Shanika Varga’s presidency at Leeds Law Society culminates a year of resilience, inclusivity, and groundbreaking achievements.
- She made history as the first minority president of the society, illustrating her journey from humble beginnings to a position of leadership.
- Under her tenure, she prioritised diversity, launching initiatives to create an inclusive legal community.
- The establishment of the family law conference and minority networking group ‘Empower’ marked significant achievements.
- Her leadership saw the first Regional Admissions Ceremony and revived vital cultural celebrations within the society.
Shanika Varga ends her tenure as president of the Leeds Law Society, a role she assumed as the first minority leader in its 154-year history. Her journey from a challenging educational background to leading the society is a testament to overcoming adversity and championing diversity within the legal profession. Her personal story, being adopted by a British family and educated in one of the worst schools, has been a driving force in her mission to advocate for inclusivity.
Throughout her presidency, Varga focused on creating opportunities and improving visibility for underrepresented groups within the legal field. Her open communication style and commitment to diversity are evident in her initiatives, such as launching the society’s first family law conference. Varga’s leadership introduced the minority networking group ‘Empower’, fostering a supportive platform for minority voices in the legal sector. She introduced this with an African proverb that encapsulates her vision of collective progress: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together’.
Significant strides were made under her leadership, including hosting the inaugural Regional Admissions Ceremony for solicitors in Leeds, allowing local celebration of achievements. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion saw the return of the annual pride celebration and various events marking important cultural milestones. Varga’s initiatives have been complemented by the reflections of legal professionals like Jason Pitter KC, who acknowledged the positive shift towards diversity in the legal community, while maintaining excellence.
Embracing a ‘don’t say no’ policy, Varga participated in numerous events, demonstrating a willingness to step beyond her comfort zone for the sake of the society. Her humorous recount of speaking at a tech event highlighted her commitment despite personal challenges. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her journey, particularly her husband, crediting him for his unwavering belief in her potential.
Shanika Varga’s presidency leaves a legacy of resilience and inclusivity, setting new standards for the Leeds Law Society.
