"MAKING A Difference" is the theme of this week's Minority Lawyers Conference, which takes place on Saturday.
The conference is a biennial event that provides a forum for black and minority ethnic lawyers of all levels, backgrounds and sectors, to express their views, and meet successful role models within the legal profession from home and abroad.
Held at the Law Society’s headquarters in London, the conference will hold workshops allowing delegates to discuss current issues that affect the ethnic minority community, such as anti-terror legislation, the impact of the Mental Health Bill and legal aid reforms.
Justice Albie Sachs, of the South African Constitutional Court, will open this year's conference with a keynote speech focusing on how ethnic minority lawyers can make a difference in both the legal profession and public life.
Chief executive Desmond Hudson said: “The Law Society works hard to provide its members with the skills to progress their career and to serve all members of the community.
“This conference has become an important date in the calendar for BME lawyers.
“It will provide opportunity for debate on topical issues and offer practical advice and support to solicitors.�
Chairman of the Bar Geoffrey Vos, QC, added: “The Bar Council is very happy to support and participate in the conference.
“It is increasingly important for the legal profession to be actively involved in raising the profile of equality and diversity issues and this conference provides a perfect forum to engage with them.
“The Legal Aid and Judicial Appointments workshops tackle particularly apposite topics in an exciting conference programme.�