Daniel Chatfield’s Post

For those of us specialising in education law at IBB Law, we are accustomed to pupils and students complaining of discrimination in their studies, at school and university. It is such a shame that this discrimination extends to students from minority groups who are pursuing a career in the legal profession. Legal Cheek #ThingsMustChange #discrimination #equality https://lnkd.in/eUwZWkZB.

"Earlier this month, the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) released its annual analysis of U.S. law school employment outcomes External link opens in new browser window which includes a detailed breakdown of employment gaps based on race and ethnicity." (LSAC) https://lnkd.in/eYGxCjNC #diversityinlaw #legaldiversity #blacklawyers #equity #DEI #legalindustry

Back in October, I was fortunate to attend Browne Jacobson's FAIRE (Fairer Access Into Real Experience) programme a game-changing initiative dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusivity within the legal profession. As a first-year LLB student and someone who attended a non-comprehensive school(where opportunities can feel limited), this experience deeply resonated with me. Seeing a leading law firm actively champion inclusivity and provide real pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds gave me hope and a clearer vision of the type of solicitor I aspire to become. The experience was filled with eye-opening sessions that not only enhanced my legal knowledge but also inspired me to keep pushing boundaries in my own journey. Hearing from Baroness Hale of Richmond, the first female president of the UK Supreme Court, was a masterclass in resilience and representation. Her reflections on overcoming gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field highlighted the importance of diverse voices within the judiciary. Her landmark cases demonstrated that diversity shapes the law, making it more just and equitable. Her words fuelled my determination to break barriers and contribute to a more inclusive legal profession. FAIRE reminded me to always approach situations with curiosity and humility. Being surrounded by professionals and peers from diverse walks of life taught me to set aside any preconceived notions and remain a keen, adaptable learner—an essential skill for both law and life. Seeing people from similar socio-economic and minority backgrounds excel in their legal careers was incredibly empowering. It validated my own journey and strengthened my determination to break barriers for myself and others. From hands-on workshops to networking with legal professionals, I gained a deeper understanding of the skills required to thrive in the legal world. The emphasis on fair access to paid work experience reinforced how crucial these opportunities are in creating a more equitable profession.Diversity in the legal sector isn't just important—it’s necessary for the profession to truly reflect the society it serves. Programmes like FAIRE are not just opening doors; they’re reshaping the future of law and making sure talent, not background, dictates success. I’m grateful to Browne Jacobson for this transformative experience and their ongoing commitment to social mobility and inclusivity. As I continue my legal education, I will carry these lessons with me and remain eager to learn, grow, and contribute to a more inclusive legal industry. Thank you so much to Young Professionals and Tom Lyas for such an incredible opportunity! To those who have walked this path before me: What advice do you have for a first-year law student ready to embrace every opportunity? 📚⚖️ #DiversityInLaw #SocialMobility #LawStudent #FAIRE #BrowneJacobson #Inclusivity #LegalCareer #GrowthMindset

The American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar will soon eliminate specific references to race and ethnicity from its law school diversity and inclusion standards to be compliant with the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling barring colleges from considering race. The proposed, revised rule will instead require law schools to "demonstrate through concrete actions a commitment to access to the study of law and entry into the legal profession for all persons including those with identities that historically have been disadvantaged or excluded from the legal profession." New legal rulings and societal pressures constantly remind us of the importance of adaptability in our DEI efforts. Though language and framing may adjust, our commitment to the core principles of DEI must stay firm if we want to progress. The path forward requires balancing flexibility with an unwavering resolve to uphold the purpose of this work. We can stay open to change while championing a more inclusive and equitable present and future. Equity and inclusion work will continue to be fundamental and transformative practices that shape and influence our workplaces for the better. #diversityequityinclusion #DEI #inclusiveleadership #equityinclusion # https://lnkd.in/gihUeSAJ

Empowering Voices: Why Young People and Women Deserve Effective and Affordable Legal Representation In today’s world, young people and women often face unique challenges when it comes to navigating the legal system. Many of these challenges are rooted in societal inequalities, lack of access to proper legal representation, and financial barriers that prevent them from receiving justice. At the CENTER FOR LEGAL AID SUPPORT SERVICES (CLASS), we understand that these barriers often leave the most vulnerable without a voice, and we are committed to changing that narrative. Young people, especially those from marginalized communities, often find themselves entangled in legal issues they barely understand—from disputes over property and labor to more severe cases like human trafficking and domestic violence. For women, the stakes can be even higher, with many facing legal battles that relate to family law, inheritance, or workplace discrimination, while also dealing with the societal expectations that often silence their pursuit of justice. This is where effective, affordable, and compassionate legal representation becomes crucial. At CLASS, our goal is to ensure that young people and women are not left to fend for themselves in these difficult circumstances. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal aid, regardless of their financial situation. We work tirelessly to provide public legal education, equipping individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal system confidently. Through our conflict resolution and courtroom representation services, we aim to restore dignity, empower voices, and ensure that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. The future we envision at CLASS is one where no young person or woman is denied justice due to their gender, age, or financial status. We strive for a society where everyone’s rights are protected, and legal representation is not only affordable but effective in achieving true justice. We call on the community to stand with us in this mission, to support young people and women in their quest for fairness, and to be part of building a more just and equal society. At CLASS, we are here to guide, to support, and to fight for the justice they deserve. Follow our work at: https://lnkd.in/dC8hEziF . . .

Supreme Court Empowers Specially-Abled Law Students: A Step Towards Inclusive Legal Education In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has ensured equitable access for specially-abled law students in crucial legal exams like CLAT-PG 2024 and AIBE-XIX. From allowing assistive technology like JAWS software for visually impaired candidates to directing the formulation of uniform scribe policies, the Court has highlighted the need for inclusivity in legal education and professional opportunities. This judgment not only ensures fairness but sets a precedent for creating an accessible legal profession for all. Do you think more reforms are needed to make legal education and exams truly inclusive? What steps should institutions take to align with this vision? Read more on our website and join the conversation! https://lnkd.in/gMJiAXU4

Discover how LSAC's inclusive program addresses diversity concerns post-Harvard decision and its impact on legal education. Learn more about this important initiative: https://lnkd.in/gurwvWD7 #DiversityInLaw #LSAC #LegalEducation #Inclusion #HarvardDecision

I left Bristol Law School because I felt unsupported from the beginning. As someone with dyslexia, I found it challenging to keep up with the course without proper assistance for my learning disabilities. I requested one-on-one help in person, but I didn't receive it until three months later via Zoom, by which time most of the work had already been submitted, with the low mark of fail. I lacked confidence when trying to keep up with the course as it accelerated. When I visited my head law tutor I apologised for doing the work wrong but complained about the lack of help I was promised at the start of September. I said: "I have always received help with my dyslexia from Goldsmiths to Oxford in regards to a one-to-one tutor." He said: "Help paid for by the university? I don't think Bristol will be able to help you with that." When it did arrive it was over Zoom but I had lost so much confidence I could not do any more work. I was even put into a sub-group to work on an essay in the common room for about 15 minutes the students were very nice. The professor told us to bullet point the work and each member wrote a paragraph on the Wednesbury principle concerning the grounds of judicial review that covered the problem question (PQ) in bullet points. The PQ indicated the impact of terrorism on public transport and train connections it was suggested in the PQ that ID cards would be necessary when boarding buses after trains. I argued that ID cards could be argued under the Wednesbury principle as unreasonable regarding the ID Card Act 2006 which was repealed on 21 January 2011. The introduction of this Act was also introduced as part of the UK government's counterterrorism initiative in response to the 2005 London bombings. Just like the PQ was referencing terrorism on public transport. I suggested that ID Cards could lead to an erosion of civil liberties justified by national security concerns or public safety. Suggesting human rights breaches that could follow this Act which should later be taken to the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) if ultra vires further occurs. For example: see the case of Madhewoo v. the State [2015 SCJ 177. This was taken to the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) which makes my point quite clear regarding the the 2006 ID Card Act. The next day the group received feedback saying, that we did the work entirely wrong. The Public Law tutor said: "Whoever put that in the work about the 2006 ID Card the HRC would just laugh in your face, it's just a bus pass!" 'What kind of feedback is' that I thought. I also read his feedback online: "Next time don't do it in bullet points this is a fail, do the IRAC model." I thought to myself 'he told us to put the work in bullet points the group was as confused as I was after reading the feedback. I just had enough of Bristol after all that. With the lack of help on time and the stupid feedback, I was done. 🙄

I'm drawn to this article because I have a family member who recently acquired a first-class law degree and is actively looking to gain an opportunity to follow their passion in the legal field. To quote - "I need someone to give me a chance" - it seems we may have a way to go. Check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/eftyTbGy

Your Child’s Rights Going Back to School Legal considerations for college students Parents of college students living away from home have much to consider. In addition to obvious matters such as living quarters and class schedules, there are legal considerations. Did you know that when a child turns 18, many states take away the parents’ rights to make medical decisions on their behalf? If you still want a say in your child’s medical needs, a lawyer can help you establish Health Care Power of Attorney. Is your child renting their living space? A lawyer can review lease agreements to ensure legal accuracy. In addition to real estate and health care, a lawyer can assist college students in several areas of law: Employment/internships Contracts/leases Credit and debt Criminal misdemeanor Insurance Consumer Will and Living Will Power of Attorney Uncontested family matters Landlord-tenant It’s also a good idea to understand FERPA – the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA requires schools to obtain your written consent before they share your child’s academic or personal records. It is simply a safeguard to ensure that your child’s personally identifiable information (PII) is safe from prying eyes. You’ll likely want to know about your child’s school policies on: Bullying and cyberbullying, both ever-increasing threats Slip-and-fall accidents Use of prescription medication Drug testing policies Competency testing to know what your child will experience Curriculum standards Religious ideology in the classroom Extra considerations for students behind the wheel Parents with students of driving age are likely always concerned about the ever-present chance of their children receiving a traffic ticket. Consider the following scenario: Jeremy is the father of a seventeen-year-old named Will. While driving to a school football game, Will ran a red light while speeding and was issued a citation. Because Jeremy had already given his family the gift of legal protection through LegalShield, he avoided the high hourly costs typically associated with legal counsel. His son was instead able to consult with a lawyer on his traffic issues for the low monthly rate of a LegalShield Membership. If your child gets into legal trouble, help is available LegalShield’s dedicated law firms will provide a lawyer to help you send your children back to school with confidence. Here are a few of the ways a LegalShield provider law firm can help: Consultation on any personal legal topic such as: Student conduct Underage drinking Fake IDs Expungements Recreational marijuana use Rental agreements Employment issues Document review as you read over the waivers, forms and other paperwork Legal defense for speeding tickets Civil disputes Going back to school is an exciting time for kids: New friends, new outfits, and new things to learn and do. But for parents like you, it is likely a time of worry and uncertainty as well.