DLA Piper launches global diversity initiative 'Break into Law'

Employment in the legal sector is dependent on an individual's access to education, support networks, motivation and their awareness of the steps required to achieve a professional career.

Understandably, for many young people the legal sector is viewed as a career path which is not available to them and entering the profession is deemed both difficult and expensive.

Break Into Law involves a variety of projects run by DLA Piper offices throughout the world, including mentoring, work experience, CV and interview skills, workshops, research, thought leadership events and scholarships.

The initiative begins with improving access to education, moving through to projects that provide an insight to and experience within our industry, linking to our recruitment and retention priorities.

It utilises our global reach to share best practices from projects implemented in one part of the world with other areas of the world, while respecting and accounting for local norms and nuances.

The initiative includes a number of projects occurring across the Middle East region and demonstrates the firm's commitment to corporate responsibility in all of the markets in which it operates. Projects being delivered in the Middle East include: the 'Helping Hands' teaching programme in KSA; a work experience scheme in the UAE; training and delivery of a Mooting competition for budding lawyers as well as an internship programme for women in Saudi Arabia.

Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout, Regional Managing Partner for DLA Piper Middle East, said, "The lack of diversity in the legal profession is an issue which persists not just in this region but throughout the world and, as a leading global business law firm, we understand that we have an important responsibility and moral obligation to change this. Improving equality, diversity and inclusion within the legal profession is a significant priority here at DLA Piper and Break Into Law offers us the opportunity to really make a difference."

Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout added, "In order to achieve our aim of being the leading business law firm in the Middle East as well as globally, it is crucial that we seek out, attract, develop and retain the best people around."

Ben Eavis, Corporate Responsibility Manager at DLA Piper Middle East, commented, "As part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility, we are delivering a number of projects across our locations in the Middle East region, many of which are designed to help young people to break into the legal sector. Break into Law brings together the best of these to create a truly global initiative that plays to our collective strengths."