With the increasing interconnectivity and complexity of societies, clients now demand legal solutions that intersect with a broad range of perspectives. Law firms must now assemble inclusive teams that reflect the diversity of their clients and the communities they serve, in order to meet this challenge.
At Owen Reed, diversity is not merely a tick-box exercise; it is regarded as a strategic asset, and we consider ourselves a recruitment partner that favours inclusivity at every level of the legal profession.
There has been some progress in the legal profession over the past few years. Still, many firms continue to struggle with attracting a diverse set of candidates, particularly at senior levels. Research reveals that unconscious biases, systemic impediments, and a lack of inclusive hiring policies continue to work against candidates from underrepresented groups. At Owen Reed, we view these challenges as an opportunity: to lead with intention, to examine the existing system critically, and to place diverse legal talent in firms willing to drive change.
We collaborate with law firms that genuinely value diversity, not just for show, but as a means to enhance decision-making, foster more creative legal strategies, and promote a more equitable future for the profession.
Owen Reed’s Source and Screen model is at the heart of our approach to diversity in hiring. Not only do we consider CVs, but we also take a holistic approach to candidate screening, incorporating skill-based assessments and a values-oriented understanding of each individual’s career goals.
Underneath this model, hiring bias is mitigated in situations where diverse candidates, including those with unconventional career paths or educational backgrounds, are given the opportunity to shine. Be it a talented legal secretary returning to work after a career break, a multilingual paralegal, or a top-performing proofreader with a disability, all candidates deserve a fair chance to succeed.
At Owen Reed, diversity extends beyond entry-level hiring. Inclusive representation must extend to all levels and at all roles within the legal team. To encompass:
Legal Support Staff- From legal secretaries to litigation support, assisting firms in sourcing competent individuals with cultural awareness.
Virtual PAs- In a hybrid world, diversity of location and work style comes into play. We connect firms with professional virtual assistants from varied backgrounds, providing seamless remote support.
Document production and proofreading require technical precision, with detail-oriented and committed individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Mid-Senior Legal Professionals – We nurture diverse junior and mid-level professionals into leaders, mentoring them and providing career guidance.
This is why most leading firms partner with us:
Legal Industry Expertise – We understand the rigors of working in a legal space. We are aware of the various nuances that accompany hiring within such a confined sphere. Our recruiters speak your language.
People-First Approach – Our model prioritises people, not algorithms. We treat every candidate as a whole person, not just a résumé.
Bias-Free Hiring – We educate our clients on diverse hiring processes, building workplaces where all voices are heard and valued.
Proven Track Record – Our successful placements in the past have spanned diverse fields, including race, gender, age, background, and lived experiences.
Owen Reed goes beyond recruitment. We advocate for inclusion in a way that fosters favor. There is a team effort in promoting diversity through workshops, collaboration, client consultations, and thought leadership. Underrepresented job seekers also receive confidence coaching, interview preparation, and tailored career advice to enhance employability.
DEI is not a fad for us, but a guiding principle in our daily business. From the initial engagement with a candidate through to their successful placement with a firm, we ensure fairness, equity, and opportunity at every step.
We stand at the intersection of legal expertise and inclusive hiring if you are a firm wishing to strengthen your team through diverse recruitment, or a candidate looking for a workplace where your specific identity counts, Owen Reed is here for you.
Visit us today to discover how we can assist you in achieving your DEI recruitment goals and help shape a legal workforce that reflects our diverse living world.
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