What is the D+ law academy?
The Diversity+ Law Academy is an opportunity for aspiring lawyers from less advantaged backgrounds to learn new skills, with the aim of securing a training contract. It is designed to align with the academic year.
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The idea for the D+ Law Academy came from an overwhelming influx of students and graduates approaching Diversity+, unable to secure a traineeship and concerned about their future. Upon further research, there was a clear pattern that all of these students faced some disadvantages - women, individuals with disabilities, individuals from minority ethnic groups, those without lawyers in the family or who are the first in their family to attend university, and more. ​
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So we created this academy to support these students; to help level the playing field when it comes to applications and skills. To do this, we assign tasks to the students to identify and reduce skill gaps, while building their CV. We also provide workshops and networking opportunities through collaborations with external organisations.
Our first cohort started in September 2024, and has been a huge success, with many students securing traineeships and other work experience roles.
The students have completed tasks such as researching areas of Scots law, writing minutes in D+ Law Academy meetings, writing blogs about EDI in the legal profession, and contributing to creating resources (specifically help create our eBook for National Inclusion Week last year).
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They have also taken part in several workshops and training sessions, such as:
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A workshop to assist with job applications, CVs and cover letters (with Allison Hill of Jigsaw Solutions)
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Mock interviews to improve their presentation skills (with Lindsays Solicitors)
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A workshop on how to use social media to help raise their profile (with Julie Hecht of PELO Marketing)
Diversity+ Law Academy
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D+ Law Academy is now open for applications!
We are delighted to be opening the doors for our second cohort of students to join the Diversity+ Law Academy! So if you:
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Are a fourth-year or diploma law student in Scotland (or soon-to-be)
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Have yet to secure a training contract
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Are seeking opportunities to help improve your CV and enhance your skills
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...then we would love to hear from you!
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Email us at hello@diversityplus.info with a short introduction, and we will send you details of how to apply. The deadline is Monday 30th June at 23:59pm.
Note: Only students who have not secured a training contract are encouraged to apply. We ask that students who are in the privileged position to have secured their traineeship help level the playing field by not applying for this opportunity, instead sharing this post with their fellow students who may benefit from this opportunity. We particularly would love to encourage those from marginalised communities and less-privileged backgrounds to apply
The D+ Academy project is funded entirely by Diversity+, through our private consultancy work. As with all of our pro bono projects, our motto has always been ‘We can’t and don’t want to do this alone. There is nothing inclusive about that’ - nor will it bring about long term, sustainable improvements and change. We are indebted to those organisations and individuals who donate their time, energy and money into assisting us reach our aims and make our vision a reality.
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Diversity+ Law Academy only exists with your help - and we ask you to share your knowledge and resources with us.
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The best way to support the Diversity+ Law Academy is through financial sponsorship. We are actively seeking firms for an offer of £1,000 to sponsor the next cohort of the academy.
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By financially supporting this project, as well as helping several less advantaged students gain the skills they need to continue their legal career, you will also benefit from
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Public acknowledgement for being a sponsor, via social media, logo representation on the Diversity+ website and event materials, and more.
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Permitted use of the Diversity+ logo on your website, to showcase your involvement with the project.
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Boost firm attractiveness as an EDI-forward company, opening your doors to more talent, innovation, and financial profits.
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Access to Diversity+ resources
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Discount on EDI training at your firm or organisation
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Opportunity for solicitors from your firm to be trained as mentors
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Learn more about the benefits D+ Law Academy has to the industry, too - read Naeema's blog post.
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If you are unable to provide financial support, please share with your communities to encourage others to sponsor. We also welcome assistance in the following ways:
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PR support
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Networking
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Use of your facilities
This year, we launched our pilot mentoring scheme, pairing aspiring lawyers with hand-picked mentors. This type of mentorship is crucial, and proved hugely popular with the students - but it can only be the success it needs to be, with support.
How can you get involved?
Lizzie Donaldson, founder of Berry and collaborator for D+ Law Academy Mentorship Programme
What are students and collaborators saying about Diversity+ Law academy
Annie Allan, D+ Law Academy Student from our
September 2024 cohort.
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You can read more about Annie's personal journey here.
Lindsays, who supported the D+ Law Academy in 2025, by providing mock interviews and feedback for each student. ​
Madiha Waseem, D+ Law Academy Student from our
September 2024 cohort.​
Allison Hill, HR specialist and founder of Jigsaw Solutions, who supported the D+ Law Academy by providing a CV and cover letter workshop.