The Importance of BAME Role Models

In a world where equality, diversity and inclusivity is becoming an increasingly popular topic of discussion, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) lawyers still only represent a small percentage of the profession. Therefore, young people from these backgrounds don’t necessarily have a legal role model to look up to.

The Ethnic Minority Lawyers Division (EMLD) are actively working towards bringing role models to universities with majority BAME students so they can share their career journeys and the students can learn more about a career in law.

Below is an article containing links to two short podcasts on the benefits of role modelling. In the first of the two podcasts, you can hear from Leena Savjani, partner at Irwin Mitchell and Vice Chair of the Association of Asian Women Lawyers discuss her background and what being a role model means to her.

In the second podcast, you can hear Umar Kankiya, Head of Mental Health for Sternberg Reed provide an insight into some of his role models growing up as well as his take on whether all role models are positive or if negative role models can exist.’

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/ethnic-minority-lawyers/benefits-role-modelling