Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance takes over as co-chair of Legal CORE the UK cross-firm collaboration on race and ethnicity

Legal CORE (Collaboration on Race and Ethnicity) was launched in 2021 by founding firms A&O Shearman, Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Herbert Smith Freehills, Linklaters, Macfarlanes, Norton Rose Fulbright and Slaughter and May. From 27 November, the former chair firms Slaughter and May and Norton Rose Fulbright pass on leadership of the initiative to Clifford Chance and Linklaters.

The representation of ethnic minority partners at the eight firms that established the UK’s first cross-firm collective aimed at tackling racial underrepresentation in the legal sector has significantly improved since the group's inception. This represents an average increase across the firms of three percentage points.

Legal CORE has grown to 44 law firm members, all focused on the retention and progression of ethnic minority talent. Half of these members now publish ethnicity targets to further drive their commitments to tackle underrepresentation including associate, trainee and business services populations.

Over the last three years, Legal CORE has driven collective action and engaged with hundreds of individuals across the legal sector through various events and forums.  Outside of the legal sector the collective has partnered with Rare Recruitment by funding its Hemisphere Education training programme in over 60 schools across England and Scotland. This is an expansion on work that many member firms already do to support local school students with meaningful employability and careers opportunities. The training for teachers aims to improve racial literacy to create better outcomes for Black students.

Read more about the progress made by Legal CORE.

Simeon Radcliff, Partner Clifford Chance, one of the new chairs of Legal CORE said:

"We are encouraged by the progress made so far to improve ethnic minority partner representation as it underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our society. I am looking forward continuing this vital work and to further advancing our efforts in collaboration with Legal CORE."

Nina Goswami, Head of UK Inclusion Clifford Chance, incoming Steering Group Co-Chair said: "I am looking forward to continuing the momentum of progress we have seen. Congratulations to the steering committee for their outstanding leadership and dedication. The collaboration with Legal CORE has been invaluable, adding significant value to our collective efforts. Together, we have made strides towards greater representation and inclusivity at senior levels, and I am hopeful that we will continue to build on this foundation to achieve even more impact in the future."