Bristol Law Society presidents addressing racial inequalities

On 6th July, all of the major Law Society’s presidents came together to sign an open letter addressed to the University of Bristol Law School regarding their actions following Black Lives Matter.

A month earlier, the Head of School, Ken Oliphant, sent an email to the entire Law School expressing solidarity with Black staff and students and also those protesting. The Law societies are now asking for tangible action which actively addresses the issues raised.

 The letter (which can be found on the UoB Bar Society’s Instagram and Facebook page) started by highlighting that the current system ‘fails countless members of the Black community’. Data collected by the Solicitors Regulation Authority shows that only 3% of lawyers are Black and that Black lawyers are ‘significantly underrepresented in mid to large size firms’. Furthermore, research conducted by diversity recruitment specialists Rare showed 84% of lawyers they had spoken to had experienced implicit racism at work.

 The Presidents have asked for a series of changes. These include the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee setting up a student working group which will work directly with Black students and greater transparency regarding the data collected on student intake and Black speakers invited. They also ask for the Law School to partner with The Black Solicitors Network who have won prestigious awards for their contribution to diversifying the legal profession.

 The letter was signed by the Chair of the BME Network as well as the Presidents of 7 Law-related societies, including the University of Bristol Law Club, the largest Law society comprised of 1,500 members, as well as the University of Bristol Bar Society, which is the second largest. Whilst there has been no public response, the Presidents will be holding a virtual meeting with the EDI committee to finalise details and ensure the meaningful changes are actioned.

EDITORIAL OPINION

Whilst the current system would require sweeping reform to truly address the magnitude of the inequalities in the legal profession, the proposed changes will set a precedent for meaningful action and potentially lead to further reforms. Whilst the amendments must ultimately be implemented by the Law School, it is encouraging to see the lawyers of tomorrow coming together to advocate for change and justice.

Written by Benazir Begum