Bristol lawyers backing diversity drive

Lawyers are being encouraged to back a project in Bristol to enable more people from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the profession.

The Pathways to Law scheme, run by the College of Law with the Sutton Trust, will be highlighted at an event next week.

Former College of Law graduates will get together on November 18 to celebrate the launch of the college's new Bristol centre.

Former graduate Jane Oakland, partner at law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, which is hosting the event, said: "Many people, rightly or wrongly, see law as a profession that is only open to the privileged few. I am therefore delighted to be supporting an organisation that is providing young people from diverse backgrounds with access to the profession.

"I am looking forward to significant support from law firms in the region for this initiative which will open doors for many young people who perhaps did not consider law as a career open to them."

Nigel Savage, chief executive of the College of Law, said the scheme would involve working with schools and colleges throughout the South West.

The College of Law, which opens next September, is a £1.2m investment that will create 40 jobs.