Legal professionals in Sheffield are uniting to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) with the launch of a new initiative by the Sheffield & District Law Society.
The newly established EDI Committee comprises 12 passionate professionals from across the region, dedicated to promoting a more inclusive and accessible legal profession. Among its members are Stephanie Chung, private client associate, and Anna Woodcock, trainee solicitor, both from Wake Smith Solicitors.
The committee aims to foster collaboration among local law firms, affiliated organisations, and solicitors to share best practices and implement strategies to create a more diverse legal workforce.
Stephanie Chung highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “Anna and I are delighted to be working with the Law Society on their newly established EDI committee. Our focus for the year is social mobility and raising awareness about different routes into the legal profession. We want to connect junior and experienced legal practitioners, normalise EDI activities, and create a platform for diversity to flourish in Sheffield’s culturally rich community.”
Clare Young, president of the Sheffield & District Law Society, underscored the committee’s goals: “We aim to bring together legal professionals and firms from across the region to share ideas and best practices on EDI. This initiative supports firms in creating inclusive working environments and recognises the importance of EDI in today’s legal sector.”
In a further effort to spotlight EDI achievements, the Society has announced the introduction of an EDI Champion Award at the Yorkshire Law Banquet and Awards in 2025. Open to Sheffield & District Law Society members, the award will celebrate outstanding contributions to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in the profession.
The EDI Committee invites local professionals to get involved with their work or attend upcoming events. For further information, interested parties can contact Elizabeth at the Sheffield Law Society via email: elizabeth@sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk.
Pictured (L-R): Wake Smith Solicitors’s Anna Woodcock and Stephanie Chung join the new Sheffield & District Law Society EDI Committee.
Image provided by Wake Smith Solicitors / Agent Public Relations Ltd
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.