1. Who we are 

Amicus is the professional community platform of Global Counsel Forum (GCF). It exists for Black and under-represented legal professionals to provide peer support, career development, knowledge sharing and meaningful professional connection. 

 Amicus is a private, members-only space. Access is granted by application and subject to approval. By joining, you agree to uphold the values and standards set out in these Guidelines. 

 2. Our community values 

Everything in Amicus is built around five values. These are not aspirational statements — they are the standards we expect every member to uphold in every interaction. 

•  Respect 

Every member of this community has earned their place in it. Treat each other with the respect that reflects. Disagreement is welcome. Disrespect is not. 

•  Honesty 

Speak truthfully. Share genuine experience. Do not misrepresent your background, credentials, or intentions. 

•  Generosity 

This community grows when members give as well as take. Share knowledge, offer support, celebrate each other’s progress. 

•  Confidentiality 

What is shared in Amicus stays in Amicus. Members frequently share sensitive professional information, personal experiences, and candid perspectives. Do not share, screenshot, or reference the content of private community conversations outside of Amicus without the explicit permission of the person who shared it. 

•  Inclusion 

Amicus exists because the mainstream profession has not always made room for us. We do not replicate those exclusions here. All members are welcome regardless of seniority, specialism, employer or background. 

 3. What is welcome in Amicus 

Amicus is designed for professional connection and development. The following types of contribution are encouraged: 

• Sharing career experiences, challenges, and lessons including honest accounts of navigating bias, discrimination, or difficult workplace situations 

• Asking for advice, guidance or recommendations from peers 

• Sharing relevant news, research, or resources related to law, the legal profession, diversity and inclusion or career development 

• Celebrating professional milestones, achievements, and opportunities 

• Offering mentoring, support or introductions to other members 

• Participating in GCF-organised discussions, events, and programmes 

• Providing feedback on GCF content, training, and events 

 4. What is not acceptable 

The following behaviour will result in removal from Amicus and may be reported to relevant professional bodies where appropriate. 

•  Harassment and abuse 

Any form of harassment, bullying, intimidation, or abuse directed at another member —whether in public spaces, direct messages, or any other part of the platform is grounds for immediate removal. This includes unwanted sexual attention, repeated unwanted contact, and targeted personal attacks. 

•  Discrimination 

Amicus is an inclusive community. Discriminatory language or behaviour on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, age, socioeconomic background, or any other protected characteristic is not tolerated. 

•  Misinformation 

Do not share information you know to be false or misleading, particularly on legal, professional, or regulatory matters. 

•  Solicitation and spam 

Amicus is not a marketing channel. Unsolicited commercial messages, repeated self-promotion, or approaches designed primarily to sell products or services to members are not permitted. Members may share their own work and services in appropriate spaces  but approached with respect, not as a sales pitch. 

•  Breach of confidentiality 

Sharing, distributing, or publicly referencing private conversations, personal disclosures, or confidential information shared by other members without their consent is a serious breach of community trust and these Guidelines. 

•  Impersonation 

Do not misrepresent your identity, credentials, employer, or professional status. 

•  Conduct that would bring the profession into disrepute 

Members are legal professionals. Conduct that would constitute a breach of your professional obligations to the SRA, Bar Standards Board, or other regulatory body is not permitted on Amicus. 

 5. Content and intellectual property 

Content you post on Amicus remains your own. By posting, you grant GCF a non-exclusive licence to use, display, and share that content within the Amicus platform and in GCF communications where relevant. 

 Do not post content that infringes the intellectual property rights of others. Do not post confidential client information or material subject to legal privilege. 

 6. Reporting concerns 

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches these Guidelines, please report it to the GCF team at amicus@globalcounselforum.com. All reports are treated confidentially. 

 We take every report seriously. Where a breach is confirmed, action will be taken. Depending on the severity, this may include a warning, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from Amicus. 

 7. Enforcement 

GCF reserves the right to remove, suspend, or restrict access to any member who breaches these Guidelines, at our discretion. We also reserve the right to update these Guidelines at any time. Members will be notified of material changes. 

 8. Questions 

If you have any questions about these Guidelines or are unsure whether something is appropriate to share, please contact us at amicus@globalcounselforum.com before posting.