Great points! To elaborate further, I recently graduated from Cambridge university, also I have been private schooled too - however, I do not see myself as more capable than someone who is of a BAME background.
I know many of my friends who are of a BAME background unfortunately were ghosted in rooms full of partners and associates when they attended ACs or legal events at university. Partners would only speak to people of their choice, and I did call out a partner because of his actions, of why he spoke to me and not my friend.
I agree, Slaughters is a firm known for this. I completed a VS with them, and most of the people on the scheme were white. Also, in terms of their associates and partners they are all white coloured to say the least lol!
However, I do know currently there is 1 Asian and 1 Black trainee.. who they would push in front to show they are very “diverse” although that is not the case!
Despite some trainees may be of a BAME background at these firms, when the time comes to being promoted or being in important client meetings, they are the ones hidden in the back, whereas their white colleagues are pushed in front! I have spoken to many qualified associates and trainees at legal fairs to know this!!!
It’s absolutely ridiculous! But I guess the “legal sector” will always remain for the elite, despite the attempts of law firms saying they are becoming “very diverse”!!’