At Wedlake Bell we are committed to a culture of fairness and equal opportunities. This culture underpins our recruitment practice and guides the firm’s policy in relation to the development and retention of all those who work at the firm.
We strive to build and maintain a culture that values and gathers strength from difference. Our firm is a true “meritocracy” with opportunities accessible to all.
Wedlake Bell also exercises inclusive and accessible recruitment practices and retention-focussed activities. This includes partnering with Rare Technology to use contextual data in early careers recruitment.
Our Equality and Diversity Committee which includes Partners, legal and support staff from across the business meets on a regular basis to review all matters relating to diversity and to help us provide an inclusive and supportive place to work. The Committee reports direct to the firm’s board.
Apprenticeships: Wedlake Bell is an advocate of apprenticeships. We currently have two apprentices who sit in our IT Department, as fully integrated members of the firm. The firm has sponsored the apprentices to undertake IT qualifications, in addition to the practical experience gained working within the firm. In 2024, Wedlake Bell also started offering Solicitor Apprenticeships and we now have four apprentices sitting in a variety of teams across the firm.
Law Society Diversity Access Scheme: We support promising entrants from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who face exceptional obstacles to qualification by offering work experience placements in various departments across the firm. This provides hands on experience working within a law firm, together with support from our HR Department on careers, help with CVs, and interview guidance.
Sutton Trust: We also offer a work experience placement to sixth form/college students through the Sutton Trust’s Pathways to Law programme. The Pathways to Law programmes run over two academic years, starting in Sixth Form/College and finishing before exams in year 13. Alongside a work experience placement, there is a programme of skill workshops and information sessions, mentoring opportunities, networking events with universities and leading professionals, and a summer residential packed full of opportunities to develop skills needed to access a career in law.
10,000 Interns Foundation: We also partner with the 10,000 Black Interns (10KBI) programme, which is designed to address the chronic under-representation of Black talent by providing paid summer internships to students and graduates. Running since 2022, it covers over 35 sectors, including finance, law, and technology, offering work experience and training to boost career opportunities. We are also a community donor, which helps sustain and scale their free-to access programme.
Future Frontiers: We have been partnering with Future Frontiers for many years to provide a programme for young people that combines personalised careers coaching, skills development and exposure to professional role models.
Together, we equip young people aged 14-19 from low-income households with the knowledge, skills, confidence and connections that will help them to broaden their horizons and prepare for fulfilling futures. This is part of our commitment to widen access to opportunities and provide young people with an understanding of the world of work.
Wedlake Bell Gender Pay Gap Report: View here: 2024
Wedlake Bell LLP Diversity Statistics Report: View here: 2025
