Tell me about your background and how you started your career in law?

I’m originally from Bradford and attended a comprehensive state school there. Law was never really on my radar growing up – I didn’t know any lawyers, I had no legal role models and I had no intention of studying law originally. I did better in my A levels than my teachers predicted, and I managed to get a place at university on a law degree. I haven’t looked back since.

What motivated you to become a part of the Law Society, and how has your role evolved?

I first became active in the Law Society because I wanted to make a difference to the profession I love. I originally joined the Law Society Council in 2013, and got involved with a number of committees. In 2020, I was elected as deputy vice-president. Now, as president, I spend every day championing the work of over 200,000 solicitors in England and Wales, standing up for the profession, and representing their interests to government, stakeholders and the media.

How does it feel to be the first Asian, first Muslim and seventh female president of the Law Society?

It really is the greatest honour of my career. I never dreamed that I would become president of the Law Society – let alone the first Asian, first Muslim, and seventh woman to do so. I am incredibly proud to be a solicitor, and while it has taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today, it is a privilege to be here.

Why is it so important for you to champion diversity within the law sector?

I understand what it is like to join a profession that you never really thought was for you. I believe that anyone who has the talent, ambition, and capability to join our profession should be welcomed. However, unless we put in continued effort to push through an increase in diversity, then we will never see real, long-lasting change.

Right now, the inclusion of women in the profession is a mixed picture. While the number of women holding a practising certificate has continued to grow three times faster than men over the past decade, and 53% of all practising solicitors are women, we still see issues with pay, retention and promotion of women lawyers. The number of women partners in law firms has only grown 0.3% in the last decade, which shows the continued disconnect women are experiencing when attempting to reach the senior levels of the profession.

Equally, while Black, Asian and minority ethnic solicitors are entering the profession in reasonable numbers, they are not progressing in the same proportion to the more senior roles.  This needs to be addressed, too.

What are the main challenges you have faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

When I joined the profession there were only 709 solicitors who were from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, so few people who looked like me. There weren’t many women either and diversity was not talked about at all. I didn’t really stop to think about it. I just got on with the job and worked hard, as I wanted to be a good solicitor.

What do you believe are the keys to effective leadership?

Being able to communicate effectively and openly is important. A good leader has to be able to collaborate and work with all kinds of people, as well as know when to delegate.

What advice would you give specifically to women in leadership roles? 

Authenticity is important. Don’t try and change yourself into someone you’re not, and don’t be embarrassed about who you are or where you’re from. Without knowing it, you might inspire someone else from a similar background to take the next steps in their career.

Always treat people the way you would want to be treated yourself. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. People remember kind words and good deeds, and it costs nothing.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

To study a law degree! I was originally planning on doing English, but a good friend suggested that Law might be a better option for me. Without that piece of advice, I would never have had the career I have today.

How would you describe your work / life balance?

I have been a solicitor for many years and there is no doubt it is a stressful job with long hours. Being President of the Law Society of England and Wales is an extremely busy role as there are often engagements in the evening as well as back-to-back meetings during the day. The key is to make sure you get some exercise every day, don’t miss meals and spend some time with family. After a busy week, it is important to wind down at the weekend and switch off completely.

The profession is constantly evolving – what are some positive changes you think should be celebrated, and what areas still need more work?

I always like to take a positive outlook on progress. We have seen a real enthusiasm among firms on diversity and inclusion, whether that’s signing up to the Law Society’s “Women in Law” pledge, offering solicitor training on a part-time basis, or implementing flexible working practices. But there’s still work to be done in changing and updating workplace culture and policies.

For example, the profession needs to embrace those who take career breaks or parental leave, and not see this as a lesser commitment to their careers. The firms that support and encourage these non-traditional career paths will be, and are being, rewarded with greater employee retention, enhanced productivity, and greater diversity at senior levels. It benefits everyone involved.

Having featured in Brummell’s Inspirational Women list in 2022, what is your next focus or goal?

As well as making sure that women are reflected at partner level in law firms, I also believe that the judiciary must represent the society it serves. Without action, it could take over 120 years for women, and Black and Asian, people to be fully represented in the judiciary. I think that we can do better than that. The Law Society has been calling for the barriers holding talented candidates back to be addressed and we will continue working with the judiciary to tackle this disparity.