The first diversity league table for law firms has unveiled 'institutional complacency in the legal profession when it comes to racial equality', the chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), Trevor Phillips, said this week.

The results of the first comprehensive diversity survey of top law firms, carried out by the Black Solicitors Network (BSN), showed that only 0.5% of law firm partners are black, and 3% are Asian.


National firm Shoosmiths came first in the table, with 13 ethnic minority partners, and 29 associates from ethnic minorities. It was followed by London firm Fladgate Fielder, which has only one ethnic minority partner but counts 15 female partners.


Regional firm Freeth Cartwright took third place, followed by City firm Trowers & Hamlins and Brighton-based DMH Stallard. Firms were ranked on four diversity classifications - Asian, black, mixed and Chinese - across the four categories of partners, associates, trainees and paralegals.


Of the top-ten City firms, Clifford Chance was the highest in ninth with eight ethnic minority and 34 women partners. Norton Rose came tenth, with ten ethnic minority partners and 41 women partners.


More than 80 firms took part, including 53 from the City. Some 47 other top firms did not supply the required information. The research was conducted by the Law Society on behalf of the BSN and CRE.


Mr Phillips said: 'Without visible signs of improvement the legal services [providers] are inviting government to consider tougher legislation and force [them] to do better.'


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