Ashurst has launched a network to help recruit and retain more black and minority ethnic (BME) lawyers and develop new links with clients.

The network – called All at Ashurst – is headed by corporate partner Hammad Akhtar in London, with the firm planning to roll it out globally. It was launched last Friday by Trevor Phillips, former head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. 

The network is open to all members of staff and aims to assist the recruitment and retention of BME staff, raise awareness of all faiths, cultures and ethnicity, and develop internal and external connections with clients and the wider community. 

Deborah Dalgleish, head of diversity at Ashurst, said the new network will create a "focal point" bringing together all other existing initiatives. 

The firm currently works with Rare Recruitment to attract BME graduates and holds an annual interview and CV skills workshop for students. According to the firm, 35% of its trainees for the September 2015 and March 2016 intakes are BME.

The network will host quarterly meetings and a series of religious and cultural events throughout the year. The firm is also considering introducing mentoring schemes. 

Ashurst is among a host of firms looking to boost its diversity efforts; in July Linklaters launched a new group called the 'Diversity Action Team' to ramp up the number of universities it targets for its graduate intake.