
- Strengthened client relationships: The firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has resonated with clients, many of whom prioritise these values. This has led to strengthened relationships with clients who are aligned with the firm’s DEI efforts, furthering the firm’s business goals.
- Sustainability and future growth: To ensure the initiative’s continued success and expansion, the firm is developing an alumni network to keep past mentees connected. This will help provide ongoing career support, regardless of whether the individuals remain with the firm or progress in other areas of the legal sector.
Through these actions and outcomes, the REACH Mentoring Programme has successfully addressed a key challenge in the legal profession, creating a pipeline of talented Black lawyers while enhancing the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The programme has not only benefitted the individual participants but has also helped to transform the firm’s culture, making it more inclusive, engaged, and responsive to the needs of its diverse talent pool.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in April 2025.