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From: Diversity+ <hello@diversityplus.info>
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2025 at 17:01
Subject: October Diversity+ Newsletter
To: Iona Nelson <imay3992@gmail.com>

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Welcome to our October newsletter!

“What is the point of awareness days?”
“There are too many awareness days, I can’t keep up”
“Why bother with awareness days and yearly themes - it’s a year-round issue”
 
Though the number of awareness days in the calendar can feel overwhelming, and yearly themes can cause controversy, awareness days play an important part in the fight for EDI in the workplace.
 

A timely reminder

There is a lot to keep up with in the field of EDI and the wider world of work. Awareness days serve as a timely reminder to keep EDI topics at the forefront of our minds. They can encourage and motivate both individuals and organisations to learn, listen, and make a change.

Inspiration for action

Some may label awareness days as too much of a cop-out or tick-box opportunity for organisations to show surface-level care for EDI. On the flip side, awareness days can help structure an organisation’s approach to critical topics. Tackling EDI issues in the workplace can feel overwhelming. Awareness days are a great entry point for those unsure of where to start.

Give everyone a spotlight

Once a topic is widely discussed and tackled, it is easy for leadership and organisations to get tunnel vision, only focusing on that one topic. But to create true change, we must push our comfort zones and consider all aspects of EDI. This is where awareness days can play a crucial part in bringing awareness to areas that otherwise weren’t getting enough attention.

So, yes, EDI awareness should be year-round. But for those first starting on their EDI journeys, awareness days provide guidance, structure, and inspiration about where to concentrate efforts. To make sure you make the most of awareness days as part of your EDI strategy, here are a few simple tips:

1 - Learn and listen

It is all-too-easy to throw a quick social media post together and feel your deed is done. Not only is this an insincere approach, society today can see through the tick-box approach. They want more. Instead, take time to deeply learn about the EDI topic at hand. Utilise free resources, set aside time to learn, and listen to colleagues about how you can support them.

2 - Make changes in-house

The best way to showcase your support is by putting in effort to the less-public side of allyship. Consider your EDI efforts as part of your overall business plan, and utilise EDI-specific consultancies, like Diversity+, to gain insights and help with improvement. Encourage celebration and acknowledgement of awareness days by hosting in-house culture sharing events.

3 - Continually adjust and improve

Once the awareness day is over, the work does not stop. Use these special days as a starting point, then measure, reassess, and readjust throughout the year. Diversity+ can help you pinpoint areas for improvement, implement measurement tools, and deliver a strategy for success.

I would like the help of Diversity+ services

What’s new at Diversity+?

New blog post: Celebrating Black History Month

In line with our awareness day theme, our latest blog post is all about Black History Month. This year, the theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride—a poignant nod to the Black community's commitment and strength amid many years of challenges and struggles. Black History Month encourages us to learn about the history of the Black community, how it has impacted the community experience today, and how we can continue to tackle the barriers still faced by Black individuals.

Read now: Celebrating Black History Month - Power and Pride

Look Up and Beyond rebrand and website launch

Did you hear the news? Our flagship pro-bono project Look Up and Beyond (LUAB) has taken a branch of its own with a beautiful rebrand and its own website! In this second stage of the LUAB project, we aim to focus on action and research to champion female career progression, retention, and recruitment.
 
We are always open to new members to join our LUAB project and help us pave the way to a more equal and inclusive future for all genders. You can read more about membership on the new website.

Tell me more about becoming a member

The Confidence Collective with Glasgow Girls Collective

Speaking of LUAB, what better way to launch a rebrand than with an event! In collaboration with Glasgow Girls Collective, our October event saw LUAB members take the stage—along with inspirational speakers Alice Thompson, Karen Leigh, and Melanie Woods—to discuss their individual journeys with self-image and positive self-talk, followed by practical workshops and discussions.
 
The room was alive with empowerment, and we can’t wait for the next one. The Confidence Collective is a collection of two events, with the second yet to come. Watch this space for announcements about the event, and keep an eye on the Look Up and Beyond website and LinkedIn.

Diversity+ Law Academy events and workshops

This month, we held several events and workshops with our Diversity+ Law Academy students.
 
Our sponsor, Weightmans, kindly hosted a breakfast information session, giving our students plenty of advice about traineeship applications and a sneak peek at what their firm is looking for.
 
On the mentorship side, Berry and The Life Project held their second mentoring and confidence workshop, generously hosted by Drummond Miller LLP. Students had the opportunity to meet trainee and newly qualified solicitors while also practicing their ‘elevator pitch’ and learning more about meaningful mentoring.

Seeking Opportunities

This is the section of our newsletter where we feature individuals who are looking for their next career move, traineeship, or work experience. If you would like to be featured, please get in touch: admin@diversityplus.info

Anna Abraham
 
I’m Anna Abraham, a qualified lawyer from India and a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property Law graduate from the University of Edinburgh. As a recent graduate, I am eager to begin my legal career within the Scottish legal profession, bringing my skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to a professional and collaborative environment. Currently on a Graduate visa valid until November 2026, I'm seeking opportunities in legal internships or graduate roles to further develop my expertise and gain practical experience.
 
During my time as a Student Adviser at the University of Edinburgh’s Free Legal Advice Centre, I provided client-focused legal support while honing my research, drafting, and analytical skills. In India, I completed several legal internships, including one with the High Court of Kerala, gaining exposure to multiple areas of law and building a strong foundation in advocacy and case management. I have also participated in UK-based legal job simulations with firms such as Shepherd and Wedderburn, Latham & Watkins, Herbert Smith Freehills, Morrison Foerster, and White & Case, which enhanced my understanding of UK legal practice and commercial awareness.
 
I am passionate about contributing to a legal profession that values diversity and inclusion, and continuous learning. Outside of law, I enjoy travelling and photography, pursuits that allow me to explore new perspectives and capture meaningful experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the legal community.
 
If you have an opportunity to offer Anna, please reach out to us at admin@diversityplus.info

Vacancies

Residential Conveyancer x2
Neilsons
 
If you are on the lookout for your next conveyancing role, Neilsons are recruiting for full-time Residential Conveyancers at both their Picardy Place and Corstorphine offices in Edinburgh. Suitable for a solicitor or paralegal, for both roles, Neilsons are looking for conveyancing experience, good communication skills, and a high level of organisation.

Learn more & apply

Receptionist
AC O’Neill & Co
 
If you are an LLB or Diploma student looking for hands-on experience in a legal role, AC O’Neill & Co are looking for a receptionist to join their Dumbarton office. This is a permanent, office-based position with flexible hours, and previous legal experience is not required.
 
To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to admin@aconeillsolicitors.co.uk

Learn more

2026 Placement Schemes
Addleshaw Goddard
 
Addleshaw Goddard is open to applications from fourth year LLB students in Scotland, or second year of Graduate LLB and LLB graduates, to join their 2026 Placement Schemes (for 2027 and 2028 Training Contracts). Scotland-based locations include Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
 
Applications close at 12pm on Tuesday 6th January 2026

Learn more & apply

Events & Projects

Disability History Month 2025: Disability, Life and Death
Monday 24th November
1:00 PM
Online
 
Disability History Month takes place from 20th November to 20th December this year. This year's theme is “Disability, Life and Death”. In collaboration with Dr Rachael Wallace, we explore this year's theme, highlighting how attitudes and practices surrounding disability have impacted the lives of disabled people throughout history and today, with a particular focus on the Scottish legal profession.
 
Racheal will guide us through her unique research, providing insights and lived experience examples, and how, as a profession, we can make improvements.
 
Registration details to follow soon - email subscribers will be the first to know.
 

As always, details of all our upcoming events can be found on our events page.

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October Diversity+ Newsletter