Twenty-two law firms have come together to launch PRIME, an initiative aimed at providing fair access to quality work experience for young people from less privileged backgrounds.

The initiative is supported by the Law Societies of England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, and The Sutton Trust, and commits member firms to provide work experience that gives an insight into the range of careers available in the legal profession and the potential routes into those careers.

Angus Macgregor, HR director at Eversheds, one of the participating law firms, says: “The PRIME Programme is in line with our strategic aim to be a great place to work and to continue to take a progressive approach to corporate responsibility and diversity. Yes, this is about finding bright students and preparing them for a career in a City law firm. However, more importantly, it’s about providing them with opportunities, self-confidence and tools to make positive choices to allow them to achieve their potential.”

David Morley, senior partner of Allen & Overy and chair of PRIME, adds: “It’s harder now than it was 30 years ago to get into the legal profession if you’re from an average or below-average income family. As a profession, we must change that.

“For some time law firms have been providing their own work experience opportunities for less privileged young people. By collaborating across the profession, PRIME will create a step change in the legal sector’s commitment to fairer access, giving more students their first insight into the wide variety of career opportunities available in the legal sector. I would urge all law firms to join us in supporting PRIME.”