Social mobility
Social Mobility
We believe that increasing social mobility is a powerful force for good and are committed to creating equal access to the legal profession for people from all backgrounds.
By implementing equitable recruitment and retention strategies and empowering our network to represent the interests of colleagues from socially-mobile backgrounds, we aim to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic background.
As of 2023, we are proud to have been ranked amongst the best socially diverse employers by the Social Mobility Employer Index and are committed to creating an inclusive environment to attract and develop the best socially diverse talent.
Employee Networks
OC Social Mobility is focused on promoting and supporting social diversity in the workplace.
Our network actively challenges and supports the firm in facilitating access to law for all through awareness and education; inclusive recruitment and retention strategies and social mobility partnerships and outreach programmes.
Law Beyond Limits with Osborne Clarke
Hosted by Osborne Clarke trainees and solicitor apprentices, Law Beyond Limits shares candid conversations with OC lawyers about their routes into the legal profession. Guests reflect on career highlights and hiccups, the realities of progression, and lessons learned. At its heart is social mobility: what it means, why it matters, and how we can support people from diverse backgrounds by removing barriers.
Nowadays, there are many routes to build a successful career in law. We are extremely proud of our successful Solicitor Apprenticeship programme and the impact our Apprentices are having on our business. The programme is a fantastic opportunity to gain a law degree (LLB) and qualify as a solicitor whilst working in a leading international legal practice and consistently serves to attract and develop socially mobile junior talent.
Our partnerships
We are particularly proud of the partnerships we have formed to actively encourage those from less advantaged backgrounds to consider a career in the legal profession and to equip them with the skills to take the next step.
Through The Bridge, our flagship education and employability programme, Osborne Clarke volunteers share their skills and experiences with secondary school students from partnered schools. Past sessions have included career insights, non-university routes into law, and interview and CV guidance. We're passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in law, no matter their background.
Networks are so important for your professional development. That is why we work closely with GROW Mentoring to increase access to law through mentorship and community. Osborne Clarke volunteers are matched with aspiring lawyers through a bespoke mentoring programme. Find out more about this programme here.
Every year we join forces with the firms race and ethnicity network to deliver the OC Talent Programme focussed on unlocking talent from diverse backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in law. The programme provides a week's work experience with skills workshops, one-to-one sessions and an opportunity to gain insight into working at a leading international legal practice. Each student is provided with a senior and junior mentor for a year following the programme.
