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Working class lawyers held back by City culture

‘On the surface there’s meritocracy, but it’s much, much more complicated than that’

A barrister holds his wig as he arrives at The Old Bailey in London
A barrister holds his wig as he arrives at The Old Bailey in London Photo: Getty Images

Lawyers from poorer backgrounds are being held back at top City firms because they lack the confidence that privately educated lawyers have “pre-installed”, according to a study of the career progression of 2,800 City lawyers.

The news comes as pressure is building on Square Mile employers to boost the number of people they hire and retain from poorer backgrounds.

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