BSN looks to US for inspiration on diversity strategies

The Black Solicitors Network (BSN) is to forge closer transatlantic links after discussions this week with the United States National Bar Association (USNBA).

BSN chairwoman Yvonne Brown held a meeting in London with Kendal Tyre, chief of staff to the president of the USNBA and founder of LexNoir, a Web-based global network for lawyers of African descent, to look at how US diversity strategies can be imported to the UK.

Of particular interest was the US strategy of driving change through client pressure.

Ms Brown said: 'We can learn a lot from the way large industrial companies such as Starbucks and McDonald's in the US are insisting on using what they term "minority counsel".

'They give active consideration to law firms' policies on diversity when awarding large contracts.

We hope the large City firms here will be active in seeking to pursue and employ minority counsel of ability.'

She added: 'We can also learn from the way minority lawyers are playing a full role in the legal structures and regulatory bodies in the US.'

Rachel Rothwell