Looking to the future

Reading last week's Sunday Telegraph, I was disturbed to see myself accused of making racist remarks in the course of a conversation.

They were not.

In writing to the profession I want to commit myself publicly to the promotion of the Law Society's equality and diversity strategy.

There is still some way to go in understanding the difference between examining and embracing cultural diversity, of which I am wholeheartedly in favour, and racism, which I deplore.

The diversity awareness training, which is recommended in the Society's framework for action, is already well under way and I know from my own experience of it that all who participate will find it both illuminating and beneficial.

As the incoming president, I want the Society to be in a position to fulfil its stated aim to play a leading role in the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality, opportunity and diversity in all its activities.

I hope I will be judged for my involvement in this work and not on a minsintrepretation of a conversation more than two years old.

Carolyn Kirby, Law Society Vice President