This year’s Black History Month theme is “Time for Change: Actions Not Words”, urging us not only to acknowledge and learn from the past but look towards the future and take action to tackle racism.

As the justice system is a fundamental part of society, it is important that it is free from bias and discrimination. However, statistics show that, for those working within it, there is a consistent trend of Black barristers being underrepresented in key positions, as well as aspiring Black barristers struggling to access the profession. In this talk, Natasha Shotunde will share her experiences as a barrister, and will discuss the work being done to tackle discrimination at the Bar.

Natasha is an award-winning barrister and Honorary Doctor of Laws at Garden Court Chambers, where her work encompasses family law and public inquiries. She is an elected member of the Bar Council, sitting on its Equality, Diversity and Social Mobility Committee and the Race Working Group. She also sits on the EDI Committee at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

Natasha is the Co-founder and Chair of the award-winning Black Barristers’ Network (BBN), which aims to provide Black barristers with support, visibility and to work on community outreach. BBN won Best Network/Group at the Chambers Europe Awards in 2021.