Intention: the necessary component of diversity

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Intention is not only critical to the creation of a binding legal contract but the key to holding a successful diversity event.

A realisation that became clear to me as an observer and attendee of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s (BCLP) ‘Race for Change’ event, which was held during Black History Month aimed at helping Black aspiring lawyers enter the legal profession. 

I believe intention is an intrinsic element of conversations surrounding the achievement of racial equity and has the gravitas to truly mobilise change in the industry.

The post-George Floyd events sparked a renewed momentum in the fight for equality as Segun Osuntokun, managing partner of BLCP’s London office, noted in his opening speech that it has created an “increased urgency to address structural imbalances” which has led to published statements and committed goals in the commercial world.

However, there is always an underlying fear in minority communities that this ignition of momentum will eventually burn out. Performative activism is the killer of hope in tackling racial inequality, although I consider intention to be the fuel which keeps the flame alive.

Granted, intention needs a corresponding action, which ‘Race for Change’ has materially demonstrated through its satisfaction of requirements for awards like the LawCareers.Net Commendation for Diversity (CFD) for showing its commitment to creating a diverse workplace and providing equality of opportunity. Therefore, imploring an exploration as to how this intention was conveyed.

An intentionally curated panel

From the outset, the event organised by BCLP’s Inclusion & Diversity team, was jampacked with intention binding each inspirational session. In a profession where only 3% of lawyers are Black, there was no shortage of Black lawyers who have and continue to overcome barriers and smash glass ceilings.

The host of speakers came from BCLP, BNP Paribas, Sony, Hogan Lovells and more, elevating the event from being solely promotional, to one industry-orientated tasked with addressing issues of Black representation.

Daniel Adebayo, an aspiring lawyer, when asked how ‘Race for Change’ compares to other diversity events said: “Usually if one firm is hosting an event, it is typical to only have representatives from that firm. However, the ‘Race for Change’ event was different because it had representatives from different firms and seniority levels. I got to hear from a diverse range of senior panellists on how they have successfully used their backgrounds as a catalyst to propel them into the roles they are in today.”

A panellist at this year’s event and previous attendee Tiffany Babayemi echoed similar views sharing how she appreciates that attendees were able to hear from Segun Osuntokun and other lawyers as it is “always inspirational to see someone at the top that you can relate to as a Black aspiring lawyer”.

The meticulous selection of the panel had the intention of showing attendees that these positions are attainable to Black people, therefore helping eradicate the “stuffy” preconception usually associated with the law.

This point was reinforced by Daniel: “I left Race for Change instilled with a newfound confidence in BCLP’s efforts to make the legal profession more accessible for aspiring lawyers from backgrounds similar to mine.”

The operative word being ‘effort’, even when substituted to intention has the same effect of illustrating how the visual representation of lawyers from minority ethnicities positively impacts prospective applicants.

Well-structured sessions and authentic talks

As mentioned, the calibre of speakers was impressive. Kyle Richards, head of EMEA consumer and digital finance legal from Goldman Sachs, gave the keynote speech then subsequent sessions descended into:

• how to launch a career in law;
• where the career could take you; and
• success in the legal profession.

Regarding the schedule of the day, Daniel commented: “Each panel discussion was different in its own way, with different themes being discussed in each conversation in a unique way. I found all the sessions informative and appreciated the honesty in the answers provided”.

An honesty which allowed for open discussions touching on mental health, self-preservation, not being afraid to fail and the importance of constantly learning through one’s career; thus, providing an authentic portrayal as to what it is like not just to be a Black lawyer, but to be a person navigating themselves through a demanding career.

When asked whether he felt that the hurdles Black people faced in the profession were discussed he replies: “Most definitely! Such as microaggressions in the workplace… I appreciated when one of the panellists spoke of their experience of microaggressions and how they successfully handled that situation. Also… intersectionality [was discussed] and how that impacts Black lawyers’ journeys.”

The Law Society’s Ethnic Minority Lawyers Division (EMLD) in its research exploring the experiences of Black and ethnic minority solicitors found that almost all participants had experienced some level of microaggression based on their ethnicity.

While the aim of ‘Race for Change’ is to appeal to Black aspiring lawyers, seemingly a simultaneous objective is transparency about issues prevalent in the legal profession today. In addition, offering a beacon of hope that these obstacles can be overcome when encountered.

International reach

Due to the pandemic, ‘Race for Change’ has been held online which has increased the accessibility, allowing Black lawyers in the UK and internationally to participate in the event. When comparing this year’s event to the year she attended Tiffany shares: “The advantage of having the event online meant more students could attend and meant that more speakers, from various organisations, could join from their homes to participate.”

Furthermore, the lack of face-to-face interaction was resolved by the Commercial Café, an initiative allowing partakers to discuss commercial issues in a judgement-free zone. The last session of the day was centred around placing all outdoor statues in museums, facilitated by senior lawyers and trainees at BCLP. 

After a content intensive day, attendees informally debated the topic giving them the chance to articulate their views, improve communication skills and network – vital attributes of an effective lawyer.

A genuine opportunity

Most compellingly, intention is conveyed by the fact that attendees of ‘Race for Change’ have a realistic chance of attaining training contracts. Tiffany tells me: “attending Race for Change undoubtedly played a major part in helping me secure that ever-competitive training contract,” an anecdote I too resonate with and was formally recognised by judge and content and events manager Bethany Wren for the LawCareers.Net’s CFD.

An intention to create a more diverse and equal workplace has been substantively demonstrated by BCLP through ‘Race for Change’ which is why, for the reasons examined, I believe it is a necessary component of a successful diversity event.

BCLP were awarded the annual CFD this year as judged by LawCareers.Net, Aspiring Solicitors and Rare.

For more information about diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, head to LawCareers.Net’s  Diversity hub, sponsored by Gowling WLG.

Sarah Bakare (she/her) is a freelance journalist and future trainee solicitor at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.