Michael Page Recruitment has joined Clifford Chance, Baker & McKenzie and other top law firms in a new steering group aimed at promoting diversity in the legal trade.

Ethnic minorities are especially under-represented in commercial practice in City firms.

“There’s a preponderance of ethnic minorities in certain areas: those with public funding, family law and crime,” said Karl King, barrister and member of the steering group.

“Firms are beginning to realise that they have to become more sophisticated to get the best talent, regardless of ethnicity,” said Brenda King, chair of the steering group.

Managing director of Michael Page Legal, Stephen Hockey, said his company would be monitoring its applicants’ success: “The male/female balance is pretty good, but the representation of minority groups needs work on it.”