Birmingham Law Society has sworn in its 2024/5 President, Richard Port MBE of George Green LLP, at its Annual General Meeting, which was held yesterday (26th September). Port succeeds Alice Kinder and is a passionate advocate for victims of domestic abuse.
With a Presidential campaign theme of “Voices,” Port’s focus, he explained at the AGM, will be firmly on empowering those who often lack a platform, both within the community and among Society members. By highlighting the exceptional work of those who might otherwise remain under the radar, Richard also aims to ensure that these voices are heard, acknowledged and celebrated.
In this interview Richard talks to BLS about his vision and goals for his 12-month Presidency, and his commitment to giving a platform to those who often go unheard. He also discusses his leadership approach, his aims for expanding the Society’s outreach, and his dedication to supporting a diverse range of communities during his tenure as President.
Every incoming President of the Birmingham Law Society has themes for their Presidential year. What are yours and why?
My theme for the year is “Voices,” I am a strong advocate for victims of domestic abuse, and it just seems fitting to share my passion to help those who don’t have the ability or the platform to speak up whether in our community or membership. I want to highlight the amazing work that our members who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise to do so.
What kind of President do you think you’ll be?
I like to think of myself as an approachable person whether in my professional or personal life. I hope this will reflect in my Presidency this year, as I want inclusion from all our members and community to be an important part of Birmingham Law Society. I am inviting those who wish to be heard to feel that they can come to me, in order to make our legal community that bit better.
What goals have you set yourself for your 12-month BLS Presidency?
My overall goal is to unite everyone together, in so many ways. I am looking to expand our membership bringing in organisations, firms and individuals from all over the west midlands.
I think the important thing for me this year is knowing that everyone has a voice in their law society, I know it’s not an easy take and many have probably tried before me, but it is vital that our legal community join together from the CEOs all the way to students, we all play a major role in shaping our justice system.
What do you expect to be your first task on your first day as President?
Well, work is already underway behind the scenes, so I suspect my first day will be very busy putting everything into action and I am very excited for it and hope everyone enjoys and benefits from it, as planned.
Your partner charities will be She Beasts and the Mankind Initiative: what are some of the initiatives you are planning linked with the charity?
We are finalising our plans, but I am excited to be working with these two domestic abuse charities. It would be amiss of me, as an advocate for victims of domestic abuse, not to use this platform to support victims of domestic abuse and, with that, all genders in relation to an issue that unfortunately believes in equal opportunities.
What do you hope your legacy will be? What do you hope your efforts will achieve – both in and out of the Society.
Legacy is a strong term, I think with all the work that I do in campaigning for victims of domestic abuse, I just hope that throughout my year as President, it will help shine a light on those who wouldn’t have the opportunity to speak up, professionally and in our community. I am optimistic that when I leave office, that those who are given that chance, will go on to help others – the effects of which will ripple on.
You are taking over the reins from Alice Kinder. Are there any words you’d like to offer to Alice as you take over the Presidency?
I would like to say thank you to Alice for all the hard work that she has put in over the last twelve months. It has been evidently her clear passion and commitment to the society, and I am looking forward to building on her foundations.
What’s one story you’ve heard from a member that has inspired you recently?
I don’t think one story has solely inspired me. We have such a vast amount of experienced and dedicated members who devote their time and efforts into making our law society amazing, as well as pushing forward our justice system. I know a vast number of members, despite personal difficulties, devote their time to mentoring, guiding and supporting other members; giving back what they once received themselves years ago. The selflessness of these members is a true testament as to what we stand for in Birmingham.
Why do you believe it’s important to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard in our society?
We all play a major part in our society, sometimes it isn’t clear what part we play, whether as the main character or as the supporting cast, but we all have such an important influence on each other. Imagine amplifying the voices of the unheard and what large scale positive impact that can have on everyone: by having more main actors and more support cast, we can help change the society we live in.
How can our members contribute to the conversation on supporting vulnerable communities?
Just by having the discussion. We live in a society that is faced with issues that we don’t like talking about, some become such taboo subjects that by not speaking about them, not debating them, or not being welcome to the idea of talking about them, it leads to those who are part of such vulnerable communities being isolated. By having the conversation, addressing the problems head on, we enable vulnerable communities to be empowered to make change.
In your view, what role does listening play in leadership and making impactful decisions?
An old boss I once had told me that the ‘best way to be a leader is pretend that you are listening and that you care;’ I can honestly say I do the exact opposite. Listening and caring about your team, your colleagues, friends and family is vital to ensure your positive objective has a positive outcome.
How can we, as a society, better support students from diverse backgrounds in pursuing a legal career?
The best way to support is through opportunity. Opportunity is key because at the moment becoming a lawyer is like being a ticket holder for the legal lottery; you have to be in the right place, at the right time and surrounded by the right people – and it shouldn’t be the case. No student should have to be crossing their fingers, after years of hard work. We have such bright students who can bring such a positive change to our profession, if just given the opportunity.
What impact do you hope your Presidency will have on the future of the legal community, especially for those who feel unheard or overlooked?
I want my year to be the year that gives individuals, communities and organisations missed, unrepresented and unnoticed, a chance to shine above the canopy. I am hoping the ripple effect will be that more will get involved, more will talk about the amazing work they do and from this, their work, their voice, will reach out expanding helping, guiding and supporting those in need. We are all human at the end of the day, and we were never meant to be isolated.
As Richard Port MBE takes on the role of President, he brings a clear focus on inclusivity, empowerment, and growth to the Birmingham Law Society and all its members. He encourages you to reach out and let your own voice be heard: connect with him at BLS events or through his various social media channels. Find him on LinkedIn: Richard Port MBE.