Capsticks has welcomed Anya Ekwuozor, Marley Alexandre and Chantay Fraser on a six-week paid internship as part of the UK’s 10,000 Black Interns programme.

Anya has just completed her first year of law and politics at the University of Leicester, Marley has recently completed her second year in law at Northumbria University in Newcastle, and Chantay is a recent graduate of Coventry University having studied criminology and law. Anya and Marley are doing a legal internship based in Leeds, and Chantay has joined as a HR intern, based in the Wimbledon office.

The firm’s participation in the programme acknowledges the need for the profession to improve access to the legal sector for people from traditionally marginalised groups; in this case by providing opportunities to young Black people who might otherwise face barriers to entry to the legal sector.

Martin Hamilton, Managing Partner said:

“I’m pleased to welcome Anya, Marley and Chantay to Capsticks. Our five-year EDI strategy and plan has some very clear aims, one of which is to build a diverse talent pipeline. This means stepping up our efforts to attract, hire and promote people from diverse backgrounds to make sure that we have a breadth of skills and perspectives, and that our people represent the clients with whom we work.”

The firm’s participation in the programme has been largely driven forward by its CREATE (Capsticks, Race, Ethnicity, Allies, Traditions and Equity) employee network. CREATE network was established in 2021 to provide a supportive community for colleagues, to celebrate and raise awareness of cultural and racial diversity at Capsticks, and to work with senior leadership to champion change.

Capsticks has recently brought on a dedicated Early Careers Business Partner, Patricia Birkedale, who has led on this project. Her next focus will be bringing on the new cohort of apprentices in September.

Capsticks’ aim is to be the firm of choice for organisations who work to make a difference. Our purpose is to be the legal advisers that clients want by their side, providing innovative and practical solutions tailored to our sectors’ unique challenges. Our lawyers work together as one team with the same values: putting people first, doing the right thing and always forward thinking.