In his first engagement as Justice Minister, Shailesh Vara addressed an audience of black, Asian and minority ethnic young lawyers interested in a career in the judiciary.
As part of Black History Month, Vara offered encouragement and said that while progress had clearly been made in recruiting judges from different communities and backgrounds, he is fully committed to the work that is still to be done.
Opening the event at the Law Society, he said that with the right support and leadership, real strides can be made towards ensuring long term change in seeing a judiciary that better reflects the society it serves.
The event was hosted by the Law Society, Bar Council and CILEx, aimed at BAME lawyers who are interested in a career in the judiciary.
Justice Minister Shailesh Vara said:
“I am the son of a carpenter, and came to the UK as a 4 year old unable to speak English. I am incredibly proud to not only have had a career as a City lawyer but also to be the UK’s first Gujarati MP, and now Government minister.
“I am confident that we can achieve the Government’s aspiration to see a diverse and socially mobile legal profession, and a judiciary that is representative of the society it serves. I look forward to working closely with the judiciary, Judicial Appointments Commission and legal profession on increasing diversity at all levels.”
