BLS Statement on Conflict in Middle East – reaching out to colleagues affected

Posted on19 December 2023

We acknowledge the ongoing situation in Israel and Palestine continues to affect not only those in the region, but many of our colleagues who have connections, or a shared heritage with the region, as well as those of the Muslim and Jewish faiths.

We are aware that this is having a direct impact on the wellbeing of our Jewish and Muslim colleagues, and those with friends, family or connections in the region will understandably be distressed and worried for their safety. We want to make clear that Bristol Law Society offers its full support for those members who are, whether directly or indirectly, affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and continued conflict in Palestine and Israel.

There has been a substantial reported rise in Islamophobic and antisemitic hate crime, which we condemn in all forms. No person should have to live with the fear of violence, abuse, or less favourable treatment because of their race, heritage or religion, whether in their local communities or their place of work. We, as a profession, should feel a responsibility to set an example of respect, support and inclusion toward our Jewish and Muslim colleagues, and to make sure that our workplaces are safe and inclusive places where racism of any kind will not be tolerated.

We have been made aware that many of our colleagues affected by the conflict are suffering in silence and feeling unsupported in their working environments. This may not necessarily be as a result of racism or positive discrimination of any kind, but may even arise as a result of having no acknowledgement of their difficulties and no outlet to speak about the heavy burden that the conflict and its ripple effect may have upon them and their families.

We would therefore positively encourage our member firms to:

Check in with your colleagues who may be affected by the conflict.
Offer them a safe space to talk – without fear of judgment.
Share/sign post resources where they might seek help.

It is in times like these that it is important for us as a Profession to stand together; to respect and support each other; to be inclusive and to act with integrity for the benefit of the legal profession.

Stuart Henry, President, Bristol Law Society

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS