Apply now!Wedlake Bell Diversity
At Wedlake Bell, the firm is committed to fostering a culture of fairness and equal opportunities. This commitment forms the foundation of the firm's recruitment practices and informs its policies regarding the advancement and retention of all employees.
The firm is a signatory to the Law Society’s Diversity & Inclusion Charter (click here to view the Diversity & Inclusion charter), demonstrating its dedication to cultivating a culture that appreciates and derives strength from diversity. The emphasis has always been on maintaining a true "meritocracy" within the firm, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to everyone.
The Equality and Diversity Committee, consisting of Partners, legal professionals, and support staff from various departments, convenes regularly to assess matters related to diversity. Its role is to contribute to an inclusive and supportive work environment. The committee reports directly to the firm's board.
In terms of apprenticeships, Wedlake Bell advocates for them and we have just recruited our first two solicitor apprentices who have joined the firm this September. This is a new programme for Wedlake Bell and we are excited to see the programme develop and help access to the profession. We also have apprentices within the IT Department, the firm supports these apprentices in pursuing IT qualifications alongside practical on-the-job experience.
Through the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme, the firm assists promising individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or those facing extraordinary obstacles to qualification. Work experience placements in different departments of the firm are offered, complemented by support from the HR Department, which includes career guidance, assistance with CVs, and interview coaching.
Wedlake Bell maintains connections with colleges and provides both work experience and employment prospects to secretarial college students. This initiative has paved the way for several secretaries to initiate their careers at the firm, while ongoing collaborations with colleges continue.
By attending events such as the London Law Fair, the firm actively promotes a more diversified range of individuals entering the legal sector. This engagement offers prospective entrants the chance to engage in discussions about careers at Wedlake Bell and receive valuable career advice.
The firm engages in volunteer activities, such as reading sessions with children from a local primary school. Additionally, it provides opportunities for school visits and discussions about the professional work environment.
Wedlake Bell is associated with and provides support to various business development networking organisations, including Young Entrepreneurs in Property, Women in Property, TeCSA 10s, and Chicks with Bricks. The firm also hosts an annual "Wedlake Bell – Future Business Leaders" networking event aimed at junior clients and contacts.
For insights into the firm's 2022 Gender Pay Gap report, you can follow this link.
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