London – Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that it is partnering with Aspiring Solicitors to host the first London office mentoring scheme for diverse university students. The new initiative is borne out of discussions that have taken place in 2020 concerning racial inequality, particularly in the legal profession. The scheme will be open to diverse law and non-law students interested in pursuing a career in law. The scheme will run from 15 February until the end of April 2021 and involve a series of group workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions providing insights on topics such as the application process, interviews and developing soft/commercial skills. This exciting new project is just one of several initiatives planned this year by Paul Hastings in London to promote diversity in its recruitment strategy and encourage more access to the legal profession for underrepresented groups.

“This new scheme is a fantastic opportunity for junior lawyers at Paul Hastings and diverse students to partner with the reciprocal benefits of supporting diverse aspiring solicitors and educating our lawyers on diverse-lived experiences,” said Arun Birla, chair of Paul Hastings’ London office.

Aspiring Solicitors works with over 26 law firms and legal teams to provide events, mentoring, competitions, employability assistance and access to the legal profession. More information about Aspiring Solicitors and their work to increase diversity in the legal profession can be found at https://www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk/about-as/.

“Aspiring Solicitors look forward to partnering with Paul Hastings on a programme that will increase the number of excellent candidates the firm is able to meet/consider for future opportunities with their London office,” said Chris White, Founder of Aspiring Solicitors. “We hope this scheme will be a success and are confident that everyone participating, both mentors and mentees, will learn and develop.”

The firm’s partnership with Aspiring Solicitors is the latest example of Paul Hastings’ commitment to fostering diversity in the legal profession. In late 2020, Arun Birla was appointed as an ambassador for social mobility for the Law Society, promoting role models from non-traditional backgrounds who have succeeded in the legal sector. The firm is also partnering with Dr. Nicola Rollock (academic and consultant) and Bloomberg on a new research project "The Profiles of White Allies" which will identify the common characteristics of allies to provide white leaders and colleagues in institutions and corporations with tangible actions they can take to support the racial justice agenda.

At Paul Hastings, our purpose is clear — to help our clients and people navigate new paths to growth. With a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S., Paul Hastings is recognised as one of the world’s most innovative global law firms.