Ashurst ranked top 25 in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2023

Global law firm Ashurst has been ranked in the Top 75 Employers in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2023, placing 22nd overall.

Ashurst has been recognised for its Social Impact and Early Careers work, including its Access Ashurst programme and solicitor-apprentice scheme, as well as the award-winning work of its global Social Mobility and Inclusion Network including mentoring projects and recruitment efforts, such as its partnership with Rare Recruitment, City Solicitor Horizons and Forage.

The Social Mobility Employer Index is an annual benchmarking and assessment tool for employers, assessing how employers perform on eight areas of employer-led social mobility.

Nicole Williams, Head of Social Impact Investment and Ashurst's Social Mobility Network Chair, said: "Talent should never be limited by socioeconomic circumstances when aspiring to become a lawyer. We don't control our upbringing, but we should have control over our career aspirations. I'm pleased that Ashurst has been recognised for addressing social barriers to a career in law and we remain committed to enhancing social mobility across the UK with a focus on addressing barriers to access and support talent."

Alison Hardy, Head of Ashurst's Real Estate Dispute Resolution Practice, said: "We're delighted to be recognised for our sustained focus on social mobility and inclusion. Ashurst is focused on identifying, supporting and recruiting the best talent regardless of socio-economic background. Outreach programmes, upskilling and mentoring emerging talent, sponsoring internal talent, legal apprenticeships and graduate programmes are some of the ways we can create a more diverse and successful workforce."