Introduction to Equality Act 2010

Equality and diversity has always been an important issue for law firms of all types and sizes, and those who have embraced equality in its fullest sense have usually found that their practice has improved as a result, and that its staff and clients have benefited.

However, in addition to the general benefits which arise from the adoption of an equal and diverse method of working, there is a growing regulatory imperative for firms to adopt equal and diverse practices and to address any potential discriminatory issues within their firms. That regulatory imperative has come from a number of directions including a recent warning card from the SRA entitled ?Equality and Diversity Obligations?, a new guidance and policy from the Legal Services Commission and, most recently, from the introduction of the new Equality Act at the beginning of October 2010.

This article looks at some of the changes brought about by the Equality Act 2010 (Equality Act) and in particular looks at how these are likely to affect those managing a legal practice.

Contact the Lawyers Defence Group

If you require further information about, or help with, any aspect of the Equality Act or equality and diversity generally then the Lawyers Defence Group can assist you. We can help your firm put in place equality policies, deliver training to your staff about equality and diversity, assist you in resisting or bringing a claim for discrimination, advise as to reasonable adjustments and generally provide you with a full range of back up and advice.

For further information, or to contact the Lawyers Defence Group about outsourcing:

• phone on 0333 888 4070
• email on help [Email address: help #AT# lawyersdefencegroup.org.uk - replace #AT# with @ ]
• request a callback using the form in the right hand menu and someone will call you back at a pre-arranged time
• write to Lawyers Defence Group, Richard Nelson LLP, 8 The Courtyard, 707 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 1TT