Black History Month

ARTICLE

Black History Month

As Black History Month comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the experiences members of the profession have shared as part of the campaign’s ‘Proud to Be’ theme, which encourages Black people to share their pride, ethnicity and identity as part of this annual celebration of the incredible richness and diversity of Black heritage in the UK.

I have been saddened to read colleagues’ experiences of how they have faced racism, unconscious bias, microaggressions, non-inclusive behaviour and been viewed as outsiders.

So many have transcended these barriers to be successful in the legal profession and have led the change in attitudes in their own firms and organisations as they strive for better diversity and inclusion in their workplace.

In 2020 we published our Race for Inclusion report, which examined the experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors and offered suggestions on how we can build a more inclusive profession.

Our research was launched during the year of George Floyd’s death and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, which shone a light on the challenges Black, Asian and minority ethnic people face in so many societies, bringing the racial inequalities that persist around the world into greater focus. The movement has undoubtedly brought these issues to the fore in society, with the legal profession in tandem.

When I took up the role of president in 2021, I became the first person of colour and the first Black office holder to lead the Law Society in its nearly 200 year history. I’ve always wanted to break down barriers, and in becoming the first person of colour to be president of the Law Society, I did just that.

I have had many months of meeting with, listening to, and representing the profession, and found it so eminently rewarding. It is a source of deep pride that I stand as visible a role model for many people of colour, particularly women.

I am living testament to the growing social opportunity in the legal profession, but I also recognise that more needs to be done to ensure that talented individuals can progress and thrive in the practice of law, enjoying long and productive careers in the profession irrespective of their background.

Career journey

I speak openly about my background – I am the child of a single parent from an Afro-Caribbean working-class home who grew up on a council estate in Buckinghamshire. I am proud of, and proud to share, my experience.

In 1985, my family and I moved to the US. I returned to the UK six years later, where I encountered my first barrier when I found out my US qualifications wouldn’t be recognised in the UK.

Thanks to the access to qualification route, I entered London Guildhall University in 1996, where I graduated with an LLB (Hons) in politics. After that, I progressed to the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Guildford.

Like most aspiring solicitors, obtaining a training contract wasn’t easy, but thanks to the steadfast encouragement of my father, Melvin, I secured a placement with a local Aylesbury firm, Horwood & James. I qualified in 2002 and joined my first inhouse team a few years later.

On becoming president, I announced that one of my top priorities as president would be diversity and inclusion. I am passionate about the importance of social mobility, equality and inclusion.

Anyone with the necessary skills, knowledge, and commitment to become a solicitor should be supported, enabled and empowered throughout their career.

It is clear that while some steps have been made for greater diversity and equality in access and progression, obstacles still remain and there is work to be done.

It is important that leaders, especially those from minority groups, share their experiences in a candid and honest way and talk about how they made it to where they are.

Visible role models are so important in giving others confidence and creating a sense of belonging in the profession. One or two individuals who reach the top cannot make as much difference as having an entire profession which is reflective of society as a whole, particularly at senior levels. ■

I. Stephanie Boyce

I. Stephanie Boyce

President of the Law Society of England and Wales