Racial Inclusion Group launches

The Law Society of Scotland’s new Racial Inclusion Group has officially launched, with Tatora Mukushi, a solicitor with Shelter Scotland, appointed as convener.

The Racial Inclusion Group has been formed by the Law Society to provide a better understanding of the lived and professional experiences of its Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) members and to offer recommendations on how to improve racial inclusion across the profession.

It will seek to do this by: revisiting the Profile of the Profession and undertaking a literature review of other data sources that may provide insight into improving racial inclusion; undertaking research with BAME law students, trainees and solicitors; and speaking to other stakeholders within the profession, such as firms and universities, on best practice, challenges and how to overcome such challenges.

The Group will report its findings to the Law Society’s Council, along with recommendations, later this year.

Tatora Mukushi, convener of the Racial Inclusion Group, said: “I am personally and professionally delighted that the Law Society is tackling this issue in a genuinely participatory manner. Our group will combine analysis of historical and contemporary data with relevant lived experience in order to honestly reflect the social dilemma of racial inclusion within the profession and we hope to be able to suggest pragmatic actions to advance this progressive agenda.”

As convener of the Group, Tatora will also be the Law Society’s representative on the Scottish Government’s Cross-Justice Working Group on Race and Workforce.