Mishcon de Reya has been recognised as a Top 75 employer in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2022.
This year, the firm rose in the rankings to achieve a final standing of 40, out of the 149 employers which participated.
The Index was launched in 2017 by the Social Mobility Foundation and is considered to be the authority on employer-led social mobility.
Employers in the top 75 are recognised as showing a "sustained commitment to accessing and progressing talent from all socio-economic backgrounds."
The Index provides feedback on the steps employers are taking to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds, including in areas such as an organisation's recruitment processes, engagement with educational institutions and data collection.
149 employers took part in the 2022 survey, from across 25 sectors.
Mishcon de Reya’s commitment to unlocking opportunity and driving a level playing field for all who wish to enter the legal sector is set out in the firm's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and Impact aims.
The firm works closely with organisations such as Rare Recruitment, Sutton Trust, Social Mobility Business Partnership and UpTree to improve access to opportunities for students, potential apprentices and graduates.
Sarah Atkinson, CEO of the Social Mobility Foundation, said:
"We know that, as we move with barely a pause from the pandemic to a period of high inflation and rising cost of living, the operating environment remains challenging. Nonetheless, the business case for social mobility is stronger than ever: with every employer fighting for talent and skills, eliminating barriers based on socio-economic background is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing too."
Edward Hughes-Power, Partner and Social Mobility Committee Lead at Mishcon de Reya, added:
"In a world of increasing inequality, it is important for us, as a firm, to focus on improving social mobility. We believe that everyone, irrespective of their background, should be able to achieve their full potential. Supporting social mobility is one of our firm’s priorities and we've been working hard to help those both inside and outside the firm. Whilst we are pleased to be recognised in the SMF's rankings, we will not stand still and we will continue supporting and promoting social mobility within the firm and across the legal sector as a whole."
View the full Index here.