Black Women in Law: Reclaiming Leadership and Shattering Stereotypes

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By Sa’eed Sadiq.

For Black History Month 2024, Sa’eed Sadiq has penned an article that recognises the contributions and struggles of Black women in law.

Racial-gender discrimination doesn’t exist in the 21st century. Let’s debunk that fallacy. Black women in the legal profession face unique challenges, from combating harmful stereotypes to navigating underrepresentation in senior roles. As of 1 April 2021, ‘Black, Asian and minority ethnic women constituted 7% of barristers, 10% of solicitors and 10% of Chartered Legal Executives’.

Statistics on Black silks and judicial appointments were presented by Natasha Shotunde, family barrister and Chair of the Black Barristers’ Network. ‘Among the total of 2,052 silks in 2023, the disparity is glaring – only seven Black female silks while there are 339 White females in stark contrast.’

As we celebrate Black History Month, It is crucial to recognise Black women in law, who are in a steady pursuit to reclaim their rightful place and challenge long-standing stereotypes in the process.  

Read this article on how weaponised incompetence harms Black women in the workplace: How Weaponised Incompetence Harms Black Women in the Workplace | The Student Lawyer

The Double Burden: Stereotypes and the Fight for “Gravitas”

One of the major hurdles faced by Black women in law is the perception that they lack “gravitas,” a term used to describe the weight and seriousness required for leadership. This can be seen through the lens of Chinwe Odimba-Chapman Global Partner for Talent, Executive Leadership Group Member and Employment Partner at Clifford Chance, who was told as a junior lawyer that she needed to acquire gravitas to be a partner at the firm. This remark came after she had proven herself to be a good technical lawyer, communicator, and facilitator. This biased definition of professionalism disproportionately affects Black women naturally, regarding the little things like how they look, the texture of their hair or how they wear it, forcing her to always analyse what she brought to the table despite her capabilities. Her experience reflects the broader struggles Black women encounter when trying to meet these restrictive standards.

Intersectionality: The Crux of the Challenge

The intersection of race and gender intensifies these challenges. According to research conducted by McKinsey & Company published in their 2023 article, Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani groups in the United Kingdom were the furthest behind on pay and labour force participation, earning 15 to 16% less than White British workers. Such figures reveal the systemic exclusion faced by Black women in achieving senior roles, despite their qualifications and capabilities. This is just one example of the restrictions that permeate the legal profession and highlights how far the industry still has to go in terms of equity.

Read this article to find out why Black lawyers aren’t reaching partner level at their firms: Why aren’t Black Lawyers becoming Partners?

Black Women in Leadership: Defying the Odds

Despite the considerable obstacles, Black women in UK law have made remarkable achievements as a form of rebellion, rising to influential positions and breaking new ground within the legal field. Pathfinders like Linda Dobbs, who was the first non-white High Court judge in the UK, Stephanie Boyce who became the first Black woman President of the Law Society, and Debo Nwauzu Founder of the Black Lawyers Directory among others have become powerful symbols of resilience, overcoming deep-rooted racial and gender biases to attain leadership roles. Her journey, marked by adversity and triumph, continues to inspire upcoming generations of Black female lawyers and encourage diversity within the judiciary and across the legal sector.

Read this article on stories from Black legal professionals: “We’re fighting to exist.” – Angela Francis | The Student Lawyer

Overall

In closing, Black women in law are breaking through barriers and rewriting the narrative. Their journey is one of courage, resilience, and an unyielding drive to create a profession that truly reflects the diversity of the world it serves. Despite facing obstacles, these women are now leading with purpose, lifting each other, and inspiring the next generation to take their place. Their work and determination serve as a reminder that real change happens when we’re willing to stand up, support one another, and demand a seat at the table. Black women in law are doing just that, and they’re paving the way for a future where everyone can thrive.