Eversheds Sutherland supports Aspiring Solicitors

As part of the firm’s commitment to being a responsible business, Eversheds Sutherland is proud to announce a new social mobility partnership with Aspiring Solicitors by becoming a founding firm supporting its Social Mobility and Real Talent ‘SMART’ Commitment initiative.

Eversheds Sutherland will provide financial assistance for apprentice, trainee and vacation scheme candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds who meet certain criteria and may require funding in advance of them joining the firm. The SMART Commitment initiative will provide specific support for candidates to help them buy business clothes if they are attending an assessment day, vacation scheme, or before they start work at the firm, or help fund accommodation during the vacation scheme, or for future trainees to help buy IT equipment for their studies.

The scheme is confidential and completely anonymous for each participant who requires this extra funding. Aspiring Solicitors will manage the administration on the firm’s behalf and Eversheds Sutherland will not be provided with details of the candidates who have chosen to access the scheme.

Lorraine Kilborn, Chief People Officer, Eversheds Sutherland comments:

“At Eversheds Sutherland, we place immense importance on equality of opportunity. Through our Unlocked programme and by witnessing the exceptional talent that emerges from diverse backgrounds within our own teams, we recognise that outstanding lawyers can come from any walk of life. By eliminating stigma and creating a level playing field from the outset, we believe we’re collectively laying the foundation for the industry’s future success. We’re delighted to support Aspiring Solicitors in this initiative and eagerly anticipate a more equitable next generation of legal talent.”

Chris White, Founder and CEO of Aspiring Solicitors comments:

“It is fantastic that yet another barrier to entry into the legal profession is being removed via the SMART Commitment and those law firms supporting it. Eversheds Sutherland has been integral in launching the initiative and we appreciate their efforts throughout the process and into the future. We anticipate the SMART Commitment will facilitate meaningful progression on social mobility that will help candidates thrive from day one.”