Law firms seeking to grow their business in emerging markets should ‘tap into the cultural acumen’ of the UK’s black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, the organisers of a month-long event to celebrate black achievement said today.

The Law Society’s Black History Month starts on 3 October with a seminar exploring how firms can learn from the experiences of the African, Asian and Caribbean communities. Speakers include Commonwealth Lawyers Association president Boma Ozobia and City firm Berwin Leighton Paisner partner Segun Osuntokun.

Law Society president Lucy Scott-Moncrieff said: ‘Black History Month is not just about remembering the past or about promoting equal opportunity. There’s also a strong business imperative to invest in BAME lawyers (because) firms that are looking to build their business in emerging markets can tap into the cultural acumen of the African, Asian and Caribbean diasporas.’

The month includes a panel debate on 12 October led by solicitors Dawn Dixon, the first black lawyer to found a City law firm, and Imran Khan, who acted for Doreen Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

On 15 October, there is to be an event - featuring a mock trial, workshops and a legal quiz - for 80 young members of BAME communities across London who are considering a career in law. The final event is a quiz night on 26 October in aid of medical charity Lupus UK.