The business opportunities available to law firms in emerging markets was the topic of discussion on 3 October at a seminar that opened the Law Society's Black History Month celebrations.
A panel of lawyers representing the diasporas in the UK, including Boma Ozobia, president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and Segun Osuntokun, partner at Berwin Leighton Paisner, explored how firms can learn from the experiences of the African, Asian and Caribbean diasporas to build legal business in emerging markets.
The achievements and contributions of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) lawyers were celebrated by the Law Society throughout October with a series of high-profile events.
These included a panel debate in 'Question Time' format on 12 October, which saw high-profile speakers, including Imran Khan, who represented Doreen Lawrence, and Dawn Dixon, who was the first black lawyer to found a law firm in the City, discussing current legal issues and the impact BAME lawyers have made.
The Law Society also organised an event to encourage young people from BAME groups to consider a career in law. 80 pupils from schools across London were invited to attend a youth event including a mock trial, workshops and a legal quiz on 15 October.
The Black History Month celebrations ended on 26 October with a quiz night in aid of the charity Lupus UK.
Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff said:
'Black History Month is not just about remembering the past or about promoting equal opportunity. There's also a strong business imperative to invest in BAME lawyers. For example, firms that are looking to build their business in emerging markets could tap into the cultural acumen of the African, Asian and Caribbean diasporas.'