An Exclusive Conversation with Justin Farrance
Justin Farrance is a leader in the field of DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) and a hugely prominent figure in the legal sector. After completing his training contract and qualifying as a lawyer at Allen & Overy, he is now the firm’s Global DE&I Ambassador.
He is also the Founder and CEO of GROW Mentoring. GROW is a charity supporting diverse, aspiring lawyers by matching them with mentors within the profession. Since launching in 2020, GROW has matched over 4000 aspiring lawyers with mentors and made real progress in removing some of their barriers to the profession. Applications for GROW reopen in June 2023.
What was the initial inspiration behind GROW Mentoring? Did you ever expect it to become this big?
Good question. The initial inspiration was born purely from personal experience. State school educated myself, the first generation to go to uni in my family, a gay man in law - there were just so many hurdles that I felt that I faced. And perhaps when I stood back and looked around the room, others didn't face those kinds of hurdles in the ways that I did. I didn't have access to people in the profession and it wasn't until I had a mentor called Joanna Hughes that things really started to change for the better.
Did I expect GROW to reach the kind of level it's at now? Oh, my goodness, no! I remember I used to e-mail companies, e-mail law firms and I'd get no responses. People didn't take it seriously, but I understand that. No one knew who GROW was, my name as a personal brand wasn't very big so it made sense, right? Why would they give time to something that's risky, unknown and in its infancy with no proven track record? And then if I look to today – it blows my mind. People say, ‘you must be so used to that’, absolutely not! It's every time a global company reaches out to us and says we have seen what you're doing and we want to partner with you.
Was there a specific point where you thought, right this this is going to work, or has it been more gradual?
We had an in-house team sign up to GROW called ‘adidas’ and we had a law firm signed up to GROW called Allen & Overy so one of the biggest names globally and one of the biggest names in law. When they signed up and allowed us to put our tiny logo alongside their huge, very well-known logo, that was a huge turning point where I thought maybe we're onto something here that's a real and credible.
I’ve personally had a great experience with GROW Mentoring and my mentor is excellent. Is it possible nowadays to break into the profession without an inside contact or mentor?
Oh, completely it is. There're so many inspiring people I speak to that sadly heard about GROW too late or there wasn't something for them and they've still pushed through. There’s so much success still without these organizations or charities. I think what charities like GROW are doing (among many other incredible organisations) is helping to level that playing field. The way I describe it is helping to remove some of the barriers and increase accessibility. I don't think we've got the magic formula but we’re just one of many trying to do something positive and that’s my core aim - let's remove certain barriers, increase accessibility and support social mobility.
How would you describe those remaining barriers?
You know connections is a big thing. I think a barrier that is not often spoke about is students’ lack of contacts or real life experiences with the legal profession. They would only visit a law firm on their interview. Your first time in a gigantic office is on your day of interviewing which comes with so much anxiety. What I love about organizations like GROW is that we bring students into the office all the time. We say ‘come in your casual clothing and be yourself.’ We play music in the background. We do lots of subtle little things to make a law firm feel less intimidating at first.
That's just one small example of removing a tough barrier. It’s such a simple one but it's just not spoken about, I think. If we then flip it on its head, people with connections have been in law firms about 20 times, so if their 21st visit to a law firm is their interview it’s far less daunting. They're just on a different scale to a socially mobile candidate who is stepping into that law firm for the very first time ever.
Is there ever a difficulty in that some firms’ efforts with DE&I might be perceived as performative? If so, how can that be avoided?
Yes. It’s not even just law firms, it’s global companies being accused of being performative - greenwashing, pinkwashing, you name it, there’s a word for it, and that's a real thing. For me, it is about looking to see that a company’s efforts are moving the needle in the right direction for their people? Are people at the forefront of every DE&I mission statement that they're doing? And if not, why not? If you're doing something that isn't going to benefit your people, make them feel included and empowered.
How have you found the transition from newly qualified associate to DE&I ambassador at A&O?
I think it's an incredible opportunity that A&O is the first to have this role out of any of the big law firms and I see my job as twofold. Firstly, to amplify what’s happening internally with initiatives and collaborations, our agenda on a global scale, which is fascinating, and then secondly, to really tap into how we can build better strategic collaborations with our clients.
One thing I have found through GROW is that so much more can be achieved when two companies join together through DE&I. The needle is moved forward in a much more sustainable, impactful, energetic way by working together and finding synergies. I find that to be the most rewarding part of my job, to collaborate on a strategic level.
My past experience as an employment lawyer has enabled me to really understand that if something is to work in a successful way in an overseas office, you have to take the time to understand local laws, cultural nuances and the way society operates for the working population within that country.
Finally, if you had to give one piece of advice to any aspiring lawyer who doesn't feel like they fit in for whatever reason, what would you say?
Let me give 2:
#1 This sounds really cheesy, but it's super important is to back yourself and be your own biggest cheerleader.
#2 Be proud of your difference and try to see your background, your authenticity as a superhero strength. It wasn't until I leant into my background and started to be authentic and proud that my career and my value add in this firm propelled forward and I wish more students felt comfortable to be proud of who they are.
Interviewed by Will Brookes