Sharpe Pritchard recognised in Top 75 Employers Social Mobility Index

We’re delighted to announce that Sharpe Pritchard, has been recognised as one of the Top 75 Employers on the Social Mobility Index 2022, published by the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF).

The SMF rankings were first launched in 2017 and have grown to become one of the leading national employer led social mobility indices.

It assesses the steps being taken to ensure that employers are open to talent from all social backgrounds.

The SMF provides bespoke feedback on efforts and initiatives regarding improving social mobility.

The ranking is a recognition of our efforts, to improve social mobility and level the playing field within the legal services industry, ensuring anyone can access the profession no matter their background. Within the last 12 months we:

• welcomed our first cohort on to our Trainee Solicitor Programme; a fully funded 32 month graduate apprenticeship, as well as hosting an insight evening for potential applicants
• partnered with the 10k Black initiative to offer a 6 week paid internship
• continued our work with the PRIME & The Sutton Trust, providing access to work experience to students from low social economic backgrounds
• worked with our Charity Partner, Reach out to Kids (ROK) to raise vital funds and provide access to work experience to students from low social economic backgrounds

These initiatives build on the work previously undertaken by the firm, such as adopting the Halo code, our flexible and family friendly policies as well as being a signatory to the Law Society’s Diversity Inclusion Charter.

Justin Mendelle, Senior Partner at Sharpe Pritchard said: “Giving opportunities to the most talented lawyers is an essential part of our commitment to deliver the best possible legal services to our clients.

“For too long across the profession, entrants into the law have come from a narrow range of backgrounds that do not fully reflect the diversity of our society. Historically, it has been really challenging for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue a career in the law. We are delighted to play a small part in changing that and are very pleased to have been recognised as a top employer when it comes to social mobility.”

The Social Mobility Foundation is a charity which aims to make a practical improvement in social mobility for young people. To view the rankings in full please click here.