The report, which details the work carried out by signatories to the Law Society's Diversity and Inclusion Charter, measured the achievements of firms which have been ramping up their diversity efforts.

Improved results

Out of the 177 signatories, 117 performed better on key diversity and inclusion metrics, the report found.
Firms of all sizes, ranging from small firms employing 25 or fewer employees to top 100 firms, of which 74 have signed up to the charter, saw their results improve.

Commitment

Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff said: ‘By signing up to the charter, firms across the country are actively demonstrating their commitment to improve their equality and diversity practices.
‘The results really show that size doesn't matter: it's not just top 100 firms that are seeing better results; smaller firms are equally as committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.
‘Despite progress, there's still some way to go, with the partnership profile of most firms still showing under-representation of women, BAME, disabled and LGBT solicitors. The leadership of many firms are actively confronting this challenge.’