News - News - Launch of Black Letter Law 2008

BLD's Black History Month Event saw the launch of Black Letter Law 2008, the ground-breaking publication showcasing black and ethnic minorities in the legal profession, and one top barrister said the book would not just have an impact within the UK, but across Europe.

The event, hosted by Allen & Overy on 9 October, began with the rousing beat of African drummers. Chair of the Society of Asian Lawyers Sundeep Bhatia introduced the keynote speaker, Rabinder Singh QC, of Matrix Chambers.

Rabinder talked about the past and rich cultural heritage of black and minority ethnics (BMEs) who have contributed to UK history. He warned against three dangers – the danger of complacency, the danger of despair (when change is slow) and the danger of merit (where the call for diversity had to be justified). He said: “Don’t look for extraordinary talent, but talent in extraordinary places.”

Rabinder officially launched Black Letter Law 2008 along with Sandie Okoro, Director and Group Head of Legal at Barings Asset Management and Peter Herbert, Chair of the Society of Black Lawyers. All three appear among nine photographs on the book’s cover.

Mr Herbert said: “We need to recognise and celebrate excellence all over the world. Our society is changing massively and we all have an amazing journey. Black Letter Law will have an impact not just within the UK, but across Europe.”

It was the BLD event to be hosted by Allen & Overy and Sanjeev Dhuna, a partner and head of its Indian practice, told how the firm values diversity and the cultural heritage of its people. He also said now was the time for BME lawyers to take their place in the New World as the focus moves from developed countries to emerging countries like India and China.

BLD founder and Managing Director Debo Nwauzu, who is the editor and publisher of Black Letter Law, thanked Allen & Overy and spoke about some of the year’s highlights for BLD. Netsai Mupikata and Omosuyi Fred-Omojole, two of the participants on BLD’s Legal Launch Pad programme, run within its Legal Gateway Scheme for those aged 18 and over, spoke about their journey into law. Both have been successful in gaining training contracts at DLA Piper and Slaughter May since completing the programme.