RELUCTANCE TO CHANGE STATUS QUO AND COVERT BIAS ARE HOLDING BAME LAWYERS BACK
by S NEERAJ KRISHNA
BLACK, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) lawyers are significantly under-represented in mid- to-large-size firms (those with six or more partners), a recent survey found.
Larger firms, with at least 50 partners, had the lowest proportion of BAME partners, at eight per cent, with no progress since 2017, the study revealed.
Analysis by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) also showed that a majority of BAME lawyers did criminal work or private legal aid.
Firms handling more “lucrative” clients, such as in corporate law, had the lowest BAME representation at 15 per cent.
Sailesh Mehta, a Red Lion Chambers barrister and a former head of the Society of Asian Lawyers, told Eastern Eye: “In every sector – whether banking, medicine or law – there are the lucrative parts and the less well-paid parts. Criminal law pays far less than corporate law.
“Historically, BAME communities start in the less-rewarding areas, because the barriers to entry in those areas are a little lower than for the well-rewarded areas.”
The SRA report, which was published last month, noted thay there was “very little difference by seniority among BAME lawyers – 21 per cent of solicitors are BAME (down by one per cent since 2017), compared to 22 per cent of partners (up by one per cent since 2017)”.
Lawyers from an ethnic background made up 21 per cent of the legal staff at law firms in 2019, a figure that has remained stagnant since 2017, the report on diversity in the legal profession showed.
About 15 per cent of lawyers were Asian (up six per cent since 2014) when compared with seven per cent of UK’s overall workforce.
Mehta noted that progression among BAME lawyers had “always been sluggish”.
The SRA report of 2017 had, in fact, called for action to address diversity differentials in relation to progression to senior levels.
“This is where progress has been slowest, because the pushback has been greatest,” Mehta said.
While acknowledging that there has been “a change for the better”, he added, “Why must such changes be so slow?”
Change could “happen in an instant if there is the will. But, because the inequality is against BAME lawyers, change is at a snail’s pace, and we are expected to express gratitude for it,” Mehta added.
In his view, the process was slow because “an attack on the status quo would be an attack on vested economic interests”.
“Those who are at the top of the profession and highly paid would be most affected by changes to make the profession more equal,” he said.
Sundeep Bhatia, the proprietor of Beaumonde Law Practice, said: “It’s distressing that the same issues apply as they did 15 years ago”.
He said the key issue was not how many BAME men and women were entering law, but “the glass ceiling that keeps them out of senior positions”.
“They should be given the opportunity, and connections to break through that glass ceiling,” said Bhatia, a former chair of the Society of Asian Lawyers.
The SRA report, which analysed the relevance of “social mobility” in the placement of lawyers, noted that the larger firms had the highest proportion of lawyers who attended private school at 32 per cent.
Firms handling corporate law had the lowest proportion of state-educated lawyers at 46 per cent. On the other hand, 79 per cent of lawyers in firms handling mostly criminal work were state educated.
“Corporate firms tend to recruit from Oxbridge or Red Brick universities,” said Bhatia, a Law Society Council member for ethnic minority solicitors since 2010. “These universities have a disproportionate intake of private school pupils.”
Most BAME solicitors would have been educated at other universities that attract less corporate interest, he added. “The only way around this is for universities to look at and revise their selection criteria,” he explained.
Mehta agreed, adding that “BAME lawyers who went to state school face a double disadvantage – race and class”.
“Covert” prejudices still exist within the legal system on the whole, he said, citing a case where he represented a “very successful Nigerian businesswoman. While she was giving evidence, the elderly judge interrupted and said, ‘I just can’t understand your client’s English!’
“I responded: ‘Would your Honour mind changing your public-school accent to one that is easier for the jury and my client to understand?’
“The learned judge smiled wryly and did not complain again.”
Bhatia believed such an “unconscious bias” could be another reason for low BAME representation in large firms. “It may be a factor, with those in decision-making positions tending to recruit those who more closely reflect themselves,” he said. “More training needs to be given at law firms to negate this unconscious bias.”
It was also “disheartening” that BAME students did do not have enough role models, Bhatia added.
Solicitor Angeli Vadera of Keoghs Group shared this view, highlighting the “lack of role models” as a key challenge.
“It discourages BAME lawyers in law firms to progress,” she said.
“More needs to be done on promotion of lawyers through executive sponsor schemes and transparent promotion programmes that facilitate application from a range of the workforce.”
Vadera, who is part of the Law Society’s Ethnic Minority Lawyers Division Committee, advocated initiatives in which results could be measured and firms could work towards a set target, such as Lord Davies’ voluntary target of 33 per cent female representation for boards on the FTSE 350.
“Similar voluntary targets for racial equality will focus the attention of the law firms on changes which they need to make,” Vadera said. “The question as to how they will address this concern is still a massive issue, as it would require a change of culture within the firms.”
The SRA chief executive, Paul Philip, said: “A diverse and inclusive legal profession which reflects the wider community is not only good for the public but also for legal businesses themselves. That is why it is encouraging to see progress continuing across many areas, although there is clearly more work to be done.”
Piyush Goyal recalled that in February, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, which began in March, are progressing in a positive atmosphere and both sides are satisfied with the discussions.
He recalled that in February, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025.
“Discussions have been going on in a positive atmosphere with seriousness since March. It is progressing, and both the countries are satisfied with the progress,” Goyal told reporters. On Wednesday, he had also said that India is in “active dialogue” with the United States.
Trump this week said there would be “no difficulty” for the two countries to reach a successful conclusion and that he looked forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Modi in the coming weeks. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote he was “pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations.”
Modi responded on X, welcoming Trump’s statement and expressing confidence that the negotiations would help unlock the potential of the partnership. He said India and the US are close friends and natural partners and are working to conclude the discussions at the earliest.
The two countries have completed five rounds of negotiations since March. The sixth round, scheduled to take place in India last month, was deferred after Washington imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over purchases of Russian crude oil.
The aim of the pact is to more than double bilateral trade in goods and services to USD 500 billion by 2030 from the current USD 191 bn. Trade ties have been strained due to tariffs, with the US imposing a 50 per cent import duty on Indian goods from August 27. The move has hit exports from labour-intensive sectors such as shrimp, textiles, leather and footwear. India has described the tariffs as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.
Talks have also been delayed over US demands for greater access in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy. India has said repeatedly that it will not compromise the interests of small and marginal farmers and cattle rearers.
The US is India’s largest trading partner. In 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods was USD 131.8 bn, with India’s exports at USD 86.5 bn and imports at USD 45.3 bn. The US is also the third-largest investor in India, with foreign direct investment of USD 76.26 bn between April 2000 and June 2025, accounting for 10 per cent of India’s total FDI inflows.
On protests in Nepal, Goyal said the Indian government is monitoring the situation and working to bring back Indian citizens stranded there. He added that the Indian mission in Nepal is ready to provide support and expressed hope for normalcy to return soon.
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West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. (Representational image: iStock)
A WOMAN in her 20s was raped in Oldbury in what police are treating as a racially aggravated attack.
West Midlands Police said they were called just before 08:30 BST on Tuesday, September 9, after the woman reported being attacked by two men near Tame Road. Officers said the men made a racist remark during the incident.
Chief Supt Kim Madill of Sandwell Police said: “We are working really hard to identify those responsible, with CCTV, forensic and other enquiries well under way. We fully understand the anger and worry that this has caused, and I am speaking to people in the community today to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to identify and arrest those responsible. Incidents like this are incredibly rare, but people can expect to see extra patrols in the area.”
The first suspect has been described as white, with a shaved head and of heavy build, wearing a dark sweatshirt and gloves. The second man was also white, wearing a grey top with a silver zip. Police said the incident is being treated as isolated and urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting log 798 of September 9.
The Sikh Federation (UK) said the perpetrators reportedly told the woman: “You don't belong in this country, get out.” Dabinderjit Singh of the group said the attack happened “in broad daylight on a busy road” and criticised politicians for failing to condemn it.
Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan said on X the case was “a truly horrific attack” and that police were treating it as a hate crime and working “extremely sympathetically with the victim at her pace.”
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The event, which Robinson has promoted for months, is being billed by him as the 'UK's biggest free speech festival.' (Photo: Getty Images)
More than 1,600 officers deployed across London on Saturday
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson to lead "Unite the Kingdom" march
Anti-racism groups to stage counter-protests in Whitehall
Police impose conditions on routes and timings of demonstrations
LONDON police will deploy more than 1,600 officers across the city on Saturday as rival demonstrations take place, including a rally organised by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, and a counter-protest by anti-racism campaigners.
The "Unite the Kingdom" march, called by Robinson, is due to gather near Waterloo Bridge and head towards the southern end of Whitehall for a rally.
The event, which Robinson has promoted for months, is being billed by him as the "UK's biggest free speech festival." He has urged supporters to join "for freedom, for your children, and for Charlie Kirk," referring to the American conservative activist shot dead this week in Utah.
Robinson added in a message: "Bring your smiles, flags, and patriotic pride. No masks, open alcohol, or violence." He said the event will also feature far-right figures from Europe and North America. Among those expected are French politician Eric Zemmour, Petr Bystron of Germany’s AfD party, commentator Katie Hopkins, and Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson.
Stand Up To Racism will stage a counter-protest at the other end of Whitehall. Organisers have called Robinson’s event "a festival of hate."
Police security measures
The Metropolitan Police said barriers will be in place to keep the two groups apart. Around 1,000 officers will be specifically on duty for the marches, with 500 reinforcements drafted in from other forces. Police have imposed conditions on the routes and timings, requiring both demonstrations to end by the evening.
"We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur," said Commander Clair Haynes, who is leading the operation.
The force said the policing plan also takes into account other large events on Saturday, including Premier League football matches and concerts.
Wider political context
A similar rally held by Robinson in July 2024 drew tens of thousands. He has said he expects hundreds of thousands to attend on Saturday.
The demonstration comes after months of tensions in Britain over immigration, freedom of speech, and government restrictions. More than 28,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats this year, with asylum claims reaching record levels.
Last month, the government banned the group Palestine Action, sparking large protests. Nearly 900 people were arrested at a London rally last Saturday against the ban. Critics have also accused authorities of targeting free speech, following the arrest of Irish writer Graham Linehan at Heathrow Airport over online comments. Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by urging police to focus on "the most serious issues," while Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley said laws should be changed so that officers are not "policing toxic culture wars debates."
Robinson’s background
Robinson, 42, has long been active in far-right movements in England. He has a string of criminal convictions but maintains a large online following.
His influence grew after his account on X was reinstated in late 2023 following Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform.
Musk has shared Robinson’s posts and previously called for his release from prison after an 18-month contempt of court sentence in 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)
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At 40, Bhatt is the only person of Indian origin in this group, which includes figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIAN-AMERICAN entrepreneur Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of the commission-free trading platform Robinhood, has been named among the 10 youngest billionaires in the United States in the 2025 Forbes 400 list.
At 40, Bhatt is the only person of Indian origin in this group, which includes figures such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. Forbes estimates his net worth at around USD 6–7 billion (£4.4–5.1 billion), primarily from his roughly 6 per cent ownership in Robinhood.
Bhatt was born in 1984 in Poquoson, Virginia, to immigrant parents from Gujarat, India. His father, an aerospace engineer, worked at NASA. He grew up in a household where English was a second language and money was limited. He later attended Stanford University, where he studied physics and earned a master’s degree in mathematics.
In 2013, Bhatt co-founded Robinhood with Vlad Tenev, a fellow Stanford graduate. The platform introduced commission-free stock trading to retail investors in the United States and later expanded into retirement accounts and high-yield savings products. The company gained widespread attention during the Covid-19 pandemic, when trading activity surged around so-called meme stocks.
Robinhood went public in 2021 at the height of the retail investing boom. Bhatt served as co-CEO with Tenev until 2020, when he moved into the role of chief creative officer. In 2024, he stepped down from his executive position but continues to serve on Robinhood’s board of directors while retaining his 6 per cent stake.
Robinhood’s stock has seen significant gains over the past year, rising by about 400 per cent. The increase has been linked to a boost in cryptocurrency-related sales, new products such as individual retirement accounts and high-yield savings, and a strong performance in 2024, when the company reported USD 3 billion (£2.2 billion) in revenue.
Bhatt’s recognition in the Forbes 400 list underscores the continuing influence of technology entrepreneurs in the American financial sector. His career reflects the trajectory of several Indian-origin leaders in the United States, who have made a mark in technology and finance in recent years.
Forbes’ annual ranking of the 400 wealthiest Americans is based on estimates of net worth, which include publicly disclosed stakes in companies, real estate holdings, and other assets. Bhatt joins the ranks of young billionaires who have built fortunes through technology-driven ventures.
In addition to his role with Robinhood, Bhatt has been noted for his early life influences. Growing up in Virginia, he was exposed to science and technology through his father’s aerospace career. His academic path at Stanford provided the foundation to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in financial technology.
Robinhood, under the leadership of Bhatt and Tenev, has changed how millions of Americans approach investing by lowering barriers to entry. While Bhatt is no longer in an executive role, his continued stake in the company keeps him closely tied to its growth and future direction.
Bhatt’s inclusion in the 2025 Forbes 400 as one of the youngest billionaires highlights his role in shaping retail investing and signals the growing presence of Indian-origin entrepreneurs in the US technology and finance industries.
(With agency inputs)
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Starmer dismissed Mandelson on Thursday after reading emails published by Bloomberg in which Mandelson defended Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 conviction. (Photo: Getty Images)
A CABINET minister has said Peter Mandelson should not have been made UK ambassador to the US, as criticism mounted over prime minister Keir Starmer’s judgment in appointing him.
Douglas Alexander, the Scotland secretary, told the BBC that Mandelson’s appointment was seen as “high-risk, high-reward” but that newly revealed emails changed the situation.
“If Keir knew then what we know now, he would not have made that appointment,” he later told LBC.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson on Thursday after reading emails published by Bloomberg in which Mandelson defended Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 conviction. Mandelson wrote to Epstein: “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened … Your friends stay with you and love you.”
Stephen Doughty, the Foreign Office minister, told MPs the messages showed Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was “materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”
Mandelson, who admitted during vetting that he had maintained links with Epstein and regretted doing so, is said to feel ill-treated.
Labour MPs criticised the handling of the affair. Paula Barker said the delay in removing Mandelson had “eroded trust,” Charlotte Nichols said he should “never have been appointed,” and Sadik Al-Hassan questioned the vetting process.
The episode has drawn wider scrutiny of Starmer’s decision-making. It comes after deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned last week over unpaid stamp duty. Some MPs turned attention to Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s chief of staff, who played a role in Mandelson’s appointment.
In a letter to staff, Mandelson said being ambassador was “the privilege of my life” and he regretted the circumstances of his departure. James Roscoe, his deputy, will serve as acting ambassador.
The Financial Times reported that Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Mandelson, is preparing to cut ties with him.