UK Association of Black Judges launched at the UK Supreme Court

On July 1st the Court was proud to host the inaugural meeting of the UK Association of Black Judges.

On July 1st the Court was proud to host the inaugural meeting of the UK Association of Black Judges. Described as a “foundation of change for those who will come after”, the event was attended by Lady Simler, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Sales, Lord Richards, Lord Stevens and the Court’s former president Lady Hale. The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr was also present, and the event began with a welcome from Lord Leggatt. He told the audience that the profession was acutely aware of the underrepresentation of black lawyers in the judiciary, and in the legal profession as a whole. Practical representation was improving for many demographics said Lord Leggatt, but not for black lawyers. Referring directly to Baroness Doreen Lawrence who was also present, Lord Leggatt said that the Supreme Court was working in its own sphere of influence to change this, by for example supporting the Stephen Lawrence Scholars, who came to the Court every year, and the Black Talent Charter, to which the Court is a signatory.