After four decades in law, Cordella Bart-Stewart has seen progress, but also persistent inequality.
The veteran lawyer, co-founder of the UK Association of Black Judges, is speaking out about the stark underrepresentation of Black judges in the UK: just 1% of the judiciary, a figure that has remained unchanged for ten years.
In an interview with BBC Radio London, Bart-Stewart reflected on her career and why diversity on the bench matters.
“We come to our jobs with something of ourselves,” she said. “As a Black woman, I understand things in cases that a colleague may not. It’s those perspectives that you bring to discussions and decisions—and that’s why representation is important.”
Bart-Stewart pointed to attrition in the legal profession as a major barrier.
Black lawyers are often underrepresented in senior roles, from law firm partnerships to departmental leadership, limiting the pipeline for future judges.
Her advocacy is part of a broader push to ensure that the UK judiciary reflects the communities it serves. Experts say diverse benches lead to fairer deliberations and decisions, helping to build public trust in the justice system.
“Progress has been made for women and for Black women,” Bart-Stewart noted, “but we’re not seeing Black lawyers in sufficient numbers at senior levels. That’s the change we need.”
As conversations about equity and inclusion continue globally, Bart-Stewart’s work reflects the importance of not just opening doors but ensuring that opportunities lead to meaningful positions of influence.
