Eighteen UK law firms have successfully attained the 2022-2023 Mansfield UK Certification, operated by Diversity Lab, a structured initiative that fosters inclusive leadership opportunities for all qualified lawyers.

The Mansfield Certification framework is designed to broaden talent pools and establish transparent advancement pathways, emphasising accountability through its annual certification process.

Thompsons was one of the certified UK firms that opted into Mansfield Certification Plus, a designation reserved for firms that voluntarily measure the outcomes of their inclusive systems annually and have achieved positive results.

Thompsons conducted a comprehensive review of leadership roles as part of this initiative, ensuring they include at least 30 per cent representation of women lawyers, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities.

During the certification process, Thompsons showcased its commitment to clarity and access to information regarding leadership roles, advancement processes, and a transparent pay and grading structure.

The Mansfield Certification framework, initially developed in the United States and Canada in 2017, has proven to accelerate the diversification of legal leadership. Notably, early adopter firms have diversified their leadership at a rate approximately double that of non-Mansfield firms.

Alyssa Jarvis, Director of Mansfield & Strategic Innovations at Diversity Lab, commented, "Diversity Lab is proud to partner with Thompsons as they continue cultivating inclusive teams. We applaud their achievements over the past year while recognizing that there is still more work to be done."

Clare Mellor, the Chief Executive of Thompsons Solicitors, expressed their pride in this recognition, stating, "We are immensely proud to have achieved this recognition. We recognise the immense value that diversity brings to our firm, and we remain committed to continuous learning and growth as we build the firm of the future."