Attorney general Dominic Grieve and influential Islamic thinker Tariq Ramadan will join a line-up of high-profile speakers at tomorrow’s Minority Lawyers Conference at the Law Society in London.

The biennial conference, organised jointly by the Law Society, Bar Council and Institute of Legal Executives, celebrates the achievements of black and Asian lawyers.

Ramadan and a panel will discuss their experiences in relation to the European response to issues of national security, diversity, multiculturalism and the separation of church and state.

There will also be sessions devoted to other issues that impact on black and minority ethnic (BME) lawyers.

Law Society President Linda Lee said the conference would inspire lively and topical debate surrounding issues faced by BME lawyers, including career development and entering the judiciary.

Lee said: ‘The Law Society wants to ensure that all those who are talented progress, regardless of their ethnic background or social circumstances.‘

Conference co-chair Sundeep Bhatia said: ‘2011 represents a watershed year for the legal profession of England and Wales, offering both opportunities for black Asian minority ethnic (BAME) lawyers, as well as threats and challenges.

‘Alternative business structures will become a reality from October of this year.

‘These new structures will have a very real effect on small BAME law firms, which will need to innovate and embrace the opportunities available if they are to survive.’

He added: ‘It is well documented that BAME solicitors are disproportionately represented amongst small sole practitioner firms.

‘Many of these firms rely on the availability of legal aid in order to stay in business.

‘The government's austerity measures, involving a reduction in the availability, scope and rates at which legal aid is paid, will mean that many of these firms will no longer be financially viable.’

Conference co-chair Nwabueze Nwokolo said: ‘The conference will provide a forum for the sharing of innovative and entrepreneurial ways to survive the forthcoming changes and meet the many challenges that face minority lawyers in every part of the profession.

‘Delegates will have the opportunity to listen to and participate in debates on diverse issues, including the drastic reduction in the provision of legal aid, the consequent demise of access to justice and the undermining of the rule of law; the effect of globalisation and what role minority lawyers can play in the emerging markets.'

'Plus, the tsunami or big bang (depending on what side of the fence you are on) that is anticipated by the legal profession on 6 October when the Legal Services Act implements the establishment of ABS.’

He added: ‘Entry into the profession, progression and retention are perennial problems, with the judiciary remaining virtually closed to minority lawyers despite the efforts of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).’

The Attorney General Dominic Grieve will open the event with a keynote speech, and JAC chair Christopher Stephens will chair a breakout session on judicial appointments.

The event will finish with an awards ceremony and gala dinner.

More details of the event are available at the Law Society events pages.