Meet Dr. Inez Brown, a distinguished lawyer and advocate for equality and diversity in the legal profession. Aston University has recognised her remarkable contributions by awarding her an honorary degree this year. This esteemed recognition reflects Dr. Brown’s dedication to promoting inclusivity, equality, diversity and her unwavering commitment to advancing the field of law.
In 2020, Inez Brown was inaugurated as the first ever black woman president of the Birmingham Law Society in its 202-year history.
Inez was born and raised in Birmingham to Jamaican parents and began her career as a legal secretary before securing a training contract in 2002 and then qualified as a solicitor in clinical negligence.
After 11 years with the firm, Inez became a Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence at a leading Birmingham law firm. Her role included the development and expansion of the firm’s clinical negligence team specialising in all types of claims including birth and brain injuries.
She retired from this position in February 2023 to start her own practice, Mckenzie Brown Consultancy Ltd, where she consults law firms and also advises businesses on corporate governance, leadership, strategy, growth and change management.
She has been a regional chair of the Institute of Directors where she currently oversees East and West Midlands, providing support to seven branch chairs and business director members since 2021.
During her time as president of the Birmingham Law Society, she helped to grow the Society’s membership and set up its first diversity and inclusion scheme.
The scheme provided scholarships, mentoring and support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups. This program continues to this day.
Throughout her tenure, she also held a number of fundraising events for the Child Brain Injury Trust, leading her to interview Cherie Blair QC and Stuart Lawrence. She raised over £22,000 for the charity during lockdown.
She has been recognised for her contributions, including being named Law Society Partner of the Year and continues to serve as an ambassador and leader, forging partnerships with local businesses and communities. She is also a member of Action for Victims of Medical Accidents.
Inez has had an illustrious career in the legal profession spanning over 20 years and receives several requests to sit on panels talking about law, equality, diversity and inclusion and advises local business on corporate governance, leadership and strategy.
In March 2023 she was included in the West Midlands Growth Company’s brochure of 50 West Midlands women who have changed the world along a stellar line up of influential women including Lady Godiva and singer and songwriter Beverley Knight.
On her honorary doctorate she says “I am humbled and honoured to be awarded an honorary degree by Aston University. I am dedicated to ‘giving back’, inspiring and creating a legacy for the younger generation. I would like to thank Aston University for recognising my achievements.”
“Aston University have said that “her dedication to promoting equality and diversity in the legal profession and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds is an inspiration to us all.”
She admits that it has not been an easy journey to get to where she is. She’s faced many obstacles along the way, but she is keen to encourage other women to break down barriers and make it to the top.
She reflects on what has helped her succeed and points out that “surrounding yourself with good, positive people is very important, as is having a purpose a strong faith and goals”.
For more information about Dr Inez Brown, visit Mckenzie Brown Consultancy.
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