Diversity has become a major focus for law firms, with many dedicating entire divisions to ensure they meet diversity targets. The makeup of the profession has undeniably shifted over the years. In 2015, women made up 48% of the legal workforce; by 2023, that figure had risen to 53%. Similarly, the proportion of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) lawyers increased from 14% to 19% over the same period. 

While these changes are welcome, at FLC, we believe it’s not enough. Focusing solely on diversity targets can sometimes obscure deeper, structural issues that prevent true access to the profession. Simply increasing the number of women, BAME, or non-traditional background lawyers is meaningful only if it brings genuine diversity of life experience and thought to how the law is practiced and administered. Diversity should represent more than just surface-level differences—it’s about welcoming different perspectives that challenge the status quo. 

This is why education plays such a crucial role in broadening access to the legal profession. Law school classrooms are often the first real interaction students have with the world of law. They shape students’ expectations of what their lives as lawyers might look like. If these classrooms don’t genuinely welcome a variety of perspectives and life experiences, the profession will continue to face barriers to true diversity of opinion and experience. 

One obvious barrier is cost. The high fees for legal education are prohibitive for many, even with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), which has led to the emergence of more affordable programs. Despite these options, exorbitant fees remain common, and the influx of new course providers raises concerns about the quality of education being offered. 

But this issue goes beyond money. Law classrooms are often ruthlessly competitive environments, where students can feel inadequate if they aren’t keeping up with their peers. Social media amplifies this pressure, making students feel like failures if they haven’t secured a training contract, vacation scheme, or mini-pupillage. This competitive atmosphere can be especially discouraging for those with families or commitments outside of law. 

This is where FLC comes in. We exist to offer a different kind of legal education—one that’s supportive and rooted in using legal skills for the public good. We want to cultivate a new generation of lawyers who are passionate about helping their communities and genuinely interested in changing the world. Legal education should be more than just another step on the treadmill to qualification. It should be an opportunity to engage with big ideas and drive real change. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to train to become a lawyer who truly impacts the world, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch, and let’s work together to reshape the future of law.