- Dr Lubna Shuja was the first Asian, the first Muslim and the seventh female president of the Law Society of England and Wales
- She set up her legal firm in Birmingham in 2007
- She is a role model to many women and sole practitioners from diverse backgrounds.
The first Asian, the first Muslim and the seventh female president of the Law Society of England and Wales has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Aston University for her significant contribution to promoting access to justice, supporting members’ businesses and championing diversity within the legal profession.
Dr Lubna Shuja received the honour at a graduation ceremony held at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on 23 July 2024, presided over by Aston University Pro-Chancellor, Dr Matthew Crummack.
Despite being previously rejected by over 100 firms, Lubna managed to secure a training contract in 1990. At that time, there were only 709 black or minority ethnic solicitors in England.
She qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and is a sole practitioner at Legal Swan Solicitors in Birmingham, a firm she set up in 2007, where she now specialises in professional discipline and regulation. Prior to 2007, Lubna worked in a high street firm in West Yorkshire for 14 years undertaking litigation and personal injury work.
Her legal experience covers a variety of areas including personal injury, litigation, wills and probate and property disputes. She is involved in disciplinary and professional regulation and sits as a chair for a number of regulators. She is also an accredited mediator, experienced at conducting civil and family negotiations.
Prior to becoming the Law Society's president in 2022-23, Lubna was a member of its board for more than five years. Other titles she holds are an adjudicator chair of social work on England’s Fitness to Practise Committee and a legally qualified deputy chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee.
In addition, she was chair of the General Chiropractic Council’s Investigating Committee for eight years, a chair of the Conduct and Competence Committee of the Health and Care Professions Tribunal for eight years and chair of the disciplinary, appeal and regulatory committees of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants for 11 years. She was also a deputy clerk at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal for more than 13 years.
Lubna is a supporter of Aston University and in October 2023 she made one of her first appearances as president of the Law Society of England and Wales at Aston University, taking part in an ‘in conversation’ event.
She said:
“It is a privilege to have been selected by Aston University for the award of an honorary doctor of laws degree. I hope I have shown that with hard work and dedication, it really is possible to achieve your ambitions, whatever your background. I encourage all the graduates to embrace any opportunities that come along, as you never know where they may lead you.”
Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and executive dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences, said:
“Congratulations to Lubna, who embodies the inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational spirit of Aston University.
“She has been a role model to many women and sole practitioners from diverse backgrounds and is a keen advocate of diversity, acting as a mentor to students, who may not know any lawyers, to enter the profession. In her 30 years as a solicitor, she has worked to ensure further equity in the profession including working with the Solicitor Judges Network to promote alternative career paths.”
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
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