Highlight, promote and champion diversity within the legal profession in England and Wales and internationally

Showcase the wealth and breadth of the talent of black minority ethnic lawyers.

Create a dynamic forum of information, career development and network opportunities.

Be an effective tool for all organisations when formulating or reviewing their Equality and Diversity/Anti-Discrimination policies, especially in
connection with the diversity of the lawyers or organisations which have been, or are intended to be, instructed.

Be an important tool and mechanism for lawyers, legal recruiters, job-seekers, the public and those interested in pursuing careers in the law
both within the UK and internationally.


BLD strives to achieve its aims by many means, including:

Its community-driven national Legal Gateway Scheme, targeting  underprivileged youngsters with aspirations to become lawyers. The scheme
includes the Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s Lawyers (TCTL) programme, aimed at 14-to-17-year-olds. The programme provides youngsters with an
insight into the legal profession, including Open Day visits to a major bank, a prestigious law school and top law firms, as well as work experience,
career workshops and an inter-school debate competition.

The other major programme within the Legal Gateway Scheme is the Legal Launch Pad (LLP) programme, aimed at those aged 18 and over who
are either at university, have graduated or are pursuing postgraduate education. The LLP programme is unique in its duration, which is for nine months
(from January-September) and content, covering training sessions in London, Birmingham and Manchester, work experience in major law firms and
each successful candidate is also allocated a mentor for the minimum duration of the programme.

Publication of the annual ground-breaking Black Letter Law publication, which showcases the achievement of BMEs in the legal profession - from
partners at the top UK 100 law firms, General Counsels and Professors of Law, to judges and Queen’s Counsels (QCs).

Regular networking, training and other social events

Wealth of information, including career guidance and advice  

Membership with a host of benefits