Leading the way: in conversation with Lubna Shuja
Leading the Way: in conversation with Lubna Shuja
Phoebe Sennett
We recently had the absolute pleasure and privilege of catching with Lubna Shuja, President of the Law Society of England and Wales. In just a short time since she was elected as President in October 2022, she’s already made a great impact on the legal profession as we know it. We had the opportunity to explore her latest achievements and her key objectives for the duration of her presidency and beyond.
Lubna, thank you very much for agreeing to speak with us. We would love to hear more about your background and career journey so far.
I have been qualified as a solicitor for over 30 years now. I am originally from Bradford and attended a state comprehensive school there. My parents were from a working-class background and I never really thought about Law as a career as I didn’t think it was for someone like me. I did better in my A Levels than my teachers predicted
and at that point a good friend suggested I could get myself onto a Law degree. I managed to do just that and haven’t looked back since.
As the seventh female and first Muslim to be President in the Law Society’s 200-year history, what more do you think needs to be done to improve access to the legal industry? And have you faced any adversities along the way?
It is fantastic to see that 53% of solicitors with practising certificates in England and Wales are women, but there are real issues around the pay, retention and promotion. Only 35% of partners are women. Furthermore, only 1% of partners identify as Black.
I have been lucky during my career as I have worked with some fantastic colleagues who have really pushed me along and seen the potential in me long before I could see it in myself. These Allies are so important in our careers as they are our voice in spaces where we don’t always have a voice.
There needs to be a real, long-term shift in the culture of firms to embrace diversity and inclusion in a way that has real, sustainable impact. The Law Society is supporting firms in doing this; we have produced a diversity and inclusion (D&I) Framework that asks firms to adopt a simple three-step approach to making lasting change.
"It is fantastic to see that 53% of solicitors with practising certificates in England and Wales are women, but there are real issues around the pay, retention and promotion. Only 35% of partners are women. Furthermore, only 1% of partners identify as Black."
What key challenges do you foresee the industry facing in 2023 your term as President and what is your plan to address these?
On the immediate horizon, we’re expecting the UK government to launch an independent review of Civil Legal Aid, which will be examining the sustainability of civil legal aid contracts. The number of cases where neither party had a legal representative trebled from 2013 to 2021, and as the cost of living continues to rise, the system will continue to face increased pressure.
The ongoing backlogs in our courts, and the unacceptable delays in accessing justice will also be a crucial challenge for the justice system. The Law Society is calling on the government to ensure there are enough criminal defence solicitors to do the work, and to increase fees by a minimum of 15%. Without this basic funding, continuing with a criminal defence practice is going to be unsustainable for many firms.
The world of work is becoming increasingly more unconventional, what with remote working and side hustles becoming the norm - in your opinion, how important is it for employers and professionals to embrace this shift?
It’s clear that the post-pandemic move to hybrid working arrangements is here to stay. Many solicitors and trainees are splitting their time between working remotely and working in the office. While this has many benefits – including increased autonomy and responsibility, which in turn can boost engagement, motivation, and self-esteem in staff – solicitors are not immune to the challenges this can face.
Being a solicitor can be a rewarding, varied and an intellectually challenging job. It’s also a role that takes a lot of commitment, and ongoing training and development to adapt to new ways of work.
The Law Society is supporting solicitors in doing this and making the most of the positive elements of remote working. We have produced guidance on remote supervision of junior solicitors and staff, and we are encouraging people to embrace the opportunities that remote working presents.
"Take every opportunity that presents itself as you never know where it may lead you."
Finally, with a readership of young professionals across all disciplines, what top tips do you have for them to build a successful career?
Take every opportunity that presents itself as you never know where it may lead you. Get involved in groups outside your immediate work environment, such as the Law Society’s Junior Lawyers Network, find out and attend your local business community meetings, and join your local Law Society. Through networking with people you would not normally meet, you will increase your potential for opportunities and your horizons generally. Treat every interaction as if it is an interview as you just don’t know what may come out of it.