OUR HISTORY
ABOUT US
As our name suggests, we are a student led initiative created in an effort to increase collaboration between law students and to make the legal profession more diverse and inclusive.
Following the successful organisation of our panel discussion, 'Overcoming Education Barriers and Achieving Diversity' in 2018 and after considerable interest expressed by the participants, in 2019 we successfully established the society “Unity and Diversity in Law” at the University of Bristol.
OUR GOALS
1) A culture of collaboration and support
Our events strive to highlight the culture of collaboration and support which we believe will benefit students throughout the duration of their degree. We see great value in working cooperatively, rather than competitively.
To achieve this, we organise small-scale student-to-student workshops, tailoring to the needs of each individual participant. These take place in a more casual environment where individuals feel safe in participating, exchanging ideas and experiences. We have witnessed the personal growth and development of our members through these friendly interactions. By cultivating a less competitive environment, we are hoping to encourage students to be more adventurous and try new things!
2) A more diverse and inclusive legal profession
Our efforts are centred around our desire to break through the stereotypes of what the 'typical lawyer' looks like.
We represent students from low-income households, ethnic and religious minorities, diverse sexual/gender identities, students with disabilities and other diversity strands. Our motivation lies in the underrepresentation of these groups in the legal industry as well as in university societies.
We aspire to empower our members and excite them about their future in the legal profession. We show them that there are successful individuals in this industry who have faced the same barriers how they managed to overcome them. We differ from other law societies by creating a constructive platform between law firms and students. Students can voice their concerns about their future, receive opportunities and meet people whom they can directly relate to.
Hear from our Members
In the 'Meet the UDL' I felt motivated to ask questions and participate because of the friendliness of the UDL committee and the environment they created.
The panel event really lived up to its name. Hearing from such accomplished diverse solicitors made me feel there is something truly valuable I can bring to the workplace because of my background.
I was really nervous about my first negotiation competition. Yet, the UDL committee were so friendly, I owe them a big thanks for easing me into an extracurricular I now love.