What we do is simple. We create a platform for both aspiring lawyers and established legal professionals to develop their networks and secure work opportunities. Our aim is not only to increase the proportion of black and other ethnic minority students successfully entering the profession in all areas of law, but to achieve greater representation in senior and Board-level positions..
We are pleased to launch TLPLUS, our new partnership with the Tyro Lawyer, pairing mentors with law students from ethnic minority backgrounds.
We are pleased to invite nominations for this year’s BBL Excellence Awards presentation, to take place at our 2024 Black Tie Ball on Saturday 20th July at Edgbaston Cricket Club, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham B5 7QU.
Please complete this very short form to shout about someone you know in the Birmingham legal community (and surrounding areas) who has excelled in some way in the past 12 months, and deserves to be recognised by their peers.
There has been a marked shift in recent years in how we work and collaborate with colleagues, but there is no shortage of people who continue to go ‘above and beyond’ to offer their time and support to colleagues, clients and/or to their local community/charitable work, and we’d love to hear about them! Nominees do not have to be BBL members but should ideally live or work in the Midlands.
Nomination Deadline: FRIDAY 7TH JUNE 2024
Nominees will be contacted by BBL during w/c 10th June 2024 with criteria details and application forms.
Nominees’ Submission Deadline: TUESDAY 2ND JULY 2024 BY 12:00 NOON
Shortlisted candidates will be featured (including photographs) in our event booklet and whilst candidates are encouraged to attend the Ball, it is not a requirement. Awards will be judged by a panel comprising 1 member of the BBL Executive Team and 3 independent professionals from the Birmingham community. The BBL Diversity Champion Award recipient will however be selected exclusively by the BBL Executive Team.
We provide a platform to support both aspiring and experienced legal professionals from African and Caribbean backgrounds seeking to advance in their careers
We bridge the gap for students with no links to the legal community, showcasing success stories and providing role models for first-generation University attendees
We create opportunities for networking at all levels of the profession
Our events encourage a greater level of integration by black and other ethnic minorities within the legal community
We aim to do our part to increase awareness and encourage action to redress the under-representation of black and other ethnic minority lawyers in the profession
Sponsorship of BBL is vital for law firms committed to championing and promoting the abundance of black talent within the legal profession. I really enjoy being involved in BBL events as this a great way to engage with black students, and also black solicitors who are at various stages in their careers.
I attended my first BBL event in October 2014 while I was studying my LPC/ LLM. I would not be where I am in my legal career if not for BBL from helping me obtain my first work experience placement to setting me on my way to obtaining a training contract, and everything in between.
I highly recommend BBL for those seeking a community within the legal profession. I first connected with the team during my second year of undergraduate studies, and since then, they have played a significant role in shaping my legal journey. I secured my second legal professional role while attending a BBL event. Additionally, attending BBL events has facilitated valuable networking opportunities, and provided a platform for connecting with mentors, all of which contributed to building my professional confidence, and eventually being offered a training contract.
I joined Birmingham Black Lawyers (BBL) in my first year of university. Their event was my first ever networking event. It was held during black history month at Shoosmiths, and for the first time in my life I saw a room full of successful black lawyers, many that even though professional still kept in touch with their culture. Seeing that and hearing all of their stories really made me feel like I could do whatever I set my mind on. It gave me a greater drive to follow through on my dreams, showed me that as a black woman I could be as/more successful than my non-black counterparts and that it was a dream that is very much achievable.
Each event BBL put on was one that provided great insight into how to become a barrister or solicitor, and how to approach each hurdle and successfully overcome them. BBL opened the door to networks and connecting with people I would have never known, and not just connecting with law professionals but also students like myself from different universities in the same position.
BBL is an excellent organisation which have helped me network and gain a greater understanding of the challenges minorities face within the legal fraternity. An organisation filled with authentic, genuine professionals whose aim is to assist and shape the next generation of Barristers and Solicitors. An exceptional organisation!
It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved with Birmingham Black Lawyers (BBL) albeit in an unofficial capacity over the years. During my time as a student, I found the work of BBL inspirational, and they are a big reason why I decided to pursue a career in law. BBL allowed me to hear stories of black lawyers and meet others from underrepresented backgrounds. This motivated me further as it evidenced that despite barriers I could progress in law. BBL also provide a wide array of events which allows students and junior professions to learn new skills such as networking by connecting with like-minded individuals. I have been particularly impressed with the team at BBL. They are always on hand to provide advice and guidance. Their commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession is unwavering.
