Elizabeth Robertson has succeeded Nicholas Cheffings as Executive Chair of PRIME, effective from 1 May 2022.
PRIME is an alliance of over 60 member law firms across the UK and Republic of Ireland determined to improve access to, and socio-economic diversity within, the legal profession. On average, 742 students each year go through PRIME work experience programmes, and PRIME’s members have delivered over 12,000 weeks of work experience since it was founded in 2011.
Elizabeth is a Government Enforcement and White Collar Crime partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. She was state school and Polytechnic educated, and has been a longtime passionate advocate of issues that PRIME seeks to promote. She has been a member of the PRIME Board since 2020.
Outgoing Executive Chair Nicholas Cheffings, commented:
“A lot of progress has been made over the past few years, with social mobility programmes now established as part of most firms’ recruitment strategies. The success of PRIME has been based on the contributions of our members, who consistently demonstrate the power of collaboration in sharing best practice, in holding each other accountable, and in moving the entire sector forward. It has been a pleasure to lead PRIME and work with its Board, and I wish Elizabeth well as she steps into the role. Her passion for the social mobility agenda, her credibility and personality will all be tremendous assets to PRIME.”
Commenting on her appointment, Elizabeth said:
“We have seen a much-needed push for greater diversity in the legal profession in recent years. A diverse workforce is a strong one, and this includes representation of people from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. Nicholas has been a tremendous leader and advocate for PRIME over the past six years. I’m excited to build on his legacy and to work with PRIME members in looking for ways to extend the opportunities in the law that are available to talented young people from all kinds of backgrounds.”
