Equality: Simmons and Wragges among those honoured at the Law Society's prizes

City firm Simmons & Simmons and Birmingham's Wragge & Co were among the seven law firms, not-for-profit organisations and prosecuting authorities honoured last week at the Law Society's inaugural Race Equality Awards.


Simmons & Simmons won best large employer thanks to its efforts in liaising with schools and universities with a high number of ethnic minority students, and its use of mentoring schemes and targeted advertising.


Six-partner Sheffield firm Watson Esam took the same award in the small firm and not-for-profit category, with judges acknowledging its employment practices, including diversity training for all staff.


The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was voted best in-house or public sector employer, having beaten its target number of entrant grade lawyers from ethnic minority backgrounds, with a 5% increase on the previous year to 30% last year.


Wragge & Co won the large firms category for best service provider in recognition of its community investment programmes, providing pro bono advice in Birmingham's inner city area.


Meanwhile, London firm Fisher Meredith received the greatest number of accolades overall, winning the best small firm service provider and receiving commendations in the best small employer and best legal team categories.


West Midlands CPS took the in-house and public sector award for best service provider.


Rochdale Law Centre won best legal team for its efforts in developing a flexible working environment that takes account of the cultural and religious needs of employees, providing accessible services to local minority communities and offering work placements to young people.


The awards were judged by a nine-member panel that included Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality and Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty. The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, presented the awards.


Mr Phillips said he was disappointed that more firms had not put themselves forward for the awards. He said: 'Some firms have done well, but everyone has more to do to improve their mix of employees or the way they serve their communities. I hope these awards will encourage other firms.'