DENTONS, the law firm which acquired Maclay Murray & Spens last year, has signed up to Women Returners Scotland.

It is one of the first law firms to join the programme, which aims to help qualified lawyers re-enter the legal profession after extended career breaks.

Backed by the Scottish Government, and funded by the Workplace Equality Fund, it is aimed at women seeking to return to work in the business services sectors of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Those who join the programme take part in a 16-week, professionally-paid placement designed to equip them with skills, knowledge and experience which enables candidates to apply for permanent roles. Mentoring and coaching support is also provided to help ease the transition back into the workplace.

Amanda Jones, a partner of Dentons in Scotland and the firm’s first women’s advancement director, said: “This is the first programme of its type for the legal industry in Scotland, and we are proud to be part of such an important initiative. At Dentons we are committed to being the most inclusive law firm in the world and the advancement of women is a business imperative for us both in Scotland and globally.

“Not only will this programme provide women returners with a supported route back to work and knowledge and skills updating, but it will help us gain access to a relatively untapped pool of high-calibre talent.”