The largest regional law society outside of London, last night we swore in our youngest ever President, Alice Kinder at a historic inauguration ceremony at our AGM at No5 Chambers, Birmingham.
Founded in 1818, the Society represents over 9,000 legal professionals across Birmingham and the surrounding area.
Alice Kinder, 31, (pictured above) who is a Senior Associate at the firm Bexley Beaumont, is excited to be taking on the role.
She comments: “I am delighted to be taking office as the youngest President in Birmingham Law Society’s 205-year history. I would like us to remember this moment as not just one in which there has been a change in leadership, but one in which there has been a change in the narrative of our profession. As a moment which shows that the legal world is no longer bound by established norms, but is evolving to be more inclusive, more representative and more reflective of the diverse society that it serves.”
Alice’s presidential term of September 2023 to September 2024 will be focused on two themes: community and opportunity.
“Community” reflects her desire to foster connections, become more integrated within the wider city, and contribute to a stronger and more compassionate society. “Opportunity” represents her unwavering dedication to ensuring that everyone has the same chance to achieve their aspirations, both within the legal profession and within Birmingham Law Society.
Alice is passionate about social mobility. She will be working with her partner charity, the Social Mobility Foundation, to launch the first ever Birmingham Law Society Social Mobility Pledge, to call every individual and organisation within the Birmingham legal community to make a firm commitment to fostering equal opportunities. She will also be launching an online internship to support law students from all backgrounds to gain meaningful experience.
In April 2024, she will be running her first ever marathon to raise funds for the Social Mobility Foundation.
She comments: “Whilst someone’s background should never determine what they go on to achieve, it can and it does. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not – and I want to do what I can to address that.”
She will also be diversifying the Society’s networking opportunities to facilitate closer connections with the business community and events outside of the city centre.
Alice specialises in employment law. She supports businesses and individuals to solve workplace problems, and provides training and strategic advice on equality, diversity and inclusion. She has been quoted and published in The Times and The Gazette.
Last week, on 22 September 2023, she was awarded the Greater Birmingham Legal Young Professional of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce GBYPY Awards, where the judges concluded that she “represents the modern face of the law”. She is also shortlisted as a Rising Star at the UK Social Mobility Awards, which are due to take place in London on 12 October 2023.
Alice is a visiting lecturer at Birmingham Newman University and the University of Law, a Board Member at Manningham Housing Association, and a Social Mobility Ambassador for The Law Society of England and Wales.