A DOWNEND lawyer has won an award for his dedication to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Karl Brown was announced as this year’s recipient of the Sir Alexander Bustamante Award by the Association of Jamaican Nationals UK, at their annual awards celebration in October.
The award, named in honour of Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, recognises individuals of Caribbean heritage who have made exceptional contributions to their communities.
Karl, a commercial property partner at Clarke Willmott LLP, has been recognised for his leadership and long-standing commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the legal profession and beyond.
He is the founder of the Bristol Property Inclusion Charter, an initiative aimed at increasing diversity across the property industry, and is a social mobility ambassador for the Law Society of England and Wales, working to support individuals from under-represented backgrounds in the profession to pursue careers in law.
Karl also chairs Clarke Willmott’s equality, diversity and inclusion committee, which aims to help the legal firm develop a “truly inclusive culture”, with “meaningful outreach across the communities it serves”.
Karl said: “It is an incredible honour to receive an award that bears the name of Sir Alexander Bustamante, a man who dedicated his life to justice, equality, and opportunity for all.
“I am deeply grateful to the Association of Jamaican Nationals for this recognition, and I share this award with everyone who is working to make our professions and communities more inclusive.
Karl grew up in Downend and went to Bromley Heath Junior School and Downend School.
His parents were part of the Windrush generation, who came to the UK from Jamaica in the 1960s.
Clarke Willmott chief executive Peter Swinburn said: “Karl’s passion and commitment to equality and inclusion is inspiring.
“Karl’s work, both internally at Clarke Willmott and externally in the wider market, continues to make an incredible difference.
“We are delighted to see Karl’s achievements recognised with this well-deserved honour.”
The Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham) UK, is a charity organisation serving Jamaican communities with fundraising, community events and educational programmes.
The event took place at the Aston Villa Banqueting Suite in Birmingham.
Last year Karl was given an award by the Bristol Property Agents Association in recognition of his work to boost diversity via the Bristol Property Inclusion Charter, which he founded six years ago to help young people and those from less privileged backgrounds access opportunities for a career in the property industry.