SOCIAL
SOCIAL MOBILITY (DEI)
SOCIAL
SOCIAL MOBILITY
Social mobility is a key part of our DEI strategy. Our social mobility work aims to improve the ease with which people can fulfil their potential, regardless of their social or educational background. We work with schools, universities, charities and young people to widen access to the legal profession and challenge traditional stereotypes. We want to inspire young people to unlock their potential and show that a career in law is available to everyone.
volunteers took part in the Oasis Academy Brislington and Envision mentoring schemes
Supported 93 students through the West of England Legal Early Careers Network
Recruited 16 new apprentices into roles at the firm
Joined by 6 interns as part of the 10,000 Able and Black Interns projects
Our key projects for FY 2024/25
In the legal sector, we know that the struggle for social mobility persists. Historically, it's not about what you know but who you know. Securing work placements, vacation schemes, and training contracts can feel like navigating a maze without connections. For those breaking new ground in their families, by obtaining GCSEs and A-levels, or heading to university, the lack of connections may be a barrier. This is why we’re proud to take part in several initiatives, including those below.
West of England Legal Early Careers Network Insight Programme
West of England Legal Early Careers Network (WLECN) Insight Programme is a collaboration between 12 law firms, 1 in-house legal team, 3 universities and 1 judge. It provides the opportunity for year 10 students to take part in a weeklong insight programme.
On the Programme, students spend each day at a different law firm. This year at WBD the day involved an icebreaker to help students from several different schools get to know each other, with an introduction into a variety of legal and non-legal careers, identifying crucial skills that are required across all roles. 20 students from 8 schools attended the day at WBD.
Overall the Insight Programme ran for 4 weeks, supporting a total of 93 students across 23 schools in law firms across Bristol and Bath.
Feedback included the following comment from a parent, "The programme was run excellently, and our daughter gained so much out of the exposure to the programme content. She felt fully supported by those looking after her each day which is great for her confidence around how things may work in further education and eventually in the workplace."
Widening access to the legal profession
We are proud to have recruited 16 new apprentices in FY 2024/25, as well as enrolling an existing colleague onto an apprenticeship scheme.
These apprenticeships cover all areas of the business, including Learning & Development, Facilities, IT, Client Support, e-Development and Tax. We are also able to offer positions on the Solicitor Apprenticeship and Paralegal schemes.
Check out the story below to read about the hard work and success of two of our apprentices. We look forward to continuing to support them all throughout their journey at WBD and beyond.

STRIVE Supernova Programme
STRIVE is a social mobility charity committed to sourcing and developing talent from under-represented backgrounds to help unlock potential. They run a Supernova programme which WBD is proud to sponsor.
As part of the Supernova programme, our Early Talent Team, with help from colleagues, partnered with STRIVE in January 2025 to highlight the work we're doing to cultivate a more inclusive and accessible industry. We hosted 25 students at our London office:
- Managing Partner, Paul Stewart, kicked off the event by sharing his own personal journey into a career in law. Paul also spoke about our commitment to social mobility and affirmation that diversity in the workplace not only enriches the professional environment, but accelerates innovation and success, and he highlighted some of the recent work we've been doing in these areas
- Our Early Talent Team provided tips and advice for those considering applying for a training contract with us and debunked some common myths about the legal profession
- The day also involved some of our fee earners sharing more about their teams, individual roles, and journeys into law, with our trainee solicitors sharing their experiences and insights
- Students got the opportunity to join breakout chats, rotating through groups to gain a deeper understanding of different aspects of a career in law
- Following the event, Zahra Rahman, Programme Manager at STRIVE, said: "All our candidates were thoroughly impressed by the firm, the culture, and the opportunities available to them and I know they’re very excited to put an application forward for the training contract. From the incredible opening by Paul Stewart to all the breakout and networking sessions and opportunities to connect with the team, the evening offered such a brilliant and inspiring insight into the firm and all the work that is being done to drive inclusivity and accessibility."
Awards and achievements

WBD named in the inaugural Social Mobility List 2024 for its leading recruitment practices and programmes tackling social mobility issues.
Becky Wood, Facilities Manager awarded the Facilities Manager Apprentice of the Year by the University of Gloucestershire, 2025.
Katie Watson, Solicitor Apprentice recognised as the North East’s top young apprentice by leading business publication, Insider, 2024.
WBD named a finalist for Recruitment Programme of the Year at the inaugural UK Social Mobility Awards 2024.
WBD shortlisted for Employer Impact Award in the University of Greenwich Employability Awards 2024.

Members contributing to social mobility
- Early Talent Team
- Early Talent Hiring Community
- Apprenticeship Network.
UN Sustainable Development Goals we are working towards




STORY 1
Supporting the 10,000 Interns programme
STORY 2
Our award-winning apprentices
