Equality and Diversity in the Legal Profession

Tuesday 12th November 2013 saw the University of Westminster Bar Society host one of the most exciting events to take place at the School of Law this year - Equality and Diversity in the Legal Profession.

Attendees arrived from 6.30pm onwards, and were greeted with an opportunity to mingle over a glass of wine. Daniel Winterfeldt chaired the panel, with each speaker following in turn with a 10 minute talk about their experiences of entering into the legal profession from diverse backgrounds.

Guest Speakers:

Daniel Winterfeldt - Head of International Capital Markets at CMS Cameron McKenna

Stephen Lue - Barrister of Garden Court Chambers

Christos Nifadopoulos - Solicitor at Goldman Sachs

Warren Stapley - Associate at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Claire Fox - Barrister at Renaissance Chambers

Jennifer Lee - Barrister at Pump Court Chambers

Lisa Webley - Professor at the University of Westminster

Jennifer Lee began by informing attendees of her story. Jennifer was called to The Bar in 2007, after completing her pupillage at Pump Court Chambers. Jennifer's message to aspiring lawyers is a positive one, as somebody who has continually come across people who have been supportive of her sexuality. Jennifer states that there is not any overt discrimination within the profession, and every aspiring lawyer must believe in themselves. Employment law is believed to have helped the increase in diversity and equality at The Bar, with every chambers selecting a nominated equality officer. Jennifer is the Chair of BLAG - Bar Lesbian and Gay Group.

Discussion moved on with Christos Nifadopoulos, who pursued a different route into the profession from Jennifer. Christos did a PHD in Classics, trained to become a lawyer and joined Clifford Chance in 2004. Christos noted how he had to take into account the cultural context of each department within Clifford Chance, considering whether to disclose the truth about his sexuality. Something Christos refers to as the ‘in and out’ approach. Members of the audience were interested to discover that Clifford Chances culture swiftly changed, due to pressure from clients such as JP Morgan who insisted upon the firm establishing LGBT groups. Christos moved to Goldman Sachs in 2009, where he came across people who he describes as ‘aggressive’ in the sense of ‘busy people looking to make money.’ In such situations, there is not necessarily time to deal with such ‘soft’ issues, leaving little room for discriminatory cultures to be established. Goldman Sachs is welcoming of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds as this makes great financial sense - talent comes in all shapes and forms after all!

Christos moved the discussion on to include Warren Stapley and Lisa Webley. The panel considered how diversity has a positive correlation with pay. In sectors such as Investment Banking and Commercial Law, firm appraisal strategies will rate employees on their approach to diversity. This will be reflected in their followings year pay, encouraging diversity amongst those motivated by financial reward.

Claire Fox was bought up in Nottinghamshire and it never occurred to Claire that she would encounter any problems on her journey to The Bar. Claire spent 2 years looking for a pupillage, and during this time worked for the Law Commission. When Claire was called to The Bar, this was the first time it occurred to Claire that not all of her colleagues ‘were out.’ Claire applied to Chambers which she believed would accept her sexuality. During interviews, Claire discovered that others would feel comfortable with her, if she was comfortable with herself. The overall message from Claire is ‘love yourself.’

Warren Stapley attended the event to represent lawyers who suffer with a disability. Warren works in association with the Law Society’s disability group, who represent some 700 disabled lawyers. Warren wants to see disability talked about in the legal profession more than it currently is, as somebody who was born with a severe hearing impairment. On this basis, Warren decided that he enjoyed activities which involved writing and reading, more than those which involved interaction,. This encouraged Warren to train as a solicitor (although he now notes this involves lots of interaction). Warrens overall message is that everyone must put themselves out there and not allow their disability to prevent them achieving goals.

Stephen Lue introduced himself as a Jamaican, Chinese, gay, dyslexic. Stephen on all of his pupillage applications was open about his sexuality, but refused to disclose that he was dyslexic. Stephen was called to The Bar in 2006 and took his pupillage in 2010. Stephens view is that the stereotype of the heterosexual, white, male barrister has now changed. Once again, Stephen puts this down to changes in employment law and recruitment techniques. He still however feels there is some form of under representation. Stephens advice is that all future lawyers should firstly aspire to be recognised because of their talent, and secondly be accepted for their diverse background.

A special thanks to everyone who attended the event. We hope this provided you with an excellent opportunity to network and gain a further insight into the legal profession.

With thanks to our sponsor CMS Cameron McKenna and our guest speakers:

Daniel Winterfeldt - Head of International Capital Markets at CMS Cameron McKenna

Stephen Lue - Barrister of Garden Court Chambers

Christos Nifadopoulos - Solicitor at Goldman Sachs

Warren Stapley - Associate at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Claire Fox - Barrister at Renaissance Chambers

Jennifer Lee - Barrister at Pump Court Chambers

Lisa Webley - Professor at the University of Westminster

Also, Mateusz Bernatek who worked exceptionally hard to put the event together.

Don’t forget to join us at The Loop Bar on Friday 15th November for the first Mooting Development Team social event.

Further details found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/226024054240124/