The Minority Lawyers Conference Awards are now open for nominations.  Black and minority ethnic practitioners in the U.K. now have just a few weeks to submit their nominations to gain recognition for their valuable contribution to the ever changing legal landscape of England and Wales.  The Lord Chief Justice and The Attorney General, The Chairman of the Bar and the President of the Law Society will present the awards at a formal dinner and presentation ceremony which will take place on 25 April in London.  The awards will be presented to those individuals or organisations who are shaping the future of the profession through their dedication to the importance of diversity, hard work and sheer determination. Closing date for nominations: 17th April 2009.  The Minority Lawyers Conference takes place on Saturday 25th April 2009 at the Law Society 113 Chancery lane. For any enquiries please e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Uganda’s Minister for Security Amama Mbabazi admitted the Ugandan government illegally wiretapped private phone conversations of citizens during an appearance before parliament. Mbabazi seeks to legalize wiretapping through a new law called the Regulation of Interception of Communication Bill, which would allow lawful interception and monitoring of private communication. 

France has always been considered more enlightened than America on matters of race.  However, Barack Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential election has underscored France's failure to achieve a colorblind society. Today, French minorities are pressing politicians to promote more diversity.

The elimination of racial preferences at law schools is the best way to produce more black lawyers, suggests Gail Heriot, member of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Heriot’s controversial remarks stem from a 2004 study, which examined consequences of affirmative action in American law schools by UCLA law professor Richard Sander.