Celebrating Black Legal Talent in Birmingham

On Monday 21st October 2019, St Ives Chambers co-hosted an event to celebrate Black History Month with Gowling WLG. The event was attended by local students and legal professionals. After a drinks reception, the attendees heard four inspirational speeches from Michael Luckman (Partner, Gowling WLG) and four black lawyers based in Birmingham: Her Honour Judge Carole Burgher, Yetunde Dania (Partner, Trowers and Hamlins), Ayomide Akin-Oteniya (Trainee Solicitor, Gowling WLG) and Tom Lawal (Barrister, St Ives Chambers). The speeches were followed by a very interesting Q&A session, chaired by Tom Lawal.

Chambers’ Equality and Diversity Officer, Mark Cooper, said: “This was a fantastic event! It was a great opportunity, particularly for local students, to hear first-hand accounts from successful lawyers who have often faced adversity during their careers. Chambers is keen to do its part in ensuring that the Bar does all it can to attract candidates from the widest possible pool of talent available. This is our second event with Gowling WLG who share our commitment to equality and diversity in the legal profession. Chambers is very grateful to all of our speakers and to Gowling WLG for providing such a lovely venue.”

(Image from left to right: Her Honour Judge Burgher, Yetunde Dania, Tom Lawal, Ayomide Akin-Oteniya.)