Grassroots Programme a boost for Black law students

Students from Black ‘non-traditional or disadvantaged backgrounds’ studying Law at the University of Salford can now apply for the Programme designed to help them open doors into the profession.

The Black Solicitors Network (BSN) Grassroots Programme is a bespoke opportunity designed to promote and increase equality of access to the legal profession. It does this by delivering a series of careers and skills workshops throughout the academic year, held in partnership with industry experts and experienced lawyers. This includes looking at CVs, interviews, networking and much more on the BSN Grassroots websites.

The Grassroots Programme is sponsored by Salford, alongside Linklaters, the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Bristol. Successful applicants will be welcomed to the Programme in September 2021, and workshops will take place between October 2021 - June 2022.

Louise Hall, Lecturer in Law, said: “This opportunity could potentially open so many doors for some of our students. One of the barriers often faced is being able to gain to access leading law firms. It’s a brilliant opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, connections and support.”

A spokesperson for BSN said: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Salford to bring this unique programme to its law students.  We very much look forward to welcoming successful student applicants to the Grassroots Programme in September 2021.  This Programme is specifically designed to unlock the potential for career success and break down the barriers for Black university students in realising a career in law.”

Grassroots candidates, once completing the programme, will gain necessary insight and a plethora of skills to equip them for building a strong legal career.

Applications are open until Monday 5 July and more details on how to apply can be found on the BSN Grassroots websites. 

To apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• from Black backgrounds (i.e. Black African, black African Caribbean, mixed-race black African or mixed-race black African Caribbean backgrounds)
• from “non-traditional” or “less advantaged” backgrounds (see below for more details on this)
• demonstrate a commitment to their professional and academic career (by reference to academic achievement/predicted grades and course attendance levels) and their ability to participate for the duration of the Programme; and
• demonstrate the potential to excel in the legal profession.

Indicators of “non-traditional” or “less advantaged” backgrounds include (but are not limited to) being:

• the first generation in the family to attend university
• eligible or in receipt of a means-tested maintenance grant from Student Finance England; and/or
• attendance at a state or non-fee-paying school during secondary education.