Firm's Black talent programme wins D&I award

Stephenson Harwood has won 'Best Diversity Initiative' at the Aspiring Solicitors Awards.

The firm won the award in recognition of its Black Talent Programme, which Aspiring Solicitors described as 'far and away the strongest programme in the sector, having significant, tangible impact on outcomes for Black aspiring solicitors'. 

Stephenson Harwood's Black Talent Programme aims to increase the number of Black trainees attracted to, and recruited by, the firm. The programme supports Black students through providing mentors, skills development workshops, designated placement opportunities and guaranteed places at an assessment centre for a training contract.

Partner Max Lemanski, recruitment principal at Stephenson Harwood, said, "We developed the Black Talent Programme because our data showed that we were missing out on hiring Black talent. We're pleased to say that, since we started the programme in 2021, 26% of candidates who came on the programme have accepted our offer for a training contract, some of whom have started their training contracts with us already. The programme has supported us to attract and recruit great candidates that otherwise would not have applied to the firm."

Commenting on the awards, Aspiring Solicitors said, "Congratulations to Stephenson Harwood LLP for winning the 'Best Diversity Initiative 2024 Award'. This was awarded based on their unique Black Talent programme. The attainment of Black heritage applicants has improved considerably in recent years, and Aspiring Solicitors has worked with various partners on Black heritage schemes. However, the aforementioned programme is a clear standout in results."

Aspiring Solicitors is an organisation which works with law firms and legal teams to provide opportunities for aspiring solicitors from diverse backgrounds and to enhance equity, diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. The Aspiring Solicitors Awards celebrate best practice in ED&I strategy implementation across the profession and recognise the efforts continually being made to change the make-up of the legal sector.

Stephenson Harwood has a longstanding collaboration with Aspiring Solicitors and began working with them on the Black Talent Programme in 2021.