A Bradford-based family law practice has created a legal community dedicated to empowering South Asian women in the legal profession.

The Aura Network, founded by SKB Law, was launched at an event in the House of Lords last week. Lubna Shuja, the first Asian, first Muslim and seventh female president of the Law Society, former Crown Prosecution Service solicitor Baroness Warsi (Sayeeda Warsi), SKB Law founder Sarah Khan-Bashir, Moore Barlow partner Amandeep Khasriya, SKB Law trainee Mahnoor Saif, Baroness Gohir (Shaista Gohir) and Baroness Verma (Sandip Verma) discussed the unique challenges facing South Asian women in law during a panel discussion chaired by barrister Faareen Ali.

Aura Network

The Aura Network was launched at an event in the House of Lords last week

According to legal sector data, 35% of partners are women. Black, Asian and minority ethnic people account for 16% of female partners.

However, the issue of underrepresentation extends beyond the partnership level, Khan-Bashir said. ‘It’s the lack of visibility across the board – firms, the judiciary, global panels, high-profile events, media, recruitment events, academia, legal innovation and more… In an increasingly diverse and global legal market, South Asian women are a significant source of talent. If we want to boost representation and create a more diverse and inclusive legal profession, we need to invest in development opportunities.

‘By joining the Aura network, we can connect with each other beyond cities, firms and sectors. We can draw on the collective knowledge and expertise of our peers, share insights and lift each other through training, mentoring and sponsorship. Aura Network is a platform to showcase our stories and our impact in law and beyond. As Baroness Warsi [told last week’s event], we need more sisterhood.’