Over Summer, we welcomed a new intake of interns under a programme aimed to improve diversity and inclusion within the legal industry.

Six interns joined us as part of our collaboration with the 10,000 Interns Foundation, an organisation working to increase the representation of under-represented groups across sectors including finance, law, and professional services. Their ambition is to facilitate 10,000 paid internships.

Now in our second year of involvement, we decided to grow our engagement to include members of the 10,000 Able Interns programme alongside our continued support of the 10,000 Black Interns programme, with the interns joining us for a six-week period in Bristol, Newcastle, and London.

Interns were embedded in several fee-earning and business services teams, including Employment, Planning & Infrastructure, Responsible Business, Core Real Estate, Energy & Utilities, and Operational Property.

Morgan Sawyer, who worked in the Bristol office, said: "I began my time at WBD in the responsible business team, which was a part of business services I didn't even know existed before the internship. I found this very exciting and was really grateful for all the trust placed in me to be able to complete tasks independently.”

Naomi Oladini, who completed their internship in London, said: "Throughout my time here, I've been overwhelmed by the kindness, support and well wishes from everyone. This experience has taught me so much – not only about myself and the career I want to pursue, but also about the impact I hope to have on the world.”

Hannah Sharps, Senior Early Talent Advisor, shared that: "Being part of this programme is invaluable as it allows us to give opportunities to young talent, foster diversity, and benefit from fresh perspectives. Working with the interns, and seeing them develop during the programme, was brilliant."