BLS Statement – Supporting our colleagues during this time of civil unrest

Posted on06 August 2024

It is with regret we find ourselves again having to recognise the disproportionate effect that recent events in reaction to news items have had on the daily lives of our colleagues from ethnic minority communities.

Despite public announcements confirming no apparent religious motives behind the tragic events in Southport last week, the civil disorder and unrest instigated by far-right groups across the country and in our City over the weekend has left many Muslim and ethnic minority colleagues feeling fearful, anxious, and unsafe; concerned for the safety of their families and their communities at this time. They will understandably be frustrated and concerned by the impacts of these unjustified acts on their daily lives.

As colleagues and law firm leaders, there are some things you can do to support them:

Call out the violence for what it is and let people know they are not alone;
We’ve said it before but do check in on your Muslim and ethnic minority employees and colleagues, it really means a lot to them;
Provide safe spaces and opportunities to share concerns with no judgement;
Give flexibility to work from home if they do not feel safe commuting and/ or feel the need to be home with their families;
Educate yourself about racial issues, Islamophobia, white supremacy, immigration patterns and more and become an ally by calling out injustice and promoting positive behaviours;
Share/sign post resources where they might seek help.

We also have serious concerns for local law firms and advice agencies whose details may have been shared on a list of targets for further violence this week particularly on Wednesday in the Castle Park and Old Market area. This targeting of lawyers working in the areas of immigration advice is unacceptable, and we support The Law Society's letter from President Nick Emmerson to the Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary asking that threats against the legal profession are treated with utmost seriousness. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to take extra care when commuting in the City and to support colleagues who wish to work from home in this period.

It is in times like these that it is important for us as a profession to stand together; to respect and support each other; to be inclusive and to act with integrity for the benefit of the legal profession and our wider communities.

Stuart Henry, President, Bristol Law Society

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS