The Solicitors Regulation Authority has published ten years of law firm diversity data for England and Wales, offering a longer-term picture of how representation across the profession has changed since 2015. The figures show progress in several areas, with the proportion of women in the profession rising from 48% to 55% over the period, and the proportion of Black, Asian and minority ethnic lawyers increasing from 14% to 20%.
At the same time, the data indicates that disparities remain, particularly in relation to seniority, disability and socio-economic background. In 2025, women made up 40% of partners, while women accounted for 35% of full-equity partners. Lawyers identifying as having a disability made up 8% of the profession, compared with 17% in national employment figures.
The diversity data presents a mixed picture of measurable improvement alongside continuing disparity. The SRA says the data underlines both the progress made and the need for further action, particularly to improve progression for women and minority ethnic solicitors in larger firms, address the underrepresentation of disabled solicitors, and encourage those from less privileged backgrounds to progress in the profession.