‘Ubuntu – I am what I am because of who we all are’
Who are we?
We are an incorporated association of legal practitioners and students who have African heritage or with an interest in activities between Africa and Australia, working collectively to achieve our objectives.
The Society was established in July 2020 in the midst of the COVID pandemic by Dalitso Banda and Kaday Conteh, and is run by volunteers who serve on our Management Committee.
The Society was officially launched on Thursday 5 November 2020 at an event hosted in the foyer of the Old Supreme Court Building of Western Australia. The keynote address was given by Hon. Chief Justice Peter Quinlan.
Why was the Society founded?
The Society was established to address a longstanding gap within the legal profession in Western Australia. Our founders recognised the need for a dedicated organisation that supports, represents, and celebrates lawyers and law students of African heritage. Despite the growing presence of black and African legal professionals in WA, there was no formal body that acknowledged their unique experiences or advocated for their inclusion and advancement within the legal community.
As members of a minority group, our lawyers often navigate systemic barriers, unconscious bias, and underrepresentation in the profession. The Society was created to offer a sense of belonging — a space where members can connect, collaborate and support one another. At the same time, the Society facilitates connection with industry bodies and other affinity groups within the profession. By fostering mentorship, professional development, and advocacy, the Society empowers its members and contributes to a more inclusive legal landscape.
What are our objectives?
Our objectives are to:
- Support members of the legal profession who have an interest in African Australian affairs and/or enterprise.
- Promote the visibility of members of the legal profession who have African heritage or identify as African Australian
- Provide a network for members to promote, mentor, support and learn from each other
- Promote cultural diversity and inclusion in the legal profession
- Provide a platform to participate in law reform, advocacy and policy formation
- Develop and promote connections between the African and Australian legal market
Executive Management Committee Members 2024/2025
President: Kaday Conteh
Vice President: Ebenezer Assibey-Bonsu
Treasurer: Anu Burayou
Secretary: Georgina Yiannakis
For further information relating to our Management Committee for 2024/2025 check out Our Team page.
