Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Our work is about people from every background – so is our firm.
An inclusive firm
Pearson & Harbor colleagues speak more than a dozen languages and come from many nationalities. We recruit, develop and promote on merit and actively remove barriers to progression.
- Fair and transparent recruitment
- Flexible and family-friendly working
- Mentoring and development for every level
- Regular pay and progression reviews
Our pledge
Every colleague and client is treated with dignity and respect, without exception.
Why it matters to us
Our clients come from many countries, cultures, languages and circumstances. A firm that serves them well should reflect and respect that diversity, both in the people it employs and in the way it works.
Diversity, equality and inclusion are not separate from good legal practice. Different perspectives improve our judgement, fair processes protect our people, and an inclusive culture helps every client feel understood.
What diversity, equality and inclusion mean here
Diversity
Welcoming people of different nationalities, backgrounds, genders, ages, abilities, beliefs and experiences, and valuing what each brings.
Equality
Ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity, and removing barriers that hold people back from joining or progressing.
Inclusion
Building a culture where everyone feels respected, heard and able to contribute fully, whatever their role.
Fair opportunity at every stage
Recruitment
Clear job descriptions, structured interviews and consistent criteria so hiring decisions rest on skills and potential.
Progression
Transparent expectations for promotion, regular reviews and sponsorship so opportunities are not left to chance.
Pay
Pay decided on role, experience and performance, with periodic reviews to identify and address unexplained differences.
Flexibility
Flexible and family-friendly working, and reasonable adjustments for colleagues with disabilities or health needs.
Serving people with respect and understanding
Immigration and legal matters are often stressful and personal. We work to make our service accessible to everyone.
- Plain language, with no assumption of legal or local knowledge
- Help in more than one language where we can, and interpreters where needed
- Sensitivity to cultural, religious and family circumstances
- Accessible offices, documents and communication formats
- Careful, compassionate handling of vulnerable clients and difficult histories
Accessibility
If you need information in a different format, step-free access or extra time, tell us in advance and we will make arrangements.
A workplace where everyone can speak up
- Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment and bullying
- Confidential routes for raising concerns, with protection against retaliation
- Respectful behaviour expected at every level, including from leaders
- Training for all colleagues on inclusive practice and unconscious bias
- Recognition of different cultural and religious calendars when planning work and events
Widening access to the profession
We want legal careers to be open to talented people from every background. We support this through mentoring, work-experience placements and engagement with universities and community organisations.
Turning intentions into action
Listen
Gather colleague and client feedback.
Plan
Agree priorities and named owners.
Act
Improve policies, training and practice.
Review
Check progress each year and adjust.
Diversity, equality and inclusion FAQs
Does the firm have an equality policy?
Our commitments are set out on this page and guide how we recruit, develop and treat colleagues and clients.
How can a colleague raise a concern?
Concerns can be raised confidentially with a senior colleague or the Managing Director and will be handled fairly and promptly.
Can I request adjustments as a client?
Yes. Tell us what would help, such as accessibility needs or an interpreter, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Will the firm publish diversity data?
We intend to review our workforce data regularly and share meaningful progress as it is confirmed.
This page describes our intentions and approach. Specific policies, targets and figures will be published as they are confirmed.