As a BAME partner, how do you see your role in promoting diversity and inclusion at CMS and in the legal industry? I think it is vital that those of us who are BAME, and have been lucky enough to progress through the profession, act as advocates for diversity and role models for BAME students and lawyers. Within CMS I am very lucky that the senior partner, a woman, is personally passionate about diversity and encourages diversity network groups, which the firm funds, and which are assisted by a diversity and inclusion team. I am co-chair and a partner champion of the BAME group. Within the industry there are a lot of ways to make a difference – for example I have spoken at events aimed at increasing diversity organised by the Law Society, the Judicial Appointments Commission, the London Solicitors’ Litigation Association, JUSTICE, the BSN and other law firms and I have mentored more junior lawyers. I also recently took part in the JUSTICE Judicial Diversity Working Party and helped to draft its report. What would you say to a BAME student considering applying to your firm? Do it! As a stepping stone it is important to do one or more vacation placements if possible. Then persevere. A career in law is tough, and getting that first job is one of the hard bits, but it is interesting, rewarding and fun once you do. Be yourself, and see your diversity as an asset which will help you stand out, not as an obstacle.
Joanna Coombs-Huang, trainee solicitor
Please tell us what it is like to work at CMS? CMS is a firm that looks to truly develop and encourage their trainees to pursue the areas of law that they wish. Working at CMS has been a great experience. The initial training is intensive, as well as practical and supportive of creating opportunities and increasing skills in junior members. Trainees are given real responsibility and client contact from the outset. The teams are supportive, with all members showing willingness to work together towards a common goal. Socially there are always events, and many opportunities to get involved in both diversity and inclusion and corporate social responsibility, as well as on-going training. There are multiple employee-led networks that support diversity and inclusion initiatives within CMS. They regularly hold events, raising visibility and advocating for all members, enforcing CMS’s position as a leader in the field. Do you think the legal industry is inclusive of BAME students, and what steps could the industry take to make it more so? The industry has great intentions and there are serious efforts made to create a more inclusive environment for BAME students. However, communications and support must be followed up with decisive action, and effort to have a tangible impact.
The legal sector is aware that despite its best efforts there are often perceptions that would make a BAME student hesitate or feel less confident to join the industry. Part of this is due to lack of visible role models both at entry and in leadership positions. Outreach, as well as publications and public presence of more BAME legal practitioners helps change that perception and demystify the profession. By continuing and growing their initiatives to be inclusive of BAME students, law firms will bring both the talent as well as the broader perspectives of their experiences the legal industry needs to remain relevant. What would you say to a BAME student considering applying to your firm? I would tell any student ‘do your research, but show up as who you are’. Research will help you understand the firm’s strengths and strategy, as well as what areas you would like to experience during your training contract. Keep up to date with the legal news, and be curious as to what else the firm is doing, as there are amazing resources and projects always being advanced within CMS. As for my second point, authenticity always rings true. When applying and interviewing with CMS, the interviewers are looking for someone who will bring interest and their own abilities to the role. BAME students and applicants have strengths and should feel confident that they will be accepted on that basis, rather than attempting to seem different than who they are.
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