OUR WORK

Recently, SAL was part of the Solicitors Qualification Examination focus group that helped shape the new solicitors’ super exam that will come into force in September 2021. 

SAL sits on The Law Society’s Criminal Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group as well as the Ministry of Justice’s Criminal Legal Aid Review Programme Board contributing to the vital work done in the area of criminal legal aid which is in a perpetual state of underfunding.

We also have representation on The Law Society’s Ethnic Minority Lawyers’ Division Committee which works hard to improve diversity and inclusion in the solicitors’ profession. Ten years ago, SAL co-founded the Diversity and Inclusion Charter with The Law Society. The Charter is a public commitment by legal practices to promote the values of diversity and inclusion throughout their business. This is achieved by helping practices with positive and practical action for their businesses, staff and clients. 

SAL also runs a full programme of events throughout the year including educational seminars and networking events. To celebrate International Women’s Day in March, we focus on championing and celebrating female lawyers who have risen through their profession. Previous guest speakers include The Hon. Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb (first Asian Woman to serve as a High Court Judge in the UK), Mrs. Jaswant Narwal (Chief Crown Prosecutor, Thames and Chiltern), Aswini Weeraratne QC (Barrister, Mediator and part-time Judge) and Rehana Popal (first Afghan national to be called to the Bar and only female Afghan Barrister currently practising in England and Wales). 

SAL continues to liaise with key stakeholders on the issue of race in the legal profession and supported the Race to the Top event held in Leeds by the SRA which highlighted barriers and how to work smarter to break glass ceilings. On the specific issue of racial prejudice, SAL is currently working with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) as they seek to address prejudices coming to light following recent cases when HMCTS staff have mistaken black barristers as criminal Defendants (a problem that has also been faced by 33% of members polled). 

SAL regularly liaises with the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) and ran a series of events in 2017-2018 called Diversity and the Judiciary. These events were designed to encourage and inspire Asians to consider judicial posts. An official from the JAC provided guidance on making applications stand out and what the JAC is looking for in a candidate. 

The JAC reported an increase in applications from BAME applicants as a result of this and other outreach initiatives. However, only 7% of Judges are from BAME backgrounds and much more work needs to be done. Achieving diversity in the legal profession is a continuing process that will take time, but together we can make a difference.

SAL has members from all parts of England and Wales and this particular event was repeated in key legal hubs around the country including Birmingham and Manchester. Currently, the events programme is online so you can join us from anywhere.

In recent years, there has been an improvement in statistics for BAME lawyers entering the profession, but there remains a dramatic drop in the number of female barristers beyond 15 years in practice and very few female solicitor-advocates and barristers apply to be Queen’s Counsel. Similarly, few make applications to become partners in City law firms. Sadly, when one delves deeper into ethnicity at the top of the profession, the statistics make for miserable reading.  

Things are however changing; in 2019 (100 years since women were allowed to practice as solicitors or barristers) several magic circle and silver circle law firms announced they would aim to surpass the 100 female partners threshold and a considerable number are well on their way to achieving this, some have already done so.

We want to encourage members to reach new heights. Through events like Becoming Silk, we showcased the near mythical creature that is an Asian female QC. There are less than 30 female Asian QCs in the country!  Barrister, Sonali Naik QC of Garden Court Chambers and Solicitor-Advocate Sophie Lamb QC of Latham Watkins LLP guided us on how they planned their applications years before actually applying. Russell Wallman, former CEO of the Queen’s Counsel Appointments Commission enlightened us on the interview process. 

When you think of working as a lawyer in England & Wales, some of you will think about which regional area you want to work in, others will think about how to leverage their diverse heritage and international perspective. For example, there are plenty of foreign law firms in London and opportunities for solicitors at big firms to be seconded to sunnier climes, like the USA, Dubai and Singapore. If this is the area of work you wish to work in, our advice is think big, think global. SAL’s event about Developing Your Legal Career Internationally highlighted the different pathways taken by leading international practitioners to broaden their caseload.  

SAL has also been leading the debate on Prevent by hosting events in London and Birmingham. The topic of debate looked into how well the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy was working and if there was room for improvement. Panelists and attendees included leading commentators on the topic and lawyers from across the profession. 

Have a look at our website to read more about our events programme and some of the key themes and tips that might help you in planning your future career. We regularly feature guest blogs on our website and so you may want to consider writing for us as well. It is a great way to get your views on substantive legal topics published.

The calibre of speakers at SAL events reflects the respect the Association has garnered among senior practitioners. We love to hear from our members about events that they would enjoy, so once you have become a member, do get in touch with your suggestions.