However, the group said that it was clear there were more minotities entering the law arena and it was hoping to collect data which will help the profession understand where there is under-representation and how best to tackle it. The association which has been formed with the support of the Law Society and the Faculty of Advocates aims to help tackle the under-representation of ethnic minority lawyers in many aspects of the Scottish Legal Profession.
Should not face barriers
Speaking at the event, James Wolffe, QC, the Lord Advocate, said the legal profession underpinned the rule of law in Scotland. ‘Everyone in Scotland has a stake in Scotland's legal profession. Talented individuals should not face barriers to progress in the profession because of their ethnic background, religious beliefs or other characteristics….The establishment of SEMLA reflects the fact that the Scottish legal profession is more diverse than it has ever been. But there is more to be done; and the practical work which SEMLA intends to undertake will help to ensure that the legal profession and the administration of justice in Scotland reflect the diversity of Scotland's people.’
Illustrious line up
The Lord Advocate was joined by fellow speakers including Gordon Jackson, QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates; Graham Matthews, President of the Law Society of Scotland; Sheriff Aisha Y Anwar and Professor Lorne Crerar, Chairman of law firm Harper Macleod.
Under-representation
SEMLA will provide a platform to offer guidance and assistance and to help create positive career opportunities. Advocate Usman Tariq, a member of the steering group responsible for the launch of SEMLA, said: ‘There is under-representation of ethnic minority lawyers in many aspects of the legal profession. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the need to improve diversity in the profession…The legal profession has to be seen as dynamic and diverse to attract individuals of all backgrounds and to ensure that talented lawyers are not lost to the profession because of a lack of career opportunities.’
Member events
SEMLA will organise regular events for its members and aims to work together with supportive law firms and other organisations with the hope of ‘opening doors’ for its members into new workspaces and educating them about different career choices. For more information see www.semla.org.uk
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