Opening doors: our commitment to social mobility
News
At Farrer & Co, we recognise that talent and potential are not determined by background. We are committed to make a career in law accessible to all.
In support of Social Mobility Day and this year‘s theme of “shifting mindsets”, we are highlighting a few of the ways we are helping to level the playing field and support the next generation of legal professionals.
Alternative pathways into law
Since 2017, our apprenticeship programmes have provided school leavers with a direct route into a rewarding career, without the need for a university degree.
Following the success of our business services apprenticeships, in 2022, we expanded our apprenticeship offering to include solicitor apprenticeships and then in 2024, practice assistant apprenticeships.
- Starting work bonus
- Tuition funder
- Salary from day one
Accessible work experience
We pay our work experience and vacation scheme participants, and offer:
- Meal vouchers
- Travel reimbursement/ assistance with accommodation funding when needed
This ensures opportunities support those from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Equitable recruitment
We use Rare’s contextual recruitment system to better understand candidates’ achievements in context.
Investing in future talent
We partner with IntoUniversity, PRIME, K+, LTSB and Aspiring Solicitors to run open days, workshops, networking and mentoring programmes.
These initiatives reach students who might otherwise not consider a career in law.
2024: one of our solicitor apprentices, Keeley Barnes, was shortlisted for a Sutton Trust Alumni Achievement Award.
Support beyond the office
Our staff also serve as mentors through various associations (including Social Mobility Foundation and universities), helping young people gain valuable insights about a career in law and entering the profession.
Measuring our progress
We’ve climbed the Social Mobility Employer Index year on year:
125th (2021) → 48th (2024)
We continue to respond to feedback, improving and embedding social mobility into every aspect of our work.
© Farrer & Co LLP, June 2025
