Sandra Wallace, the UK senior partner at global law firm DLA Piper, has revealed that early in her career, people were sometimes taken aback to discover she was Black. This candid reflection comes as she assumes a significant new government role focused on social mobility.
A Trailblazing Career Confronting Bias
Wallace, who made history in 2020 as the first Black person and the first woman to hold the position of UK senior partner at DLA Piper, shared her experiences in a recent interview. She recounted that upon qualifying as a solicitor, some individuals expressed visible surprise at her race during initial meetings. "When I first qualified, people would sometimes be surprised that I was Black," Wallace stated, highlighting an implicit bias that existed within the professional landscape.
Her journey to the top of the legal field is a testament to her resilience and talent. She joined DLA Piper as a trainee in 1991, steadily rising through the ranks over three decades. Her appointment to the senior partner role was a landmark moment for diversity in a sector that has historically struggled with representation at the highest levels.
Championing Social Mobility from the Front Line
Beyond her corporate leadership, Wallace has long been a vocal advocate for social mobility. This commitment has now been formalised with a major public service appointment. In December 2023, she was named as the interim co-chair of the Social Mobility Commission, a key independent advisory body to the UK government.
Her passion for this cause is deeply personal. Wallace has spoken about the transformative power of education and opportunity, often referencing her own background. She is determined to use her platform to break down barriers for people from all walks of life, ensuring that talent, not background, determines success.
Her approach is both practical and principled. At DLA Piper, she has been instrumental in driving forward diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentoring programmes, and outreach efforts designed to widen access to the legal profession. She believes that creating a more equitable environment is not just a moral imperative but also a business one, fostering a richer pool of ideas and perspectives.
Looking Forward: A Dual Role in Law and Policy
Wallace now balances her demanding role leading DLA Piper's UK operations with her responsibilities at the Social Mobility Commission. This unique position allows her to influence change from within both the corporate and policy spheres. She views her new government role as a crucial opportunity to scale up her advocacy and implement systemic changes that can level the playing field across the country.
Her story is not just one of personal achievement but a roadmap for institutional change. By openly discussing the subtle and overt biases she encountered, she brings critical awareness to ongoing challenges in professional environments. Simultaneously, her focus on social mobility addresses the root causes of inequality, aiming to create a pipeline of diverse talent for the future.
Sandra Wallace's career embodies progress while acknowledging the distance still to travel. From confronting surprise at her identity as a newly qualified lawyer to steering one of the world's largest law firms and advising the government on fairer opportunities, her trajectory continues to inspire and challenge the status quo.
