For the second consecutive year, Stewarts is listed as a Top 75 employer for social mobility in the Employer Index, published annually by the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF). This year Stewarts has risen up the rankings to #64, from a list of entrant organisations employing more than one million people in total.

The SMF is the UK’s universally recognised authority on employer-led social mobility. Employers that are listed have been acknowledged as leaders in creating a culture where everyone can thrive, ensuring representation and greater innovation and success for the business and its employees.

Rt. Hon. Alan Milburn, Chair of the Social Mobility Foundation, notes that the organisations listed in the Index “Are leading the way in meeting new public expectations that employers should contribute not just economically, but socially too – helping to make our country fairer. The Index entrants drive a wider movement for change as the  cost of low social mobility becomes clearer.”

Social mobility is a key aspect of our diversity and inclusion strategy. We strive to create a workplace where every person should be encouraged and given the tools to achieve their potential regardless of background. Research conducted by the SMF for the Unheard Voices survey in 2024 suggested that around half of young people would be put off by a job or career they wanted if the employer was not recognised in the Social Mobility Employer Index.

View the full 2024 Social Mobility Employer Index here

Our work experience programme

In 2024, Stewarts hosted its third cohort of work experience students in co-ordination with the SMF’s Aspiring Professionals Programme. Our London and Leeds offices welcomed ten students for a one-week placement that provided practical and informative insight into a career in the legal industry.

One of this year’s students, Zainab Nadeem, spent the week in our Leeds office and commented on the programme: “We participated in a debate session regarding ex-parte occupation and non-molestation orders. We were able to consider both sides of the claim and present arguments for them within a 45-minute time frame. This was particularly useful as we were able to comprehend and provide a detailed explanation on several points in a time-effective way, which is an essential skill as a lawyer.”

“I would like to thank all the staff at Stewarts, for taking the time to ensure we had an incredibly informative and successful internship experience.”

We look forward to welcoming our next work experience cohort in 2025.