Latest news with #LawSocietyofEnglandandWales
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sailing academy and charity appoints new chief executive
Isle of Wight charity UKSA has appointed Cat Dixon as its new CEO. The Cowes-based centre of excellence, which aims to inspire, educate, and equip people for a life in or around the sea, has chosen Cat for her extensive leadership experience and passion for empowering young people. With over 15 years' experience as a chief executive for organisations including NHS Resolution and the Law Society of England and Wales, Cat brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. She is also a qualified solicitor and mediator, and has been a champion for diversity, equality, and inclusion. Cat said: "I am absolutely delighted to join UKSA and lead the organisation in its vital work. "I've seen first-hand how outdoor education and practical skills training can transform the lives of young people." Richard Stokes, UKSA chair of trustees, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Cat to the team. "Her broad experience of developing successful organisations, passion for outdoor learning, and commitment to delivering impact for young people will be a great addition to UKSA." UKSA is dedicated to removing financial and social barriers so that young people from all backgrounds can unlock their potential through the opportunities of the seas.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump accused of undermining UK legal system with diversity crackdown
Donald Trump's attacks on lawyers risk undermining Britain's legal system, the Law Society of England and Wales has warned. Richard Atkinson, the head of the 200-year-old professional body, has criticised the US president's recent crackdown on some of America's biggest law firms over their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. He said the US government's decision to investigate law firms on the basis of their DEI programmes represented 'a flagrant disregard for the fundamental principle of the rule of law', which serves as the 'bedrock of freedom and justice worldwide'. Mr Atkinson said: 'The Law Society stands by our US colleagues being targeted by the US government in respect of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 'We are pushing for change and progress towards greater diversity and inclusion in the legal sector because we believe that a diverse and inclusive profession is a resilient one.' It comes after the Trump administration on Monday sent letters to 20 leading US law firms, warning them that their DEI policies may be in breach of American equality laws. Those under scrutiny include London-based magic circle giants Freshfields and A&O Shearman, both of which have offices in the US. The letters from the US Workplace Equality Agency said DEI policies adopted by law firms 'may entail unlawful disparate treatment in terms, conditions and privileges of employment' based on 'race, sex or other protected characteristics'. Firms targeted must now provide detailed information on their DEI policies, including data on the racial characteristics of successful job candidates. They must also clarify whether race was considered in partner promotions or whether 'diverse' candidates were subject to less rigorous testing during the hiring process. It comes after Mr Trump has targeted firms that have carried out work for his political opponents. This includes effectively blocking Perkins Coie – a law firm that worked for Hillary Clinton's 2016 electoral campaign – from taking on any work for the US government. The American Bar Association has condemned Mr Trump's actions. It said: 'Lawyers must be free to represent clients and perform their ethical duty without fear of retribution. These government actions deny clients access to justice and betray our fundamental values.' Mr Atkinson, the head of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: 'We also stand by our US colleagues and the American Bar Association that raised the alarm about lawyers and law firms being targeted inside the US. 'We have a deep and enduring bond rooted in common legal heritage with the United States that makes us a cornerstone of international commerce and dispute resolution.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
19-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Trump accused of undermining UK legal system with diversity crackdown
Donald Trump's attacks on lawyers risk undermining Britain's legal system, the Law Society of England and Wales has warned. Richard Atkinson, the head of the 200-year-old professional body, has criticised the US president's recent crackdown on some of America's biggest law firms over their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. He said the US government's decision to investigate law firms on the basis of their DEI programmes represented 'a flagrant disregard for the fundamental principle of the rule of law', which serves as the 'bedrock of freedom and justice worldwide'. Mr Atkinson said: 'The Law Society stands by our US colleagues being targeted by the US government in respect of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 'We are pushing for change and progress towards greater diversity and inclusion in the legal sector because we believe that a diverse and inclusive profession is a resilient one.' It comes after the Trump administration on Monday sent letters to 20 leading US law firms, warning them that their DEI policies may be in breach of American equality laws. Those under scrutiny include London-based magic circle giants Freshfields and A&O Shearman, both of which have offices in the US. The letters from the US Workplace Equality Agency said DEI policies adopted by law firms 'may entail unlawful disparate treatment in terms, conditions and privileges of employment' based on 'race, sex or other protected characteristics'. Firms targeted must now provide detailed information on their DEI policies, including data on the racial characteristics of successful job candidates. They must also clarify whether race was considered in partner promotions or whether 'diverse' candidates were subject to less rigorous testing during the hiring process. It comes after Mr Trump has targeted firms that have carried out work for his political opponents. This includes effectively blocking Perkins Coie – a law firm that worked for Hillary Clinton's 2016 electoral campaign – from taking on any work for the US government. The American Bar Association has condemned Mr Trump's actions. It said: 'Lawyers must be free to represent clients and perform their ethical duty without fear of retribution. These government actions deny clients access to justice and betray our fundamental values.' Mr Atkinson, the head of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: 'We also stand by our US colleagues and the American Bar Association that raised the alarm about lawyers and law firms being targeted inside the US. 'We have a deep and enduring bond rooted in common legal heritage with the United States that makes us a cornerstone of international commerce and dispute resolution.'
