Reactions to the government's 'Panel on Fair Access to the Professions' report, result of the Oxford University Press and BPP National Mooting Competition and more good news for Bristol legal sector.

The Law Society and the Bar Council haven't been slow to react to the government's 'Panel on Fair Access to the Professions' report – which this week criticised the legal profession for being 'socially exclusive'.

Law Society President Paul Marsh hit back: "Law firms have been making giant strides to open up access to the solicitors' profession, and with their help the Law Society has recently launched the diversity and inclusion charter."

Bar Council chairman Desmond Browne QC said that the Bar is "ready to redouble efforts on social mobility". He added: "The Bar has a good story to tell on gender balance and ethnic mix. 23% of pupillages are being taken up by people from BME (black and minority ethic) backgrounds." However, he didn't specify whether or not those BME candidates were privately educated.

Meanwhile, Sheffield Hallam University has struck a blow for non-red brick universities by winning this year's Oxford University Press (OUP) and BPP National Mooting Competition. The two victorious mooters, Charlotte Dowson and Christopher Wilkinson, received a certificate, trophy, £750 and a chance to gain experience with BPP's pro bono centre.

Elsewhere, Bristol-based TLT has become the latest firm to hang onto all of its newly qualified lawyers – joining firms including Bird & Bird and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton on a 100% retention rate.

In other West Country news, CMS Cameron McKenna has announced that it will be taking on trainees in its Bristol office for the first time, with two set to commence training contracts next month.

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