BSN was formed in 1995 to promote the interests of black solicitors, provide professional support and share information, inform and influence best practice and participate in consultations initiated by The Law Society, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and other regulatory bodies in relation to matters which affect Back and minority ethnic solicitors.
Over the past 30 years, BSN has led on developing careers workshops with leading firms and institutions, mentoring programmes, professional development workshops and seminars, networking events, thought leadership and the ground-breaking Diversity League Table, one of the profession’s leading diversity reporting initiatives and publications.
These and other initiatives have contributed to career-defining opportunities and a profession that recognises and values inclusion.
BSN is committed to achieving equality of access, retention and promotion of existing and aspiring Black solicitors and those seeking to enter the profession.
We are proud to have won several prestigious awards since our inception for our extensive work in striving towards an equal profession, including:
- 2006: The Law Society Equality Award – Outstanding Contribution to promoting Race Equality
- 2015: Inclusive Networks Award – Inter-Sector Network of the Year
- 2018: Inclusive Companies 2018 Award – Outstanding Diversity Network
Over the years, BSN’s membership has grown to several thousand and continues to grow. An inclusive rather than exclusive organisation, our reputation is such that we attract and welcome members from across the cultural and diversity spectrum.
Meet the Board
Our Board of Directors brings together a diverse group of leaders from across the legal profession who are united by a shared commitment to driving inclusion, and meaningful change.
With a wealth of experience spanning private practice, in-house roles, the judiciary, and inclusion, our Board provides strategic direction, governance, and advocacy to support our mission of creating a more representative and inclusive legal sector.
Your Network
Who we are
What we do
Membership
Regional presence
About the BSN
Aims & Objectives
Our principal aims are to:
- Represent Black solicitors, and ensure that their views are articulated and heard within the profession, The Law Society, media and other relevant bodies.
- Promote equality and challenge discrimination within the profession
- Provide pastoral care and support
- Deliver practical educational seminars for all members
- Provide a series of networking, business and social events
- We also continue to be one of the primary voices of Black solicitors in England and Wales.
A Network for all levels
We work with a range of partners and associates, which include: corporate law firms, banks, and government institutions, here and abroad. Additionally, we also work with smaller law firms, niche businesses and organisations to ensure that a wide range of our Members’ needs can be supported at any one time.
As a network we feel it is important to continue to meet and engage with new and diverse organisations, and so always invite and welcome approaches from potential new partners.
If you have an idea, arrangement or project that you feel might benefit our Members, please do not hesitate to contact us, as we are always happy to explore new possibilities and work with new partners.
If you are interested in getting involved with existing BSN initiatives then please contact us to explore opportunities.
Working with us
Working with BSN provides you with access to a cross-section of future and current legal professionals from across the diversity spectrum. By making the BSN a strategic business and marketing partner, you can position your business, brand and message alongside one of the most authoritative voices on inclusion issues in the UK legal profession.
We currently offer many unique and inspirational opportunities to get involved, including:
Publications
Such as our highly regarded Diversity League Table report, which offers case study, editorial, sponsorship and advertising opportunities in both print and digital formats.
Events
Small and major events, career workshops and our BSN Awards dinner, will provide you with significant branding and engagement opportunities for your business.
Recruitment
Working with us to support your recruitment drives – at all levels – will give you focus and targeted access to exactly the right type and calibre of candidates required to meet a diversity of your business needs.