Burness Paull is a leading independent Scottish commercial law firm with over 700 employees, renowned for its commitment to excellence and its focus on working with the very best to deliver consistently high-quality legal services.
The problem
The legal profession has long been recognised as one of the least accessible fields for individuals from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds. Historical barriers such as high entry requirements, limited access to professional networks, and a lack of financial support disproportionately exclude talented individuals who could thrive within the industry.
Prompted by the Law Society of Scotland’s findings on the underrepresentation of individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, Burness Paull identified a pressing need to challenge the status quo. This commitment stems from an understanding that a diverse and inclusive workplace not only reflects societal fairness but also enhances creativity, innovation, and decision-making within the firm.
The solution
To address these challenges, Burness Paull developed a comprehensive strategy aimed at increasing social mobility and inclusion within the legal profession.
Key initiatives included:
- Partnering with The Robertson Trust: The firm collaborated to create Scotland’s first Legal Career Pathway for disadvantaged students.
- Contextualised recruitment tools: By utilising platforms such as RARE Recruitment and Arctic Shores, the firm has adopted a more holistic approach to identifying talent, recognising potential beyond traditional markers of success.
- Scholarships and financial support: Burness Paull sponsors scholarships and provides practical assistance, such as laptops and travel support, for work experience participants to remove financial barriers for aspiring legal professionals.
- Work experience through PRIME: As active members of the PRIME programme, the firm offers meaningful work experience opportunities for school-age students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
- Bias reduction: Initiatives such as blind CV processes and bias training for managers ensure fair and equitable recruitment and development processes.
The results
The firm’s commitment to social mobility and inclusion has delivered significant and measurable outcomes:
- Burness Paull has observed a marked increase in hires from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented ethnic groups, directly contributing to a more diverse workforce.
- Internal surveys reveal that 92% of staff feel respected and supported, a testament to the firm’s inclusive culture and supportive policies.
- Policies such as flexible working arrangements and comprehensive family leave have enhanced the firm’s reputation as a supportive employer.
- The firm’s efforts have been acknowledged through various industry awards, underscoring its leadership in promoting social mobility and inclusion.
- The firm’s strategic focus on inclusion has led to tangible improvements in diversity metrics, reflecting the success of its initiatives.
Burness Paull’s proactive and innovative approach to social mobility and inclusion serves as a model for the legal profession, showcasing how targeted interventions can break down barriers and create a fairer, more representative workplace.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in April 2025.