Zaiwalla & Co Hosts Lunch at the Law Society to Celebrate I. Stephanie Boyce

Zaiwalla & Co hosted a special lunch on Tuesday at the Law Society to commemorate the unveiling of the portrait of I. Stephanie Boyce, the first Black and ethnic minority president of the Law Society in its nearly 200-year history. The event brought together senior figures, including the Chair of the Bar Council and the Chief Executives of the Supreme Court and the Law Society, alongside prominent individuals from politics and business. The gathering centred on the theme of leadership in promoting diversity within the legal profession.

In her address, Ms. Boyce reflected on her historic presidency, which spanned a time of significant global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Afghanistan withdrawal, and the war in Ukraine. She spoke of her determination to lead with resilience and purpose, stating, ”I navigated turbulent waters with determination and purpose, refusing to be defined by labels others might attach to me.”

Senior Partner Sarosh Zaiwalla highlighted the importance of her portrait within the Law Society Reading Room, describing it as ”a symbol of progress in the ongoing drive for a legal profession that is truly representative of our diverse society.” His words underscored the significance of the event as a moment to reflect on the advancements made and the work still needed to ensure greater equity and representation in the legal profession.

As the first City firm founded by a person of colour, Zaiwalla & Co has long been committed to addressing inequities in the legal sector and celebrating transformative leadership. The lunch served not only as a tribute to Ms. Boyce’s groundbreaking contributions but also as a platform to inspire continued progress toward greater inclusivity and fairness within the legal community.