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10 March 2023 / Harry Matovu KC , Nicholas Heaton
Issue: 8016 / Categories: Features , Diversity , Career focus , Profession
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Changing the landscape for black talent in the law

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Harry Matovu KC & Nicholas Heaton urge firms & chambers to support the Black Talent Charter

The legal profession has a serious problem. The problem is race, and in particular the disproportionate under-representation of black talent, especially at senior levels. This is a defining issue for the profession.

Race is a difficult subject, which many were forced to face for the first time following the killing of George Floyd. But, having found the courage to do so, there is still uncertainty and caution in how to bring about change. If this continues, the promises made in 2020 will collapse. This cannot be allowed to happen.

The burden & flight of talent

There is no shortage of highly talented black graduates from the top universities. However, the legal profession must do more to attract and retain them. The data is stark.

  • In 2021, the Race Fairness Commitment found that black and ethnic minority trainees accounted for 32% of the trainee population of its 35 signatory firms, but that attrition rates for junior black lawyers
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
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NLJ this week: No such thing as a ‘Welsh seat’
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
NLJ this week: Jury reform risks justice for efficiency’s sake
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
NLJ this week: Crypto fightback offers ‘new frontier for law’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
NLJ this week: Time to revive the duty to report crime?
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
NLJ this week: When are experts truly ‘necessary’?
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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