The Society of Asian Lawyers ("SAL"), formed in 1990, is the UK's largest independent legal society. Members are from a cross section of the legal community; partners in large City firms, principally London based; partners in and owners of niche practices; leading and junior barristers; assistant solicitors; trainees; high street practitioners, in-house counsel; legal executives and students. A non-political organisation, SAL receives no government or third party funding and is reliant on annual subscriptions as its main source of income.

SAL MEMBERS:

1. Receive a free copy of the SAL Newsletter.
2. Receive advance notice and invitations to all SAL events. Most events are either discounted or free for members.
3. Have the choice, as a legal practitioner, to register their contact details on the SAL website by way of link to their own website.
4. Be able to take an active role in both on-going and new projects and even leading on issues important to you.
5. Be able to serve on the SAL committee.
6. Be able to actively contribute to the SAL newsletter.
7. Receive information on business and career opportunities as they arise.
8. Apply for a mentor and careers advice under the SAL Mentoring Scheme.

The SAL organises a number of varied professional and social functions through the year; providing an ideal opportunity for members to make new professional and social contacts.

We regularly talk to prospective entrants to the legal profession at Law Fairs and University Milk Rounds as well as providing careers talks at BPP law school and Westminster University.

The Society's activities have attracted wide media coverage, both in the national media as well as the ethnic media and spokespeople are regularly approached by legal journals; Asian newspapers, Asian television and radio stations for comment and response to issues affecting the Asian community in the UK.

In 2003 the SAL launched its mentoring scheme to assist students, trainees, pupils and practitioners who need help and guidance in their careers. The mentoring scheme puts people in touch with mentors who can provide the benefit of their experiences to those who need them. SAL has also built up ties with recruiters for public and private bodies looking to fill unpaid and paid positions on boards and who wish to diversify the ethnic and gender make up of their boards. The SAL will circulate details of these positions to its members through emails and our website.