Moving the needle: Advancing Black representation and equal opportunities in the legal sector

What does meaningful progress look like for Black professionals in the legal sector?

This year’s Black History Month theme, “Honouring Our Communities,” invites us to recognise the individuals and communities whose everyday contributions shape, support and sustain Black life across the UK.

In this panel event, Weightmans and the Black Solicitors Network will bring together diverse perspectives to explore how Black representation and equal opportunities are evolving across the legal sector.

We’ll discuss career pathways and progression, leadership, culture and inclusion, while reflecting on the changes that are driving progress and the barriers that remain.

The Panel will consist of:

• Andrew Cromby, Partner at Weightmans and Regional Office Head in London (host and moderator). Andrew has over 30 years' experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution including High Court proceedings, injunctions, domestic and international arbitrations and mediation.

• Sue Gould, Head of HR at Weightmans. Sue joined Weightmans in 2006, having started her HR career in financial services in the early 1990s. Now in her 21st year with the firm, she has progressed through a variety of HR roles to become Head of HR bringing more than 30 years’ experience and a genuine passion for people. Sue is particularly passionate about inclusivity and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to be themselves. She is committed to helping colleagues thrive and ensuring Weightmans is a great place to work.

• Nythan Smith, Principal Associate, Regulatory Healthcare Advisory. Nythan is a regulatory defence solicitor who advises health and social care providers including care homes, care at home providers, GPs, independent hospitals, and the NHS on the entirety of regulatory matters that affect their respective businesses.

• Tasheba Roberts, Commercial In-house Legal Counsel. Tasheba Roberts is an award-winning in-house legal counsel at a leading London bank. She is Vice Chair of the Junior Legal Fellowship Programme, an elected member of the Law Society Council representing the Ethnic Minority Solicitors constituency, and a member of the Black Solicitors Network City Group Committee.
  
  Tasheba has served as Chair of Governors at a London primary school and has extensive experience in mentoring, legal education, social mobility, inclusion, and representation. She has received multiple awards and recognitions for her leadership, including Solicitor of the Year.

• Justina Omotayo, Head of Inclusion. Justina Omotayo is an Inclusion, Equity and Diversity (IE&D) Leader, with over a decade's experience within the professional services sector. Her keen insight into the partnership environment, underscores her profound understanding of the pivotal role that reputation, relationships, and revenue play in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. Justina is currently Head of Inclusion at a leading European Law Firm, Fieldfisher, where she leads the Inclusion team. She is responsible for spearheading the development and execution of the firm's IE&D strategy.

Through an open and thought-provoking conversation, we’ll explore what meaningful change looks like in practice, the role of firms and allies in creating opportunities, and how commitments can translate into lasting and sustainable action.

Join us as we consider how far we've come, what still needs to change, and how we can continue moving the needle for Black professionals across the legal profession.

Accessibility information is available at this page: https://www.weightmans.com/contact/london/

Please let us know if you need further assistance.