London celebrated in style the 50th anniversary of Pride on 2nd July, and joining the annual gala for the first time in two years were the legal professions of England and Wales.
As well as marching at the flagship Pride event in London, The Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council of England and Wales and CILEX (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) also took part in Pride Cymru led by the heads of the professions.
President of the Law Society of England and Wales, I. Stephanie Boyce, said: “2022 is a historic year for Pride, and I am delighted to be marching alongside my colleagues.
“The solicitor profession has made progress on LGBT+ equality and inclusion in recent decades, but our Pride in the Law survey showed there is still work to be done.
“We will continue to speak with our LGBT+ members about their experiences and will support them in their careers. No one should be discriminated against for being themselves.
“We stand alongside our LGBT+ colleagues and LGBT+ allies this Pride, and we will continue to walk with them throughout their career.”
Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales Mark Fenhalls QC said: “Pride is a celebration of the Bar Council’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we are supporting Pride events at the Bar and in the community this year.
“A diverse legal profession is essential for building trust and confidence in our justice system. The Bar Council is leading the way in modernising the Bar and aims to break down barriers to progress for all barristers.”
CILEX President Caroline Jepson said: “We are proud to be marching alongside colleagues from across the legal profession in this special 50th anniversary year, recognising the important contribution LGBT+ professionals make and the vital work undertaken by those defending LGBT+ rights.
“We stand for a legal sector that is open and accepting and have long championed diversity in the profession. We are dedicated to supporting our LGBT+ members and advocating for LGBT+ rights, cementing the progress of the last 50 years and combatting discrimination where it persists.”
