A law firm has become the first to sign up to the coalition’s social mobility strategy (April 2011).
Allen & Overy (A & O) will offer internships to young people from deprived backgrounds. Other businesses which have signed up to the agreement include PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Guardian, Channel 4 and KPMG. The Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers initiative, championed by deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, aims to provide opportunities for all young people to fulfil their potential, whatever their background.
A &O told Legal Week it was an ideal law firm for the initiative because of the social mobility initiatives it already has in place. These include its Smart Start scheme which offers 100 teenagers from deprived London boroughs the chance to work at the firm for a week and find out more about how to pursue a career in law.
The firm also now actively recruits from a wider range of universities than many law firms.
A&O partner and social investment head SusanHazledine told Legal Week: “The reason why the lack of social mobility is a concern is because it means a loss of talent for the profession.
“We have been passionate about broadening access to the legal industry for some time and there is a lot that can be done at various stages. I expect more firms will get involved in this important project.”
