News
Regulator takes Pride in the legal profession
24 May 2018
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will be celebrating lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusion within the legal sector thisSummer by supporting three major Pride festivals.
Staff from the SRA will take to the streets at Birmingham Pride onSaturday 26 May, London Pride on Saturday 8 July and Cardiff’s Pride Cymru onSaturday 25 August.
The events are part of our ongoing commitment to promoting andsupporting a diverse, open and accessible legal profession, providing servicesfor all the community.
Our research, published in February 2018, revealed that three percent ofsolicitors identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual, in line with Governmentstatistics for the overall working population, although Stonewall estimates thefigure for the wider population is five to seven percent.
A further two percent of solicitors identified as trans, double thelevel estimated in the wider population.
Jane Malcolm, SRA Executive Director said: "We are looking forward toPride season, which is now well established in our calendar, and I am pleased we are joining the parade in Cardiff, for the first time.
“These events are a celebration of both the wider LGBT community and alsothe role those within it play in helping to create a diverse, modern legalprofession.”
The SRA has continued to work with firms this year to encourage adiverse and LGBT inclusive profession, including working with Stonewall tosupport an Innovative LGBT Mentoring Scheme.
Jane Malcolm added: "It is important that we have a truly diverse profession, attracting the best talent and reflecting the community it serves. This is something we are passionate about, working with Stonewall is a good way of supporting law firmsto make a difference.”
Joining us over the Pride season will be the Legal Ombudsman, the LegalServices Board, Bar Standards Board, CILEx Regulation, Intellectual PropertyRegulation Board, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers and law firms.
The legal regulators will also be promoting the consumer website, LegalChoices, and emphasising that respect for diversity is something people shouldexpect when they use legal services.
Further information on each of the Pride events visit: