TLT launches pioneering school leaver diversity access programme

UK law firm TLT has launched its new ‘Beyond Boundaries’ school leaver programme in collaboration with The Black Apprentice Network, designed to open up career pathways in law and professional services for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Black Apprentice Network is a grassroots organisation that champions the voices and experiences of Black apprentices across the UK, advocating for greater visibility, equity, and opportunity. Its collaboration with TLT is a strategic and values driven partnership that reflects the firm’s commitment to creating meaningful, long-term change in the legal sector and has enabled TLT to co-design an inclusive and culturally responsive programme, providing participants with authentic role models, relevant support, and a sense of belonging from the outset.

The Beyond Boundaries programme will provide school leavers with legal work experience, help them to develop important skills necessary for a career in law and offer hints and tips for making applications and attending assessment centres. They will also be partnered with mentors from the firm’s Ethnic Diversity Network - one of TLT’s core affinity networks, which empowers and supports ethnically diverse colleagues and enables TLT to grow and maintain a representative and equitable workforce.

Participants will gain hands-on exposure to legal work, attend confidence-building workshops and receive tailored support to help them navigate their early careers.By working alongside the Black Apprentice Network, TLT aims to ensure that the Beyond Boundaries programme is shaped by lived experience and informed by the challenges that Black apprentices continue to face when entering professional environments.

The launch of the programme builds on the success of the “Beyond” initiative introduced by TLT in September 2024, a new diversity access programme aimed at eliminating barriers to entry into the legal profession for ethnic minority graduates.

It represents the next step in TLT’s commitment to equity, inclusion and early talent development as the firm works towards its new 35% target for ethnic minority representation across its early career roles (trainees and apprentices) by 2030. 

TLT has also improved its ranking in the Social Mobility Index – a ranking of UK employers on the action they take to ensure they are progressing talent from all backgrounds – for three consecutive years.

Andrew Webber, Partner and Early Careers sponsor at TLT commented: "TLT is dedicated to building career pathways to enable our people to better reflect the diversity of our communities. This programme challenges traditional perceptions of who finds a way into law to help cultivate a new generation who will uphold our values and improve our ability to represent clients and communities more effectively.

“What better time to launch Beyond Boundaries than during Black History Month, reflecting our commitment to celebrating identity, empowering future leaders and driving meaningful change in the legal sector.” 

Elijah Olanipekun, Co-Founder of The Black Apprentice Network said: "Solicitor apprenticeships provide an incredible opportunity for young people passionate about law to gain access to firms like TLT, make an impact early, and build professional skills that will serve them for life—while also progressing academically through their law degree.

“Through this programme, we want to give members of the Black Apprentice Network that opportunity, and in turn provide TLT with a backbone of diverse legal talent that will strengthen the firm for years to come."

Applications will open on 10th November and are open to members of the Black Apprentice Network in year 12 at school or college. Applicants will be required to complete an online application form, and shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend an assessment centre.

In the meantime, you can find out more about early careers at TLT at the following page: https://www.tlt.com/careers/early-careers/

Also starting in October, TLT will be sharing a series of personal accounts from current and future joiners intended to provide clarity on the application process and deeper insight into life at the firm as TLT continues to break down barriers to accessing a career in law.