What has the Diversity+ Law Academy done for me?

In this article, we hear from Marco Galindo, one of our Diversity+ Law Academy 2025/26 students about his experience of the academy, what he has gained and learn, and the impact it is having on the progression in his legal career.

Over the past year, being part of the Diversity+ Law Academy has been one of the most transformative experiences of my legal journey so far. When I first applied, I hoped the programme would help me grow. What I didn’t anticipate was just how profoundly it would shape my confidence, my opportunities and my sense of belonging in the Scottish legal profession.

The Academy was created to level the playing field for students from underrepresented and less advantaged backgrounds across Scotland and it genuinely delivers on that mission. Through workshops, mentoring, events and a community that is consistently supportive and engaged, I’ve developed skills that will stay with me throughout my career.

Building Confidence and a Sense of Belonging

One of the most significant things I gained from the Academy was confidence, not just in my academic ability, but in my voice, my story and my place in the legal profession. Coming from a background where the legal world felt distant or exclusive, it’s easy to question whether you truly belong.

The Academy created a space where I felt heard, supported and encouraged to bring my full self into the profession. Through reflective exercises, group discussions and consistent support, I learned to articulate my experiences and strengths with assurance. That shift in mindset has been invaluable, and it continues to influence how I approach new opportunities.

The Academy created a space where I felt heard, supported and encouraged to bring my full self into the profession.

Mentoring That Makes a Real Difference

The monthly mentoring sessions were another cornerstone of my experience. Being paired with an experienced legal professional gave me access to guidance that many students simply don’t have. In my case, I was partnered with the wonderful Lizzie Donaldson. These meetings weren’t just monthly check-ups - they were structured, thoughtful conversations that helped me set goals, reflect on my progress and build clarity around my future career path. Lizzie was brutally honest in all the right ways. She challenged me when I needed it, encouraged me when I doubted myself and helped me understand the realities of the profession with a level of honesty that was both grounding and empowering. She held me accountable too, encouraging me to apply for opportunities far outside my comfort zone even when I wasn’t sure I was ready. For that, I will be forever thankful.

Most importantly, her guidance pushed me to think more critically about my development and to take ownership of my ambitions. Through her support I gained not only confidence, but also a valuable contact for life, someone whose insight and integrity I deeply respect. That relationship played a direct role in helping me navigate applications, interviews and long-term planning with far more confidence than previously had.

Developing Communication and Public-Speaking Skills

The Academy also strengthened my communication and public-speaking skills through a series of workshops and practical exercises. One clear opportunity I received was to take part in a public-speaking workshop, something I would never have imagined myself doing a year earlier. It pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but it also showed me that I was capable of far more than I had given myself credit for.

At the beginning of the academy programme, I was also asked by Naeema to speak at the Academy’s launch event. Standing in front of a room full of legal professionals and sharing my story was a moment of immense pride, and it marked a real turning point in my confidence. These experiences taught me how to communicate with clarity, authenticity and purpose.

Understanding the Profession Through Real Exposure

Another invaluable aspect of the programme was the exposure to different areas of the legal profession. Hearing directly from law firms, in-house teams and public-sector lawyers gave me a much clearer understanding of the breadth of opportunities available. These sessions helped demystify the profession and allowed me to see where my interests and strengths might fit. It also helped me understand the expectations, culture and realities of legal practice in a way that academic study alone cannot provide.

The real exposure offered by the academy also had a positive impact on my networking ability. Networking can feel intimidating, especially for students who haven’t grown up around professional environments. The Academy’s approach to business development and networking was practical, supportive and genuinely transformative. I learned how to build professional relationships with intention and authenticity, not by trying to impress but by showing curiosity, respect and a willingness to learn. These skills have already helped me connect with professionals across the sector and they played a meaningful role in the opportunities I’ve secured since.

These sessions helped demystify the profession ... helped me understand the expectations, culture and realities of legal practice in a way that academic study alone cannot provide.

Gaining Practical Insight Through a Legal Placement

One of the highlights of the programme was completing a legal placement with an Academy partner firm. The team at Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP have been so welcoming and I cannot thank the firm enough for the support they have given me throughout my time with the Academy. This placement complemented my academic studies and gave me invaluable practical insight into legal work.

It also showed me something I hadn’t fully appreciated before: that there are firms that genuinely care about providing opportunities for the next generation of lawyers to thrive. Being welcomed into a team that valued development, inclusion and potential was a turning point for me. It helped me understand that the profession is not closed off; there are organisations actively working to open doors for students like me. Seeing that commitment firsthand made a lasting impression. It reinforced my belief that I could build a meaningful career in this profession and it gave me a clearer sense of the kind of environment where I could grow and contribute.

Where has the Academy taken me?

The impact of the Academy hasn’t been abstract; it has also translated directly into real, tangible outcomes. I am proud to say that I have now secured a traineeship beginning in 2027 with TC Young LLP, something that once felt out of reach. This achievement is not just the result of hard work, resilience and determination, but is also a testament to the support, guidance and opportunities the Diversity+ Law Academy provided.

Why should firms get Involved?

Law firms often talk about diversity, inclusion and social mobility but the Diversity+ Law Academy is where those values become action. Supporting the Academy isn’t just a charitable gesture; it’s a strategic investment in the future of the profession. Firms gain early access to talented, motivated students who have already demonstrated resilience, commitment and a genuine desire to contribute to the legal sector. The Academy develops students who understand professionalism, communication, client care, and the realities of legal practice because they’ve been actively building those skills throughout the programme.

Supporting the Academy isn’t just a charitable gesture; it’s a strategic investment in the future of the profession.

By getting involved, firms help shape a profession that better reflects the society it serves. They play a direct role in levelling the playing field for students who historically haven’t had equal access to networks, insight events or informal guidance. Supporting the Academy isn’t just the right thing to do it’s the smart thing to do for any firm that wants to build a stronger, fairer and more future ready profession.

Calling all firms and organisations: We are actively looking for more sponsors to support the Diversity+ Law Academy. If you think your firm could help or you want to learn more, reach out to us at hello@diversityplus.info or read more about the academy here.

Are you a student interested in joining the academy? 2026/27 notes of interest have now closed, but follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with next year's applications.