Firm named among Top 15 employers for social mobility in the UK
Weightmans has announced its highest-ever position on the 2025 Social Mobility Employer Index, securing 15th place in this year's rankings.
Published annually by the Social Mobility Foundation, the Index is a respected benchmarking tool that assesses employers’ efforts to advance social mobility through outreach, recruitment, and advocacy. The 2025 Index featured 140 entrants from across the private, public, and voluntary sectors, with Weightmans outperforming many competitors and other leading organisations.
This recognition reflects Weightmans’ ongoing commitment to widening access to the legal profession.
This announcement coincides with Weightmans serving as headline sponsor of the Raise Up Youth Summit, taking place today (October 15) in Liverpool. The Summit brings together hundreds of employers and young people from NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) backgrounds and aims to challenge outdated perceptions that talent only emerges from the top, calling on businesses nationwide to step up, show up, and lead the change for a fairer future. The event will feature a fireside discussion between Weightmans’ Managing Partner, Sarah Walton and businesswoman and broadcaster, Sara Davies MBE.
Sarah Walton, Managing Partner, commented: "This is great news for the firm. Social mobility matters because talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. At Weightmans, we are committed to creating genuine opportunities and fostering stronger, fairer workplaces for people from all walks of life.”
Helen Taylor, HR Director, said: “We are delighted to be part of a movement that fosters truly inclusive workplace cultures where everyone can thrive. Social mobility remains a top priority for Weightmans as we continue to break down barriers and make careers in law accessible to all. Our HR team’s dedication is at the heart of this achievement.”
Weightmans remain steadfast in its commitment to advancing social mobility.
Since launching the Weightmans Apprenticeship Academy in 2021, the firm’s Early Careers team has worked proactively to recruit a diverse range of candidates for apprenticeship and trainee roles. By adopting a contextual recruitment platform and conducting targeted outreach to schools and social mobility initiatives, Weightmans continues to drive forward its social mobility strategy.
Key highlights include a partnership with Everton in the Community, offering work experience to individuals who may not have previously considered a career in law; a national online ‘Legal Insights Programme’, which introduces students across the country to the legal sector and the varied routes into law; as well as mentoring schemes, the Leadership Academy, Legal Advice Clinics, and a Law Mentoring Scheme. All these initiatives are designed to open up opportunities for talented people from every social background.
Just last month, Weightmans welcomed its first Newly Qualified Solicitor, Molly Fletcher, after completing her Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship with the firm.
