The business opportunities available to law firms in emerging markets will be the topic of discussion on 3 October at a seminar that opens 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, will explore 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 will be celebrated by the Law Society throughout October with a series of high-profile events.
These include a panel debate in 'Question Time' format on 12 October, which will see 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, discuss current legal issues and the impact BAME lawyers have made.
The Law Society will also organise an event to encourage young people from BAME groups to consider a career in law. 80 pupils from schools across London will be invited to attend a youth event including a mock trial, workshops and a legal quiz on 15 October.
The Black History Month celebrations will end 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.'
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Notes to editors:
The Law Society is the independent professional body, established for solicitors in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.
For more information on the Black History Month events:
Press contact: Emma Alatalo, The Law Society
+44 (0)20 7316 5592