Law firm Russell-Cooke has registered to participate in the 10000 Black Interns programme. By registering, the firm is committing to offer at least one internship to black candidates in either a legal or business services role in the summer of 2022 or thereafter.
More than 700 firms from across 21 sectors have already pledged over 2000 internships since the launch in October 2020.
The five-year, UK-wide programme will offer paid work experience across a wide range of sectors, providing training and development opportunities and creating a sustainable cycle of mentorship and sponsorship. The 10000 Black Interns programme follows the success of the 100 Black Interns initiative launched in August 2020.
Global alternative asset management firm, Capstone Investment Advisors, will fund the programme's launch, with voluntary contributions from participating companies developing the initiative further over time.
Russell-Cooke's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion partner, Gareth Ledsham, commented: “As a firm deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, we recognise the imperative to provide genuine access to a wider pool of candidates for roles across our business. There is so much to be done to improve the horizons and prospects of the young black professionals of the future in the UK. This scheme is a positive step in the right direction and we look forward to welcoming our intern/s in due course.”