Diversity and Inclusion is a particularly 'hot' topic in any industry but with recent scrutiny of law firms, it is important to know what law firms are doing and why effective Diversity and Inclusion policies are important. To help with this discussion I talk to Dr Catherine McGregor about her experiences working with law firms on diversity and inclusion and how a diverse workspace can benefit firms.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

For more information about Accutrainee and their Scholarship Program please visit their website: www.accutrainee.com

Dr Catherine McGregor started out her career as a university lecturer but since then has started the Chambers Women in Law initiative and whilst editor of GC Magazine she produced a number in insightful reports into diversity and inclusion in the in house legal profession.

In the first episode of Accutrainee's Conversations in Law podcast, Hobz De Caux talks with their Director of Operations, Kevin O'Shea, about what it means to be a lawyer in the 21st Century.

This discussion raises interesting points concerning how the expectations of legal services have changed over the years and that now a lawyer is expected not only to provide legal advice but also provide sound business expertise. This need for commercial awareness is high up on the list of skills that law firms expect of applicants and Kevin O'Shea provides some useful insight into how those skills can be gained and showcased.

The conversation then turns to the rise of legal technology and whether proficiency in computing is an expected standard for legal recruits or whether an individual showcasing the necessary skills would stand out from the crowd.

For more information on these topics, please check the Accutrainee Blog and watch out for new podcasts covering topics such as: the SQE, Legal Technology and Commercial Awareness.