Global legal practice Norton Rose Fulbright has hosted Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC at their Johannesburg office during her week-long visit to South Africa. Baroness Scotland is the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to South Africa.

On March 3, 2015 the Baroness delivered a strong message of rising above all obstacles stacked against you to Norton Rose Fulbright’s staff across its three national office. This talk followed a lunch with mentees from Thusanani Foundation. She shared with the audience her journey to becoming a lawyer, her work in government and her current role as lead minister on immigration and asylum matters, legal aid, legal services and the development of Civil Law in the UK. Baroness Scotland made legal history in 1997 when, at age 35, she became the youngest and the first black female Queens Counsel.

Gale Shabangu, diversity and inclusion manager of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa, commented:

“The Baroness’ remarkable career is an inspiration to all professionals. There is still a great deal of work to be done to improve inclusion throughout the legal sector. It was, therefore, an honour and a precious opportunity to have Baroness Scotland here to mentor our young people and to share her incredible career with us.”

Sbu Gule, global chairman of Norton Rose Fulbright, commented:

“Diversity is a priority for our business and we invest in staff development and diversity initiatives across the practice, in line with our Global Diversity and Inclusion strategy.  Baroness Scotland’s visit has made a valuable contribution to our drive for diversity and inclusion across our practice.”

Rt Honourable the Baroness Scotland of Asthal, commented:

“A diverse workforce is key to excellence in the workplace.  There is still a need for greater inclusiveness and diversity, especially in leadership positions. I value the opportunity to engage with Norton Rose Fulbright on these issues and to share my experiences.”

This visit was arranged to support the existing diversity and inclusion strategy set out by the practice’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council (GDIAC). GDIAC was established in December 2012 to provide a source of co-ordinated and consistent leadership on diversity and inclusion best practice globally.