We are immensely proud to be Gold sponsors of Birmingham Black Lawyers. The success of our Chambers has been largely built upon our commitment to equality and diversity over many decades.
Internally it has enabled us to create a culturally diverse and inclusive business. Externally we have been able to show case that a genuine commitment to equality where everyone applying to join No5 or engaging our services as a client is treated equally regardless of ethnicity and gender. This is the key ingredient to our success.
We were the first and only set of Chambers to sponsor Black Lawyers Directory dating back to the mid-2000s when it was launched, and entering into a mentoring scheme to support black lawyers.
We wore the BLD badge as we now wear the BBL badge with huge pride not because it has now become fashionable to do so, but because it is in our DNA and has formed our direction of travel over many decades.
Much has been achieved over recent years to shine a light on inequalities within the legal profession but there is still a long way to go and there is no room for complacency.
No5 is not an organisation to simply wear the badge, our sponsorship is a further step in our efforts to ensure that we do all we can to support Birmingham Black Lawyers in all it aims to achieve.
Tony McDaid
Chief Executive & Director of Clerking
To learn more about No5 please visit their website
Having worked with BBL for many years now, we are delighted to be able to continue our support by being one of their first sponsors.
At Freeths, creating a more accessible and diverse legal sector is at the heart of our diversity outreach initiatives. For us, the first step in doing this is understanding the challenges or barriers faced by minority groups. Freeths have been lucky enough to either work closely with or in partnership with a number of local community groups, networks and outreach programmes such as BBL. These links and partnerships have developed our understanding and have enabled us to work in collaboration on possible solutions. Networking, education, allies, roles models and actively challenging established processes are all key ingredients to creating a more diverse and accessible legal sector. As part of our ongoing programme of events within Freeths, our Black History Month Celebrations in 2020 included a panel discussion about the role of allies, and we were delighted to be joined by Tamina (BBL co-chair) as a guest speaker. We have also recently established our own Black Lawyers Network within Freeths and whilst we know that there is a lot of work still to be done, with the focus of our own network coupled with the enthusiasm, drive and energy of BBL, we are certain that we can help make a difference.
Becky Egan
Senior Diversity Manager
To learn more about Freeths please visit their website
We are delighted to be one of the proud sponsors of Birmingham Black Lawyers.
At Browne Jacobson, we have an aspiration to be the most inclusive and diverse law firm in the UK where everyone can thrive and succeed. We know how important it is to have a workforce that is inclusive & diverse to get the best outcomes for our people and clients.
Although there has been a greater focus on Diversity & Inclusion in the Legal sector over the last few years, it’s important to recognise there is still much more to do.
We are committed to creating opportunities that increase the proportion of black and other ethnic minority representation in the marketplace and have recently launched our REACH Mentoring and FAIRE (Fairer Access into Real Experience) programmes to help build a sustainable pipeline of future talent. We are also taking great steps to ensure we are nurturing and building talent from within the Firm. Lasting change will only be achieved when jobs at senior levels are accessible to all – and when the career paths to achieve them are equally accessible.
Only by working together, and in collaboration with organisations such as BBL can we tackle inequality, promote inclusion and build a fairer future for all.
Bridget Tatham
Partner & Exec Sponsor for Race
To learn more about Browne Jacobson LLP please visit their website
Our work on equality, diversity and inclusion is important to us and we are pleased to be working with Birmingham Black Lawyers as you support and develop your members and assist them in their career aspirations. The SRA regulates 180,000 solicitors in England and Wales and more than 10,000 legal businesses. We are here to make sure the public can have trust and confidence that solicitors meet high professional standards, while also making it easier for them to find affordable legal services that suit their needs.
Our vision is for a modern, open legal market with a diverse, strong, effective and independent legal profession providing high quality legal services internationally and to the UK commercial market, as well as to the public.
We are committed to working to promote diversity at every level in the profession, making sure that everyone can reach their full potential. Not only is that good for individuals, but also for firms and of course for the people who use legal services. Black lawyers make up 3% of lawyers in law firms and this reflects the workforce in England, Scotland and Wales in 2018 (3%). Black lawyers are underrepresented in mid to large size firms (those with six or more partners) so we know there is more for us all to do.
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination opens on 1 September 2021. This will ensure high consistent standards, supporting the brightest and best from every background to join the profession, regardless of the training route they take. We also share best practice in firms and organisations to help to create the kind of inclusive working environment that enables people to reach the top in whatever type of work they choose to do.
To learn more about Solicitors Regulation Authority please visit their website