CLLS response on LSB consultation on encouraging a diverse legal profession - March 2026
The Committees support the Legal Services Board’s aim of encouraging a more diverse legal profession, but asks for clearer justification of the LSB’s statutory basis for issuing the policy statement.
They agree with evidence-based, measurable and flexible expectations for regulators, stressing that outcomes should be SMART, regularly reviewed and grounded in robust diversity data.
They support fairer pathways into, within and back into the profession, including retention, progression, flexible working and neuro-inclusion.
They also back clear conduct standards against bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination, but say implementation must be proportionate, especially for smaller firms and under-resourced regulators.
