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WELCOME TO BLD's NEWSLETTER

Welcome to our October 2007 Newsletter. Please note that you can now read all our previous Newsletters online in our Newsletter Archive.

The last few months have been extremely hectic for us, not least with our ground-breaking Black Letter Law 2007 publication and our Legal Gateway programmes. Red Letter Day for Black Letter Law is 4 October as we hold our Black History Month event and officially launch the publication - it is not too late to book your place. The event is sponsored by Clifford Chance LLP and Mrs Justice Dobbs, Britain's highest-ranking BME judge, will be our keynote speaker. Others speakers are Sibghat Kadri QC, the first Chair of the Society of Black Lawyers (SBL) and our Lawyer of the Month in September 2007, and Peter Herbert, the current Chair of the SBL. Read more about the event below. Whilst all those attending the event will get a free copy of the book, which costs £25, you can order any further copies by downloading the Black Letter Law Order form here.

On 13 September we held our first Mentoring Training, which was facilitated by Herbert Smith. It was a very interactive session and both mentors and mentees gained a lot from the session. For those mentees who attended the training, we are currently carrying out a matchmanking exercise. To find out more about being a mentor or a mentee, please look at the website at www.onlinebld.com/jobs/mentoring.html.

Lawyer of the Month

Our Lawyer of the Month last month was Sibghat Kadri QC, this month it is Tim Proctor, General Counsel for Diageo plc, the world's leading producer of spirits, beer and wine. Read more.

In Focus

In Focus this Month is Britain's highest-ranked ethnic minority judge, Mrs Justice Dobbs.Read more.

The Legal Gateway

We are expanding our Legal Gateway Scheme to include Today's Children, Tommorow's Lawyers (TCTL) programme for 13 to 17-year-olds and the Legal Launch Pad programme for those aged 18 and over (see Students' Corner below). Our sponsors are some of the world's largest organisations and they are keen to make a difference.

Jobs and Careers

Job vacancies, view our latest jobs

Networking. Find how to do it effectively by Meena Heath and Ros Breedy. Read more

Did You Know That?

Employment Law round-up in Opportunity Now with Herbert Smith. Read more

The CRE closed its doors after more than three years on 28 September 2007.

The Commission for Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR) comes into being on 1 October 2007.

Fancy being in reality TV? Read more.

Join the campaign to scrap Carter. Petition the Prime Minister here

What's Going on in October/November

4 October: BLD Black History Month Event, sponsored by Clifford Chance. Read more

4 October: Black Letter Law, a BLD publication official launch. See above.

23 October: Law Society national meeting on Criminal Legal Aid Contract. Read more

17 November: BSN Anniversary Ball and Awards Dinner. Read more.

Students' Corner

Our Legal Launch Pad programme is designed for you! Read more

What is it like to be a lawyer? Read about our case studies.

Become a BLD Sponsor or Donor

To become a sponsor please view or download our Legal Gateway Pack.