A radical three-point programme for action was proposed by Zahida Manzoor CBE at a guest lecture jointly hosted by Leeds Law School and Leeds Metropolitan University’s Centre for Research into Diversity in the Professions.

Ms Manzoor’s lecture, held on 10 December, explored whether the legal profession can shake off its conservative image and reinvent itself as the profession of choice for talented people from diverse backgrounds.

Evidence shows that there are significant gender and ethnic minority pay gaps in the legal profession. A recent Law Society survey indicates that female solicitors earn £19K per annum (£32%) less than male solicitors, whilst black and minority ethnic (BME) solicitors will earn 20% less than white solicitors.

Ms Manzoor believes firms should undertake pay audits to highlight any pay discrepancies then take positive action to root out discrimination. She argues, “Embracing diversity makes good business sense. If firms are to attract and retain the best staff then they must embrace society as a whole”.

There is a growing groundswell of opinion that lack of diversity in the legal profession is an issue that must be tackled. Ms Manzoor regards the Legal Services Act 2007 as a real opportunity for positive change, with the chance to introduce new business structures and encourage more family-friendly working patterns.

Her three-point approach is: firstly, to shout about the success of non-traditional high achievers in the legal profession to encourage others; secondly, we must address the lack of diversity at the very top of the profession - five out of 22 judges are now female but there are no BME judges. A judicial talent scheme should be considered to nurture tomorrow’s judges at early stage; thirdly, honorary BME or female presidents should work alongside elected presidents within organisations such as the Bar Council and at top law firms.

She argues, “We need to be proactive. These ideas are meant to push the boundaries. Out of seemingly extreme ideas you can sometimes make a real difference.”

Zahida Manzoor CBE is the Legal Services Ombudsman and Legal Services Complaints Commissioner. She received an honorary award from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2003. She is also an Associate Member of Leeds Met’s Centre for Research into Diversity in the Professions (CRDP), which was launched by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC in February 2008. As well as providing a real and virtual meeting space for scholars, professionals and policy makers interested in diversity, the CRDP's other main function is conducting academic and policy oriented research into diversity – for instance as consultant on the Ministry of Justice Barriers Leading into Law Project.