Lubna Shuja

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Lubna Shuja

Lubna Shuja

Lubna Shuja will succeed as the President of The Law Society of England and Wales in October this year and demonstrates the continued changing face of the profession – first Asian, first Muslim and seventh women to hold this prestigious position. Lubna’s enthusiasm and passion for law, its role in public life and the importance of a body representing and promoting solicitors is infectious. After a mere 45 minutes talking to her, I felt taller and prouder of my own profession as a solicitor.

The Law Society appoints social mobility ambassadors to inspire others to study for the profession and their portraits surround the hall and waiting room. Lubna herself embodies this aspiration: born and educated in Bradford, no family links to the law but nevertheless took the plunge to study it as a degree. This was after being encouraged by a friend to “give it a go” although Lubna says she honestly thought ‘law is not for somebody like me’.

Less familiar for many graduates today, is the straight line to qualifying Lubna achieved, a year doing the solicitors’ course followed by two years training (articles). She then worked in a traditional high street practice in Bradford before a move to Birmingham and setting up her own practice. Lubna relished the challenge of being a sole practitioner but warned it is not for everyone. The hours can be punishing due to the responsibility for everything; it can offer more flexibility but also be isolating.

Lubna joined the Solicitor Sole Practitioners Group (SPG) which was invaluable as a source of advice and support from likeminded individuals. She became the Chair of SPG in 2012 and soon after was elected to be the Law Society Council Member representing the interests of sole practitioners. Lubna’s special interest is in professional regulation, and she participates in Disciplinary and Fitness to Practise Committees. “My role is to ensure the public is protected, that professional standards are maintained and to act in the public interest.”

After this level of involvement, Lubna simply thought why not stand for election. She was partly intrigued to see what would happen: ‘I didn’t actually think we would ever have an Asian president – when I came on council it was majority male and white’.

Main Aims for Presidential Year

Acknowledging the frustrating negative press about lawyers and sometimes even the statements from government, one message Lubna is keen to promote is the understanding that lawyers do what the law says, and they protect vulnerable people. She wants to raise the profession’s profile in a positive way and the value to wider society.

Lubna explains she wants to raise public understanding of why we need solicitors and what is distinctive about the responsibility solicitors have to their clients, highlighting the indemnity insurance and the code of ethics which binds them. Lubna wants the profession to be respected as of the utmost integrity.

Diversity is important to all the officers and Lubna is delighted that already her presence is felt with individuals reacting in a positive way to her role, continuing the change in the perception of the profession. Lubna is keen to ensure that TLS is not stuffy and loves the admissions ceremonies and welcoming new entrants to their London home. She wants all solicitors to feel “I belong here” and for that to be reflected around the building.

“I didn’t actually think we would ever have an Asian president – when I came on council it was majority male and white”.

The building has seen changes in the public rooms including the Carrie Morrison room which now includes a magnificent portrait donated by First/Next 100 Years. As the centenary of the admission of the first female solicitors in England and Wales draws close, Lubna confirms it will be marked appropriately but that it will not stop there. She wants to ensure the progress so far continues. One priority will be the women in Law Pledge and talking to firms about its significance.

The Law Society hangs the Next 100 Years mosaic of Carrie Morrison.

I left The Law Society feeling invigorated by Lubna’s passion for the law and work of solicitors. She will be an outstanding advocate for the profession.

Coral Hill