Diversity data published by law firm Linklaters about partners and employees gives a fascinating glimpse in to the social background of a leading legal practise.

The information is published after an announcement from the Legal Services Board requiring diversity data is compulsorily reported from December.

The data reveals an even education split for most partners – with 38% receiving a private education and 39% attending a state or grammar school. The rest were educated overseas or opted not to disclose their background.

The report also reveals the sexual orientation of Linklaters staff – with 4% of partners and 6% of trainees identifying themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Faith and beliefs highlights 8% of the UK partnership identifying themselves as of a religion other than Christian, rising to 13% for associates and 18% for trainees.

Linklaters head of human resources Jill King said: “We have been working on improving diversity within the firm for some time but this is the first time we have surveyed social mobility data.

“It coincides with the announcement by the LSB, but we are doing it because transparency around these issues fits in with our wider firm strategy. We are very supportive of the LSB’s decision to encourage all firms to follow our lead.”

“With regards to the statistics, it is not surprising that a large share of lawyers has a private education, but we believe highlighting these issues makes us more of aware of how we need to improve access to the profession in future.”

For a full copy of the report, go to http://www.linklaters.com/pdfs/mkt/london/4479_Diversity_Statistics_2011_FINAL.PDF

Meanwhile, David Morley, partner at legal firm Allen & Overy, wants law firms to draw from a more diverse group of candidates to stay ahead of rivals in a globalised market.

“The one thing that stands out is that if you come from an average or below average income family, the chances are less now than 30 years ago that you will make it into a career in law. That is a real shame; not just for fairness in society, but also for the profession,” he said.