The Legal Services Board (LSB) has shared new proposals that aim to support equality and diversity in the legal profession and is inviting feedback from across the sector.
Despite some progress, the legal profession does not represent the people it serves. Many groups still face barriers to entering the profession and developing their careers in legal services. Women, minoritised ethnic groups and disabled people, for example, remain significantly underrepresented at senior levels across parts of the profession. Greater diversity benefits the profession as well as consumers, and would enable the sector to fully realise its potential for economic growth.
The LSB and the legal services regulators have a legal obligation to encourage a diverse profession and are uniquely well positioned to create the conditions for change. The LSB is proposing to replace its existing guidance with a new framework for regulators to drive consistent improvement across the sector.
The LSB’s proposals would require regulators to:
- take strategic and collaborative action, using evidence and data to identify barriers and opportunities
- make sure that regulation is fair and inclusive, with processes and decision-making that actively support equality and diversity
- make sure that routes into and through the profession are accessible for talented people from all backgrounds, while still upholding high professional standards
- drive cultural change through professional conduct and competence frameworks that embed respect, inclusion and wellbeing.
The LSB’s consultation also asks for views on what additional steps it could take, beyond the proposed statement of policy, to encourage diversity.
Richard Orpin, interim Chief Executive of the LSB, said, “A diverse profession helps to build public trust, improves outcomes for consumers, and supports innovation and growth. However, progress has been slow and uneven.
“Our proposals build on extensive research and engagement, including insights from lived experience, data analysis, and dialogue with professionals and other groups across the sector. They provide clear expectations for regulators and are designed to support meaningful, measurable change.”
Catherine Brown, interim Chair of the LSB, said, “This work is part of a wider, concerted effort across the sector to harness the diversity of the profession – for consumers, for the legal services market, and for society as a whole.
“We thank everyone who has fed into these proposals so far and look forward to hearing a wide range of views on how we can work together to shape a profession that is inclusive, resilient, and fit for the future.”
The consultation runs until 2 March 2026 and is available online.