Diversity at Russell McVeagh

Several committees set up to cater to a diverse range of groups and interests. While the overall diversity at the firm isn't where I would like to see it, I understand my workplace is striving to improve in this regard.

I think the firm makes an active effort, but obviously difficult when a lot of the barriers come at early stages.

I think we are doing well on hiring a good balance of genders (most of my grad group are women!) but we are still a majority white/European group and there is a long way to go in terms of socio-economic diversity, though I believe this relates more closely with the socio-economic diversity of the law school graduate pool. Steps have been taken to work towards a more diverse workplace and I think this is starting to be reflected in the firm's recruitment. However, the type of work and the demands on workers' time and lives means this will inevitably be a job that retains certain people who have the resources and lifestyle to give to it. I think I would really struggle to work here if I had more demands at home from my family or if I had children.

As far as I can tell a real effort is made to promote diversity and that it is moving in the right direction.

It is hard for me to comment as I haven't really been exposed to these sorts of issues first hand. I think there is always more to be done in the diversity space.

I believe some efforts are being made to change our hiring practices and support less-privileged students, but I am not aware of anything that is currently in place.

I know there is a committee that focuses on bringing more socio-economic diversity to our firm, but I think it can be challenging due to people from less privileged backgrounds being less likely to hold an LLB.