Bristows is delighted to announce that we are a headline supporter for Aspiring Solicitors new initiative SMART (‘Social Mobility and Real Talent’) Legal Commitment, a grant programme designed to help support socially mobile candidates with expenses like accommodation, IT equipment, and workwear. 

The purpose of the SMART Legal Commitment is to: 

• remove the stigma of socially mobile workshop/open day candidates and/or future trainees requesting funding/financial assistance to progress in their legal journey, 
• remove financial barriers to joining the legal profession, 
• reduce the administrative burden on firms, and 
• help progress social mobility in the legal profession. 

Harriet Lunn-Jones, Graduate Talent Manager at Bristows, commented: “We are really proud to be a headline supporter of the Aspiring Solicitors SMART Legal Commitment. It is a fantastic initiative that helps break down some of the financial barriers people can face when starting a career in law, from accommodation to workwear and tech. This programme fits perfectly into our wider aim to support social mobility, which is a big part of our DE&I focus.” 

Supporting this initiative further highlights that Bristows is committed to its future trainees, attendees of its workshops and open days, and is working towards breaking down the barriers of social mobility. 

To find out more about working as a trainee at Bristows see here. 

To find out more about Bristows’ commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion see here.