Minority Lawyers Conference 2011
The Law Society hosted the 11th bi-annual Minority Lawyers Conference (MLC) on Saturday 9 April 2011. The conference, which is unique in Europe provided a platform for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) lawyers to network and discuss issues of topical relevance. In recognition of the contribution and achievements of BAME lawyers in the profession, the conference also staged an MLC dinner and awards ceremony.
The theme of the 2011 conference 'diversity: embracing change' prompted speakers and delegates to explore changes facing the profession (ABSs, access to justice) and look at ways that challenges could be turned into opportunities. The keynote speaker at the conference was the Attorney General Dominic Grieve MP and workshops covering emerging markets, access to justice, human rights, judicial appointments and career development generated interesting discussion and debate.
A champagne reception at the end of the conference provided more opportunities for networking.
As a prelude to the conference and in recognition of the achievements and contribution of BAME solicitors in the profession, the MLC organising committee also hosted a dinner and awards ceremony.
Award winners included Razi Shah (against all odds category), Sandie Okoro (encouraging ethnic minority lawyers and mentoring category) and Kuljit Lally (embracing change category).