a selection of some of our Engagement

Transcription

www.lawsociety.org.uk/communities
Communities'
Engagement
Programmes
Welcome to the Law Society’s Communities'
2015/2016 Engagement Programmes
Click on the links below to go directly to a selection of our Section
and Division Engagement Programmes:
 Advocacy Section Engagement Programme
 Civil Litigation Section Engagement Programme
 Competition Section Engagement Programme
 Family Section Engagement Programme
 Law Management Section Engagement Programme
 Private Client Section Engagement Programme
 Property Section Engagement Programme
 In-House Division Engagement Programme
 Junior Lawyers Division Engagement Programme
 Small Firms Division Engagement Programme
 Career Development Engagement Programme
These Engagement Programmes highlight some of
our Sections' and Divisions' forthcoming events and
activities and aim to give you an introduction to some
of our work.
Advocacy Section
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/advocacy
Advisory Group
Thank you to our advisory group members
This programme of engagement was created in close consultation with
the Advocacy Section Advisory Group to ensure it is relevant and
timely.
The Advocacy Section Advisory Group meets up to four times a year to
discuss the key issues facing solicitor advocates. The Advisory Group
advises how the Law Society can best support its members.
The Law Society thanks all of the members on the Section Advisory
Group for their time, commitment and contribution.
Advisory group Organisation
member
Role
Ian Kelcey
Kelcey and Hall,
Solicitors and
Advocates
Senior Partner,
Solicitor and Higher
Courts Advocate
Stephen Mason
Travlaw LLP Solicitors
Senior Partner
Joy Merriam
McCormacks Law Ltd
Solicitor Advocate
June Venters QC
Venters Solicitors
Partner
Andrew Morris
Public Defence
Service
Senior Advocate
Soraya Pascoe
Grays Inn Square
Senior Advocate
Gary Ackinclose
Ravi Dogra
Consultant, Solicitor
Consultant, Saunders
Solicitors Ltd
Solicitor Advocate
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Foreword
Welcome to the Law Society’s
Advocacy Section 2015/2016
engagement programme.
The advisory group was established in 2015 to promote
best practice and address current issues and challenges
facing solicitor advocates specialising in criminal, civil and
family advocacy.
This is an exciting year for the Section as the advisory
group commences work with the Law Society to ensure
the products and services delivered are relevant to our
membership.
With this in mind, the advisory group is keen to engage
with the wider community and to hear from you, our
members, to assist us in shaping your Section. Please get
in touch at advocacysection@lawsociety.org.uk to give
us your thoughts, to seek our support or just to connect.
Mission Statement
To bring all solicitor advocates together to share best practice and
address current issues and challenges in a supportive environment.
Advocacy Section membership
Advocacy Section membership is open to all paralegals and solicitor advocates specialising in criminal,
civil and family advocacy.
Membership provides access to relevant CPD-accredited events, webinars and online content,
developed and designed by solicitor advocates to help you:

learn what is happening in your market and understand what to do about it

support, promote and represent solicitor advocates by providing opportunities to share and develop
best practice, to exchange ideas and experiences, to learn from peers, and by providing research
information

provide opportunities for solicitor advocates to influence the overall direction of the legal sector

help the Law Society to understand and represent solicitor advocates better
We aim to provide support equivalent to that delivered by Inns of Court, creating a community of peers
and judges. We will help you to compete successfully with other professional advocates and meet the
challenges of daily practice.
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1. Events
Topical updates
Regional seminars
2. Member Support
Consultations
E-newsletters
LinkedIn group
Website
Webinars
Training videos
The Advocacy Section was set up by a committee of
advocacy specialists - including Law Society Council
members, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and
representatives of the judiciary - working closely with Law
Society experts to ensure we give you the best possible
support.
Not only does annual membership provide exclusive online
content, e-newsletters, regional training seminars and topical
webinars but you can also access archived online content
and recorded webinars, making your membership go even
further. This programme seeks to:
 provide opportunities for solicitor advocates to influence
the overall direction of the legal sector
 promote this area of the profession
 help the Law Society understand and represent solicitor
advocates better
1. Events
Over the next year the Law Society will host a range of events on issues
that matter to solicitor advocates. Events will be held across England and
Wales. Events include the following listed below, details of these events will be
published on our website: communities.lawsociety.org.uk/advocacy/events
Event
The art of good advocacy
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 26 April 2016, 15:30 – 18:00
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL
Free for section members
From £25 + VAT for non members
The aim of this event is to guide delegates through practical top tips on how
to master the art of good advocacy and learn how best to put advocacy skills
into practice. You will have an opportunity to ask our experts, including
keynote speaker Deputy SPJ Lady Justice Macur questions, share your
experiences and network with your peers.
This seminar will cover the following areas:




how to prepare for court effectively
addressing and engaging the bench and jury
practical tips on questioning witnesses
techniques for closing submissions and speeches
For more information on our speakers, panel and topics, please keep an eye
on our events page.
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Regional
seminar
Regional Seminar: Going Digital: better case
management in the Crown Court
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 10 May 2016
Law Society Offices, Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff
CF 10 3AG
Free for section members,
From £25 + VAT for non-members
The Advocacy Section is pleased to announce an event looking at the new
Crown Court Digital Case and Better Case Management systems, which will
take place in Cardiff on 10 May 2016.
The aim of this event is to provide you with an overview of how the Crown
Court Digital Case (DCS) system works in tandem with the Better Case
Management (BCM) system. The DCS system allows papers to be shared
securely between judiciary prosecution and defence in a digital format; our
speakers will be reviewing how this works in practice, the implications they
have on the role of an advocate, the need to develop new skills and how to
conduct telephone hearings.
You will have an opportunity to hear from Her Ladyship the Recorder of
Cardiff and His Honour Judge Richard Twomlow and put your questions to
The
art of
advocacy
them during
an good
interactive
question and answer session.
Programme
17:30 - 18:00
18:00 - 19:30
19:30 - 20:00
Registration
Seminar
Networking reception
Why attend?
This is a unique opportunity to:




learn about the new system from experts
share your experiences with your peers
have the opportunity to put your questions to the judiciary
network with expert speakers and delegates.
Who should attend?
This event is relevant to solicitor advocates, in particular defence
practitioners at crown court sites.
For information on how to book your place please see our events page.
Regional
seminar
Regional Seminar: Keeping the court on your side
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 12 May 2016
Leeds, Venue TBC
We are pleased to announce an Advocacy Section seminar this spring in
Leeds.
Are you a solicitor advocate who wants to know how to keep the court on
your side and have an opportunity to ask our judges your questions?
Come and join District Judge Cousins and His Honour Judge Bennett and
hear what they are really looking for in court. You will have an opportunity to
ask questions and share your experiences with your peers.
Programme
17:30 - 18:00
18:00 - 19:30
19:30 - 20:00
Registration
Seminar
Networking reception
Why
Theattend?
art of
good advocacy
This will be an unique opportunity to:





Share your experiences and gain advice from your peers
Get practical tips from expert speakers
Develop your skills in representing your clients
Ask questions and network with speakers
Provide your feedback on the Advocacy Section membership offer
Who should attend?
This event is relevant to all solicitors looking to improve their advocacy skills.
For information on how to book your place please see our events page.
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Event
Law Society Excellence Awards
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 20 October 2016
London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE
TBC
In 2016 the Law Society Excellence Awards are celebrating ten years of
recognising the very best of the legal profession. The awards present an
opportunity to mark the efforts and achievements of those who have made a
positive impact in the profession over the past 12 months.
For more information on how to make a nomination, click here. Nominations
will open in early March.
Solicitor Advocate of the Year Category
This category celebrates excellence and outstanding achievement in
advocacy that individual solicitor advocates make to their practice, client work
and the wider community. We are looking for exceptional solicitors who can
demonstrate a significant contribution in their advocacy work, a positive
impact on the image of solicitor advocacy, and strong practical advocacy
skills.
Open only to practising solicitors undertaking advocacy.
For more information, please keep an eye on our events page.
Regional
seminar
Advocacy Section autumn networking seminars
When:
Venue:
Cost:
November 2016
Birmingham TBC
Manchester TBC
The Advocacy Section will be hosting a series of 3 regional seminars in
autumn 2016. This will be an opportunity for you to come along and speak to
and network with judges and your peers and feedback on the Advocacy
Section membership offer.
For more information on speakers and additional locations, please keep an
eye on our events page.
2. Member Support
Consultations
The Law Society develops policy on proposals to change the law and
ensures the voice of your legal community is heard with key decisionmakers. The Society seeks input from a variety of sources, including solicitor
advocates, government departments and non-governmental organisations to
provide robust and evidence-based consultation responses. The Section
with the support of the legal policy committees in this area will be the voice
of this sector in this process.
E-newsletter
The Advocacy Section has a dedicated e-newsletter for practitioners. Our enewsletter includes updates on our Advocacy Section advisory group,
activities relevant to our members, practical guidance, news, features and
events. Issues will be available and emailed to members on a quarterly
basis.
Introductions
The Law Society has a wide range of member communities and can facilitate
commercial introductions between members. Members interested in making
introductions are encouraged to get in contact via
advocacysection@lawsociety.org.uk
LinkedIn group
A LinkedIn group for Advocacy Section members to share news, features,
events and other relevant activities is in place. We encourage all members to
increase their legal network and join the group.
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Webinars and training videos
Webinars give you a chance to listen to influential speakers talk about topical
subjects of interest and quiz them about matters of relevance to you. Sign up to
listen on the day or access them later at your convenience. Four webinars, as well
as discounts on other relevant Law Society webinars, are included in our Section
membership. To find out more, details of these webinars will be published on our
website: communities.lawsociety.org.uk/advocacy/events
Webinar
Advocacy before a court martial – practical guidance
When:
Cost:
Friday 18 March 2016, 15:30 – 16:30
£45 for non members
The aim of this webinar is to provide practical guidance about rank structures
and conventions, as well as how to prepare for the hearing, insight into what to
the expect of the SPA (Service Prosecuting Authority), AFCLAA (Armed Forces
Legal Aid Authority) and DAO (Defendant’s Assisting Officer) and detailing the
differences between MC/CC (magistrates’ court/crown court). Hearings and
Court Martial hearings.
The webinar is led by expert speaker Julian Young, solicitor advocate, at
Tuckers Solicitors.
The session will cover:







what to expect
how to prepare for the hearing
what to expect of the SPA, AFCLAA and DAO
reading your Board
the differences between MC/CC hearings and Court Martial hearings
judicial expectations
trial and sentencing
Who should participate:
Those undertaking Court Martial work for the first time.
Click here to register for this webinar
Webinar
Conducting care proceedings in the Family Court
When:
Cost:
Wednesday 18 May 2016, 13:00 - 14:00
The aim of this webinar is to provide a general overview of conducting
proceedings in family court.
The webinar is led by the following expert speakers:


Joy Merriam, McCormacks Law Ltd, Law Society council member for
criminal defence
June Venters QC, Solicitor advocate, Venters Solicitors.
Webinar
Practical guidance on Judge's directions
When:
Cost:
September 2016
The aim of this webinar is to provide practical guidance and tips on judge’s
directions. It will be led by Advocacy Section advisory group member and
Solicitor Advocate and consultant at Saunders Solicitors, Ravi Dogra.
Please keep an eye on our website for more information soon.
Webinar
Conducting a financial provision hearing
When:
Cost:
September 2016
The aim of this webinar is to provide practical guidance on how to conduct a
financial provision hearing.
Website
The Advocacy Section website is a one-stop portal of information for practical
guidance, news, research and event details for solicitor advocates. We want it
to remain relevant and useful so if there is something missing or if you have any
feedback, please get in touch at advocacysection@lawsociety.org.uk
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Representation, policy and
lobbying
The Law Society represents members by ensuring the voice of the
profession is heard by the right people government, regulators,
industry and in international jurisdictions.
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to solicitor advocates,
we regularly provide expert advice to regulators and policy
makers. The Section, with the support of the Law Society policy
committees, will give your legal community a stronger voice within
the Law Society to ensure that we can represent this vital section
of the profession more effectively.
Help shape future legislation
The Law Society’s lobbying is taken seriously and draft legislation
is frequently changed in response to our representations.
Policy is formed by expert committees whose members are drawn
from the profession.
By joining any one of the Law Society’s committees, members
have a real opportunity to shape future legislation and ensure it
meets your needs.
Relevant committees for solicitor advocates include:



Access to Justice Committee
Criminal Law Committee
Family Law Committee
You can find out more information at
www.lawsociety.org.uk/governance
If you are interested in getting involved, contact us at
governanceteam@lawsociety.org.uk
Services and resources
Risk and Compliance support from the Law Society
Keeping on top of your regulatory compliance is critical, and a periodic review of
your approach to risk and compliance can give you peace of mind.
The Law Society's Risk and Compliance Advisory Service delivers a
comprehensive range of services to provide you with the information, skills and
expertise you need to mitigate risk and comply with industry regulations.
Our service has been designed to deliver support and guidance that suits your
needs:

Keep up-to-date with the latest developments within risk and compliance via
timely email updates for members of our risk and compliance service.

Receive thorough training on need-to-know principles and processes such as
o
o
o

best practice approaches to outcomes-focused regulation
cyber security safeguards
arrangements to evidence your continuing competence.
Benefit from bespoke support, advice and recommendations via our
confidential Advisory Service.
An approach informed by experience
Since 2010, we have worked with over 500 organisations on an ongoing basis to
help them understand their current risk profile and ensure they have what they
need to implement any required mitigating measures.
Our support includes compliance health-checks, on-site visits and bespoke
telephone support. However you approach us, we will quickly identify the critical
success factors that will help drive future levels of performance, integrity and
assurance in your organisation.
Key contact
Pearl Moses, head of risk and compliance, is a seasoned legal practitioner with
over 12 years’ experience in private practice, legal publishing and regulatory
compliance issues. She specialises in creating tailored compliance solutions and
interventions to help firms and in-house legal teams embed sound risk
management principles and best practice client care and complaints handling
systems.
Pearl is supported by a skilled team of technical experts with backgrounds in
regulation, private practice and in-house work.
For more information on how we can support you please e-mail us at
riskandcompliance@lawsociety.org.uk or call us on 0207 316 5655.
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Library
The Law Society library provides access to one of the most
comprehensive printed collections of law material in England and
Wales, plus online access to many of the major electronic legal
commercial services including Lexis, Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
Our experienced law librarians can help you find the information
you need. You do not have to visit the library to use these services.
Please call 020 7320 5946 or email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
Our Lawdocs service can email, fax or post copies of most material
within our collection. We offer a standard or a premium service.
Please email lawdocs@lawsociety.org.uk
For more information please visit www.lawsociety.org.uk/library
Reading Room, restaurant and room hire
All members are welcome to use the Reading Room and 113
restaurant and bar whenever the building is open and the rooms
are not in use for events.
Members receive a 15 % discount on room bookings for meetings
and events.
For more information visit www.113chancerylane.co.uk
About the Law Society
The Law Society exists to support, promote and represent all solicitors so they can help
their clients. It also works to ensure no one is above the law and to protect everyone's
right to have access to justice.
The Law Society helps members by:
 providing targeted support, advice and guidance on areas of practice and
management growing and supporting the market for solicitors at home and abroad
 helping to maintain the reputation of England and Wales as the jurisdiction of choice
and the use of English law throughout the world
 campaigning on legal issues important to members and the public.
The Law Society supports the profession by:
 providing practice notes and guidance on issues important to members
 giving advice through the library and helpline
 running accreditation schemes to support and demonstrate effective practice
 creating communities of members based on areas of law and demographics
 supporting those who find it difficult to enter the profession through the Diversity
Access Scheme
 offering consultancy services for members who want more detailed help
 assisting members who wish to practise abroad.
The Law Society represents the profession by:
 campaigning on the rule of law, human rights, access to justice and regulation. This
includes lobbying in Brussels, Westminster and Cardiff and in the media
 working with international legal bodies to position the Law Society as a thought-leader
on global legal issues
 intervening in cases where solicitors and the law are under threat in the UK and
abroad
 helping members to represent key issues impacting the profession to their MP or MEP
 using the law to challenge changes which will impact negatively on the
profession and society
 championing and facilitating pro bono work.
The Law Society promotes the profession by:
 internationally working to open and grow markets for English and Welsh law such as
inward visits of foreign lawyers and trade missions
 providing Find a Solicitor - the website enables consumers and businesses to find a
solicitor who can meet their needs
 increasing awareness of the benefits of using a solicitor and promoting Find a Solicitor
through a consumer marketing campaign
 hosting the annual Excellence Awards which highlight and celebrate outstanding
contributions across the profession.
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How the Law Society works
Solicitors pay their annual practising certificate fee to the
Solicitors Regulation Authority. The Law Society receives
around 30 per cent of this fee to support, represent and
promote the profession. Other funding comes from
commercial activities.
The Law Society Council governs the Law Society's work.
Council members are elected to represent members from
England and Wales, different demographic groups and parts
of the profession. The Law Society harness the knowledge of
the Council members and around 300 volunteers to deliver the
advice, support and service members want. The Council has
100 seats, 61 for geographical constituencies and 39 for
special interest groups and areas of practice.
For more information please visit www.lawsociety.org.uk
113 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1PL Dx 56 Lon/ChanceryLn
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344
www.lawsociety.org.uk
Civil Litigation
Section
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/civil-litigation
Committee
Thank you to our committee members
This programme of engagement was created in close consultation with the
Civil Litigation Committee to ensure it is both relevant and timely.
Committee members meet six times a year to discuss key issues and
topics facing litigators, costs professionals and draftsmen. Committee
members help formulate Law Society policy and co-ordinate a
programme of events and commentary for the exclusive benefit of
Section members.
The Section is chaired by Deborah Burke, a regulated Costs Lawyer and a
non-practising solicitor. She is a co-designer of the ‘J codes’ and a member
of the Hutton Committee which is responsible for the design of the new
electronic format for bills of costs. She is also a committee member of the
Leicestershire Law Society.
and
We would like to thank the committee members for their time, commitment
contribution.
Committee
member
Stephen Mason
Deborah Burke
Gareth Raisbeck
Keith Etherington
Tony Guise
Alexia Binns
Mark Field
Matthew Cotton
Nerys Thomas
Cormac Toomey
Jonathan HaydnWilliams
James Perry
Organisation
Role
TravLaw LLP
Attain Legal Costs
Management
Brethertons LLP
Slater and Gordon LLP
Senior Partner
Director
Guise Solicitors
PCMS Group
Mark Field Mediation
Morris Orman Hearle
Duncan Lewis
Solicitors
Debevoise & Plimpton
LLP
Goodman Derrick LLP
DWF
Rajinder Rai
MK Gill
Alison Kirby
Howes Percival LLP
Associate Solicitor
Senior Associate, Civil and
Commercial Mediator
Solicitor
In-House Solicitor
Mediator
Solicitor
Civil Litigation Director and
Solicitor
Associate
Senior Counsel
Director Technical - CoManager of the
Recoveries Team
Head of Litigation
Head of Litigation and
Dispute Resolution
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Foreword
Welcome to the Law Society’s Civil
Litigation Section 2015/2016 engagement
programme.
Welcome to the Law Society’s Civil Litigation Section and its
2015/2016 engagement programme. The Civil Litigation
committee was established to promote best practice and
address current issues and challenges facing civil and
commercial lawyers.
Litigators are facing the unprecedented challenge of
maintaining and maximising profitability in an increasingly
competitive and economically strained market. The pace and nature of change
highlights
the continued need for innovative and adaptive civil practice to accommodate the effects of
rising court fees and access to justice.
Membership of the Civil Litigation Section will give you the support you need to prepare for
market changes and developments covering key areas of civil and commercial litigation law and
practice. We deliver expert analysis, clear guidance and information through a variety of
channels to suit your needs.
This engagement programme highlights some of our forthcoming events and activities and aims
to give you an introduction to our work, alongside the Law Society in promoting the interests of
litigators.
With this in mind, the committee is keen to engage with the wider community and to hear from
you, our members, to assist us in shaping your Section. Please get in touch at
CLS@lawsociety.org.uk to give us your thoughts, to seek our support or just to connect.
Deborah Burke
Chair of the Civil Litigation Committee
Mission Statement
To keep under review, and to promote improvements in civil litigation
and to provide guidance to the profession as well as answer queries.
Tailored support for civil litigation lawyers
The Civil Litigation Section supports and promotes solicitors across England and Wales so they can win
for their clients.
General civil litigation practice makes up 16.3% (20,057 solicitors) of the total number of Practice
1
Certificate holders whilst commercial litigation makes up 20.5% (25,290 solicitors).
Between April and June 2015, a total of 365,776 civil claims were issued. Although there was an annual
downward trend in the total number of claims issued between 2006 and 2012 from 2.1 million to a low of
1.4 million, the trend has reversed, with a slight increase in 2013 and a further increase to 1.6 million
2
claims being made in 2014 .
Moreover, there have been changes in the makeup of levels of service funded by civil legal aid. The
3
volumes of new matters started for legal help have fallen by over 80% between 2009-10 and 2013-14 .
Commercial Litigation
1
2
3
General Litigation
The Law Society – Categories of work undertaken by solicitors (2014)
Ministry of Justice – Civil Justice Statistics Quarterly (January to March 2015)
Legal Aid Agency – Legal Aid Statistics in England and Wales (2014)
4
1. Events
Seminars
Workshops
Conferences
As a result of challenges facing litigators, costs professionals
and draftsmen, the Civil Litigation Section has created a
programme of engagement for members working in
contentious practice.
The programme will:
 Address civil practice and procedure, legislative and
economic reform, and topical developments providing
members with access to events, features, articles, news,
policy and research.
 Support, promote and represent litigators by providing
opportunities to share and develop best practice, exchange
ideas and experiences, learn from peers, and provide
practical information.
2. Member Support
Consultations
E-newsletters
 Provide opportunities for civil practitioners to influence the
overall direction of the legal sector.
 Promote the role of litigators and draftsmen in the
profession.
 Lobby on behalf of the profession.
Litigation Funding magazine
Introductions
Spotlight updates
Webinars
3. Research and
Consultation
Policy
Best practice guides
Surveys
 Help the Law Society to understand and represent civil and
commercial practitioners better.
 Organise training, events and practical support for
members.
1. Events
Over the next year the Law Society will host a range of events on issues that
matter to civil practitioners. Events will be held across England and Wales. Details
of these events will be published on our website:
communities.lawsociety.org.uk/civil-litigation/events/
Seminar
Making litigation pay and 'winning' for clients
When:
Venues:
Cost:
21 January 2016, 17:30 - 20:00, London
25 February 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Cardiff
9 June 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Birmingham
The Law Society, Capital Tower, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff, CF10 3AG
The Cube, 199 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RN
The Civil Litigation Section has identified key litigators whose experience we
are keen to learn from and whose thoughts will help us to shape the strategy of
the Law Society Civil Litigation Committee going forwards as we continue to
work representing litigators.
The workshops will be chaired by members of the Civil Litigation Committee
and will provide an opportunity to hear, discuss and develop initiatives based on
the following questions:
 With the huge increase in court fees, how are you advising clients and
adapting your practice?
 Is technology helping you to win litigation for your clients? If so, how?
 Are the skills you need to be effective as a litigator changing?
 Will arbitration and other types of online and face to face ADR provide the
answer for your clients?
Book Birmingham
This Workshop will be led by members of the Civil Litigation Section and is
your chance to provide feedback to the Law Society on issues affecting you and
your practice.
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Conference
The Spring Conference: Growing your practice and
looking ahead for opportunity
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 21 April 2016, 17:00 - 19:40, London
This half-day event features bespoke sessions on topical, often divisive subjects.
In the past, speakers have talked on winning on costs, using technology to build
your litigation practice, the new Part 36, and how to get the best from the Salford
Business Centre.
As well as helpful, relevant and practical presentations on key issues, delegates
will have the chance to quiz our speakers both during the conference and
afterwards at the networking and drinks reception.
Attendance at the Autumn Conference is included as part of your Civil
Litigation membership.
Book your place now
Draft Programme
15:00 - 15:30
Registration and refreshments
15:30 - 15:35
Chair's welcome
Deborah Burke, director, Attain Legal Costs Management Ltd and
incoming chair, Civil Litigation Section, The Law Society
15:35 - 16:00
Keynote address
The Right Honourable Lord Justice Jackson
16:00 - 16:25
Session 1: An update on the courts system in England
and Wales
Speaker: Tony Guise director, GUISE solicitors and committee
member, Civil Litigation Section, The Law Society
16:25 – 16:50 Session 2: Data protection and cyber security
Speaker: Richard Syers lead policy officer (business and industry),
Information Commissioner’s Office
16:50 - 17:10
Refreshments and networking
17:10 - 17:35
Session 3: Alternative finance for law firms - The ups and
downs of trailblazing a new way of working
Speaker: Mark Parnall, director, Parnalls Solicitors and founder,
Folk2Folk
17:35 – 18:00 Session 4: Black letter EU procedures
Speaker: Rita Giannini, policy advisor, The Law Society
18:00- 18:05
Closing remarks
Deborah Burke, director, Attain Legal Costs Management Ltd and
incoming chair, Civil Litigation Section, The Law Society
18:05 - 18:45
Networking drinks reception
Conference
The autumn conference
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 29 September 2016
Discounted for section members,
This half-day event will follow on from the Spring Conference, looking at the
year 'in the round' and will feature a number of topical sessions led by
leading, authoritative thought leaders. Previous sessions have included cost
management and budgeting, bill format, pricing and profitability, innovative
ways of working, courts in crisis, arbitration and what in-house lawyers need
from private practitioners and vice versa.
As well as helpful, relevant and practical presentations on key issues,
delegates will have the chance to quiz our speakers both during the
conference and afterwards at the networking and drinks reception.
Attendance at the Autumn Conference is included as part of your Civil
Litigation membership.
8
2. Member Support
Consultations
ensures the voice of the civil dispute legal community is heard with key
decision-makers. The Society seeks input from a variety of sources,
including civil practitioners, government departments and nongovernmental organisations to provide robust and evidence-based
consultation responses.
E-newsletter
The Law Society has dedicated e-newsletters for lawyers working in dispute
resolution focussing on both civil and commercial sectors. Our enewsletters include updates on the activities and discussion of the Civil
Litigation Committee, news, features, events and activities relevant to all
members. There are, on average, 10 e-newsletters published every year.
Litigation Funding magazine
The Law Society's Litigation Funding provides accurate coverage and indepth comment, with each issue carrying a comprehensive after-the-event
product comparison table together with a table of third-party litigation
funders. Reading Litigation Funding will keep you up-to-date on the
financing of litigation as well as informing you on essential costs issues
Introductions
The Law Society has a wide range of member communities and sections
dedicated to different practice areas and can facilitate commercial
introductions between members. If you are interested in making
introductions please get in contact at CLS@lawsociety.org.uk
Spotlights, Features and News
The Civil Litigation Section regularly commissions commentary and analysis
of important civil cases from leading practitioners. These spotlights
are
designed to provide you with the 'need to know' details of any particular
case, its history, implications and future trends. Each case is selected by the
Civil Litigation Section for its interest and importance to the profession.
Civil Litigation: Spotlights and Features
Twitter
The Civil Litigation Section has a dedicated Twitter account to keep you
up-to-date with the Committee's discussions, news, stories and forthcoming
events. Increase you legal network and follow us at @LSCivLit.
Webinars
Webinars give you a chance to listen to influential speakers talk about topical subjects
of interest and quiz them about matters of relevance to you and your practice. Sign up
to listen on the day or access them later at your convenience. Section membership
includes four webinars as well as discounts on other relevant Law Society webinars.
Civil Litigation: Current Webinars and Events
Webinar
Crowd funding and access to justice - all plain sailing?
When:
Cost:
Speaker:
Wednesday 9 March 2016
Tony Guise
Looking at new types of funding and their implications on the costs of litigation.
Particular emphasis on the recent Supreme Court case of Parking Eye.
Click here to view the webinar
Webinar
Arbitration - Personal Injury and beyond
When:
Cost:
Speaker:
Thursday 19 May 2016, 13:00 - 14:00
Andrew Ritchie QC
Join this webinar and benefit from exploring a better way to resolve claims, and
learn about arbitration, e-filing and online arbitration files. Andrew Ritchie QC
will take us through the benefits and process, detailing the inadequacies of
litigation, the benefits of PIcARBs arbitration, and the certainty of costs.
Click here to view details and to book
Webinar
Part 36 Round-up - Offers to Mediate and Penalties
When:
Cost:
TBC
Please keep an eye out on the Civil Litigation Section events page for more
information.
Webinar
Civil Litigation Annual Round-up
When:
Cost:
TBC
Please keep an eye out on the Civil Litigation Section events page for more
information.
Website
The Civil Litigation website is a one-stop portal of information for civil and
commercial practitioners. It contains practical guidance, news, research, event
details, case spotlights and analysis, as well as access to an historical database of
content. We want it to remain relevant and useful so if there is something missing
or if you have any feedback, get in touch at CLS@lawsociety.org.uk
10
3. Research and Consultation
The Law Society often publishes policy, best practice guides and surveys
directly relevant to civil and commercial lawyers. Some topics include:

Unbundling: The Legal Services Board and Legal Services
Consumer Panel have commissioned research on fee-charging
unbundled legal services

Enhanced Court Fees: The proposed increases in court fees are of
huge significance to access to justice in this country and are likely to
lead to many unjust results. For that reason we believe it was right
to set out our concerns in detail.

Meeting the needs of Vulnerable Clients: This practice note will
assist solicitors in adapting their practices to identify and meet the
needs of vulnerable clients.

Affordable Legal Services: Recent changes have made it more
difficult to get professional legal advice. We think there are ways the
government can improve access to legal advice.

CPRC consultation on pre-action protocols for low value
personal injury employer liability, public liability and RTA
claims: Read the Law Society's response to the Civil Procedure
Rules Committee (CPRC) consultation on pre-action protocols for
low value personal injury employer liability, public liability and road
traffic accident (RTA) claims.
lobbying
We represent our members by ensuring the voice of the profession is
heard by the right people - government, regulators, industry and
international jurisdictions.
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to civil litigators, we
regularly provide expert advice to regulators and policy makers.
We want to give the civil litigation community a stronger voice within the
Law Society so we can represent this vital section of the profession
more effectively.
Our lobbying is taken seriously and draft legislation is frequently changed
in response to our representations.
Our policy is formed by expert committees whose members are drawn
By joining one of these committees you have a real opportunity to shape
future legislation and ensure it meets your needs.
Relevant committees for civil practitioners include:












Civil Justice Committee
Company Law Committee (and sub-committees)
Employment Law Committee
EU Committee
Intellectual Property Law Committee
International Issues Committee
Money Laundering Task Force
Planning and Environmental Law Committee
Tax Law Committee (and sub-committees)
Technology and Law Reference Group
Education and Training
Professional Standards and Ethics Committee
www.lawsociety.org.uk/governance.
governanceteam@lawsociety.org.uk.
12
Keeping on top of your regulatory compliance is critical, and a periodic review of your
approach to risk and compliance can give you peace of mind.
The Law Society's Risk and Compliance Advisory Service delivers a comprehensive
range of services to provide you with the information, skills and expertise you need to
mitigate risk and comply with industry regulations.
Our service has been designed to deliver support and guidance that suits your needs:


o
o
o

Benefit from bespoke support, advice and recommendations via our confidential
Advisory Service.
Since 2010, we have worked with over 500 organisations on an ongoing basis to help
them understand their current risk profile and ensure they have what they need to
implement any required mitigating measures.
Our support includes compliance health-checks, on-site visits and bespoke telephone
support. However you approach us, we will quickly identify the critical success factors
that will help drive future levels of performance, integrity and assurance in your
organisation.
Key contact
Pearl Moses, head of risk and compliance, is a seasoned legal practitioner with over
12 years’ experience in private practice, legal publishing and regulatory compliance
issues. She specialises in creating tailored compliance solutions and interventions to
help firms and in-house legal teams embed sound risk management principles and
best practice client care and complaints handling systems.
Library
The Law Society library provides access to one of the most comprehensive
printed collections of law material in England and Wales, plus online access
to many of the major electronic legal commercial services including Lexis,
Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
Our experienced law librarians can help you find the information you
need. You do not have to visit the library to use these services. Please

Document supply
Our Lawdocs service can email, fax or post copies of most material within
our collection. We offer a standard or a premium service. Please email
lawdocs@lawsociety.org.uk
All members are welcome to use the Reading Room and 113 restaurant and
bar whenever the building is open and the rooms are not in use for events.
Members receive a 15 % discount on room bookings for meetings and
events.
14
The Law Society exists to support, promote and represent all solicitors so they can
help their clients. It also works to ensure no one is above the law and to protect
everyone's right to have access to justice.
Access Scheme
 increasing awareness of the benefits of using a solicitor and promoting Find a
Solicitor through a consumer marketing campaign
 working with international legal bodies to position the Law Society as a thoughtleader on global legal issues
abroad
 helping members to represent key issues impacting the profession to their MP or
MEP
 using the law to challenge changes which will impact negatively on the profession
and society
Solicitors pay their annual practising certificate fee to
the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The Law Society
receives around 30 % of this fee to support, represent
and promote the profession. Other funding comes from
England and Wales, different demographic groups and parts
of the profession. The Law Society harness the knowledge
of the Council members and around 300 volunteers to
deliver the advice, support and service members want. The
Council has 100 seats, 61 for geographical constituencies
and 39 for special interest groups and areas of practice.
For more information please visit
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344 www.lawsociety.org.uk
16
Competition
Section
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/competition
Committee
Competition Section Advisory Committee to ensure it is relevant and timely.
The committee meets up to five times a year to discuss the key issues facing
the competition legal community. They advise the Law Society on how it can best
support its members that work internationally in fields such as general
competition law, abuse of dominance, cartels, litigation, merger control,
sectoral regulation, market and sector investigations, state aid and public
procurement. We look at a wide range of markets from international broadband
supply to UK energy regulation, consumer goods and beyond.
Garrod,
The Advisory Committee is chaired by Isabel Taylor, partner at Slaughter and
May, the vice-chair is Stephen Smith, partner and solicitor at Bristows LLP. Davina
partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is the current EU Council
member.
The Law Society thanks all of the committee members, for their commitment, time
and contribution.
Advisory
Committee
member
Isabel Taylor
Stephen Smith
Andrea Appella
Organisation
Role
Slaughter and May
Bristows LLP
21st Century Fox
Competition and Markets
Authority
Payment Systems Regulator
Partner and solicitor
Deputy General Counsel Europe & Asia, and solicitor
Procedural Officer and
solicitor
Head of Legal and solicitor
Alastair
Chapman
Richard Eccles
Cameron Firth
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Bird & Bird LLP
King & Wood Mallesons
Davina Garrod
Keith Jones
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Partner and solicitor
LLP
Baker & McKenzie LLP
Becket McGrath
Greg Olsen
André Pretorious
Nigel Seay
Philip Wareham
Omar Shah
Graeme Young
Sarah Jordan
Madeleine Healy
Cooley (UK) LLP
Clifford Chance LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Travers Smith LLP
Hill Dickinson LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Frances Barr
Carole Begent
Legal Director and solicitor
Associate and solicitor
2
Foreword
Competition Section 2015/2016
The Competition Section was established to promote
best practice and address current issues and
challenges facing the community. The Section
Advisory Committee's role is to provide expert
practitioner input, guiding the Law Society on
identifying issues, generating content and a wide variety of events, to ensure the
engagement programme is both relevant and practical.
The Section takes guidance from both the Section Advisory Committee and the wider
membership through surveys, and on-line discussions groups and events, etc.
With this in mind, the committee is keen to engage with the wider competition
community and to hear from you, our members, to assist us in shaping your Section.
Please get in touch at competitionsection@lawsociety.org.uk to give us your
thoughts, seek our support or just to connect.
Isabel Taylor,
chair of the Competition Section Advisory Committee
Mission Statement
To empower its members with good value support and information
specific to local and international competition law, from cartels to
litigation, merger control, sectoral regulation, investigations or
state aid helping them perform better in their area of law.
Tailored support for competition lawyers
The Competition Section provides members with insight into changing legislation and regulation
through thought leadership issues such as compliance, privilege, disclosure and enforcement?
Membership of the Competition Section provides the support you need to be prepared for market
changes in competition law and practice, helping you to understand the implications for both you, your
business and consumers. We deliver expert analysis and practical guidance through our face-to-face
networking events, topical webinars and archived podcasts, providing practical guidance with insight
from competition law experts, both solicitors and representatives of related institutions .
Not only does your annual membership fee give you access to face-to-face networking events,
exclusive online content and topical webinars but you can also access archived online content and
recorded webinars, making your membership go even further.
4
1. Events
The Competition Section has created a programme of
engagement for members working with competition law.
The programme seeks to:
Conference
 share thought leadership and best practice through a
series of events, member support activities and research
Dinner & awards
Seminars
 support, promote and represent competition lawyers by
providing opportunities to share and develop best
practice, to exchange ideas and experiences, to learn
from peers, and by providing research information
 provide opportunities for competition lawyers to
influence the overall direction of the legal sector
2. Member Support
Horsfall Turner essay prize
LinkedIn group
Podcasts
Website
Webinars
 promote the competition profession
 help the Law Society to understand and represent
competition lawyers better.
1. Events
Over the next year the Section will host a range of events on issues that
matter to competition lawyers. Details of these events will be published on
our website: communities.lawsociety.org.uk/competition/events
Membership of the Section includes:
 free access to the Competition Section regional seminars and the podcast
recordings of these events
 discount on the Competition Section annual conference, annual dinner and
award events
Seminar
CMA Motivating businesses to comply with
competition law
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 16 February 2016, 18:00 - 20:15
Free for Section members,
£35 + VAT for members working for NFP
The CMA presents a marketing perspective on competition law compliance
and reporting illegal activity informed by research and engagement with
businesses
Speakers:
Judith Frame, Compliance and Strategic Communication team at the
CMA
Judith has been responsible for establishing the CMA’s strategy and
approach for increasing businesses’ compliance with competition and
consumer law at the CMA, working alongside enforcement, policy and
intelligence teams. She has commissioned research into businesses’
understanding and awareness of competition law and to gain insight into how
competition law’s relevance can be increased and developed compliance
content and partnerships.
Judith started her career in communications in advertising where she spent
nearly thirty years working for the UK’s largest and most awarded advertising
agency, AMV.BBDO. Judith was both a Board Director and Client Service
Director and her responsibilities included the Jamie Oliver campaign for
Sainsbury’s, The Economist newspaper, The Famous Grouse whisky and
the government’s anti-smoking campaign – all of which won awards for their
creativity and effectiveness.
Max Malagoni, Compliance and Strategic Communication team at the
CMA
Max is responsible for running targeted campaigns to improve businesses’
compliance with competition and consumer law. During his time at the CMA,
he has been involved in several projects to enable businesses in sectors
where enforcement action has been taken to benefit from the case’s lessons.
He has also overseen the development of a suite of educational materials to
increase competition law’s relevance to small businesses.
Prior to the CMA, Max worked as an in-house compliance officer for the ecommerce company Groupon where he helped roll out a new compliance
programme and company-wide training for staff in the wake of an
investigation by the Office of Fair Trading in 2012. Max has wide-ranging
experience in communications and regulation, having held several roles in
advertising compliance, communications and media organisations.
6
Seminar
Mergers: A Year in Review
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 8 March 2016, 18:00 - 20:15
This seminar will provide a practical review of recent mergers and what best
practice can be learnt from these activities.
Speaker:
Jonathan Parker, CMA
Jonathan is the director of mergers at the CMA. Prior to joining the CMA,
Jonathan was in private practice for 14 years, latterly as a senior associate
at Allen & Overy for six years. He is the author of ‘UK Merger Control’ (with
Adrian Majumdar).
Seminar
What is the role of competition authorities and
regulators in dealing with disruptive innovation?
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 20 April 2016, 18:00 - 20:15
Uber, Google, AirBnB, LendingCircle, WhatsApp. Innovative firms trying to
disrupt existing markets and industries are high on the agenda. But is this
really anything new? And if it is something new, how should regulators and
competition authorities respond?
John Fingleton will discuss how the Office of Fair Trading dealt with market
disruption, both in mergers and market investigations; and his more recent
experience advising firms dealing with regulators and competition agencies
in the UK, EU and further afield. Topics covered will include: the economics
of peer to peer networks, the political economy challenge to regulators of
substantial market disruption, and the clash in antitrust between traditional
tools and new economies.
Speaker:
John Fingleton, Chairman at Kaleidoscope
John Fingleton is the CEO of Fingleton Associates. He was chief executive
of the Office of Fair Trading from 2005 to 2012, having previously run the
Irish Competition Authority. As an academic economist at the London
School of Economics, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Chicago,
he wrote and taught game theory, economics of industry and regulation. In
government, he oversaw merger regulation, enforcement of competition
rules, consumer protection, and credit regulation. He has been a strong
advocate for the removal of government restrictions on competition and
supply side reforms to improve productivity growth.
Conference
Annual conference
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 19 May 2016
TBC
The annual Competition Section conference is an established fixture in the
competition law calendar. Offering excellent value for money, it draws on
speakers from the UK and overseas and includes leading practitioners,
regulators and economic experts.
Uniquely, this is the only competition law conference designed by
competition law specialists, offering all those with an interest in this highly
visible area of law an opportunity to network with experienced practitioners,
clients, government officials, regulators and representatives from the
judiciary in a relaxing atmosphere at the Law Society. The conference is
structured with a mix of engaging panel sessions and more detailed
presentations across a wide variety of topics.
Principal sponsor
Programme:
08:45 - 09:15
Registration and refreshments
09:15- 09:20
Welcome and introduction
Stephen Smith, partner, Bristows and vice-chair,
Competition Section, Advisory Committee, The Law Society
09:20 - 09:50
Keynote address
Chair: Stephen Smith, partner, Bristows and vice-chair,
Competition Section, Advisory Committee , The Law Society
Speaker: Juliane Kokott, advocate general, Court of Justice
of the European Union
09:50 - 11:00 Plenary session 1 – Anti-trust
enforcement/commitments

Policy and practical considerations arising of
commitments as remedies tools in anti-trust
enforcement.
Chair: Richard Whish QC (Hon), emeritus professor of law,
King's College London............................................................
Speakers: Sarah Cardell, general counsel CMA and James
Aitken, partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.........
11:00 - 11:20
Morning refreshments, networking and exhibition
11:20 - 12:30
Plenary session 2 - State aid

State aid and taxation
Chair: Jackie Holland, special adviser, Competition Group,
Slaughter and May..................................................................
Speakers: James Kavanagh, partner, Oxera
8
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch, networking and exhibition
13:30 - 14:40
Plenary panel session 3 - E-commerce/digital markets


Developments in the e-commerce sector enquiry.
RPM and segmentation
Chair: Becket McGrath, partner, Cooley LLP and member,
Speakers:
Thomas Kramler, head of Digital Single Market Task Force,
e-commerce sector inquiry, European Commission
Birgit Krueger, Bundeskartellamt
Andrea Appella, deputy general counsel, 21st Century Fox and
member, Competition Section, Advisory Committee, The Law Society
14:40 - 15:50
Plenary panel session 4 – Merger control

Recent case developments
Chair: Keith Jones, partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP and member,
Speakers: David Parker, director, Frontier Economics and
Sheldon Mills, senior director, CMA
15:50 - 16:10
Afternoon refreshments, networking and exhibition
16:10 - 17:20
Plenary panel session 5 - Competition litigation


Overview of recent cases
New UK regime: early observations
Chair: Omar Shah, partner, Latham Watkins LLP and member,
Speakers:
Kim Dietzel, partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
Daniel Beard QC, Monckton Chambers
Lambros Kilaniotis, partner, RPC
17:20 - 17:30
Closing remarks
Stephen Smith, partner, Bristows and vice-chair, Competition
Section, Advisory Committee, The Law Society
17:30 - 19:00
Spring drinks reception
Please note the programme is subject to change.
00
Seminar
The role of disclosure in balancing rights of defence and
confidentiality
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 7 June 2016, 18:00 - 20:15
£35 + VAT for Junior Lawyers 0-3 years PQE or members
working for NFP
Following the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) judgments in Ryanair,
Eurotunnel and BMI, this session will review the CMAs obligations in relation
to rights of defence; consider how the law relates to current CMA practice of
disclosure, data rooms and its use of confidentiality rings; and enable the
CMA to outline the revisions to its practice in this area.
Speakers:
 Peter Davis, executive vice president, Compass Lexecon
 Keith Jones, partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP
 Tom Smith, CMA
For more information or to book your place click here
Seminar
The digital single market and the pay-TV case
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 5 July 2016, 18:00 - 20:15
working for NFP
This seminar will focus on the online/geo-blocking aspects of the CrossBorder Pay TV case, the European Commission’s investigations into the
digital single market, the April 2016 commitments and the balance between
competition law and intellectual property.
Speaker:
Pablo Ibáñez Colomo,associate professor of law, London School of
Economics and Political Science
Pablo Ibáñez Colomo received a Ph.D. from the European University
Institute in June 2010 (Jacques Lassier Prize). Before joining the EUI as a
researcher in 2007, he taught for three years at the Law Department of the
College of Europe (Bruges), where he also took an LL.M. in 2004. In 2008,
Pablo spent six months as a TTLF fellow at Stanford Law School. He has
been invited as a guest lecturer at several institutions.
For more information or to book your place click here
10
Seminar
Competition Section seminar: Brexit Part 1: Models,
mergers and the wider competition framework
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 13 September 2016, 18:00 - 20:15
working for NFP
Overview: This seminar will focus on the possible models for Brexit and what
those could mean for competition law, including application of those
principles to mergers, state aid and the regulated industries. It will consider:
 What are the possible models and what do they mean for competition
law in the UK?
 What might these changes mean for UK merger control?
 What might the impact be on the regulated sectors?
 Do we still need public procurement and state aid rules?
There will also be an update from the Law Society policy team on its Brexit
activities
Speakers:




Mark Clough QC, Dentons LLP
Jonathan Parker, partner, Latham and Watkins LLP
Jackie Holland, special adviser, Slaughter and May
Stephen Denyer, director of strategic relationships, the Law Society
Seminar
Competition Section seminar: Brexit Part 2: Litigation and
enforcement
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 11 October 2016, 18:00 - 20:15
working for NFP
Overview: This seminar will focus on the implications of Brexit for antitrust
enforcement and competition litigation. It will consider:
 Will Brexit change the approach to competition enforcement in the
UK?
 What does it mean for the UK as a jurisdiction for follow on actions?
 What do we need by way of transitional arrangements for cases that
are currently in progress or under appeal?
 Is there going to be an enforcement gap?
Speakers:
 Emeritus Professor Richard Whish QC (Hon), Kings College, London
 Tim Ward QC, Monckton Chambers
 Kate Vernon, partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Dinner &
awards
Annual dinner and awards
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 1 December 2016, 18:30 - 22:30
TBC
The Competition Section Annual dinner and awards event taking place on
Thursday 1 December is one of the main highlights of our Competition
Section year.
This formal dinner provides an opportunity to hear from our VIP guest
speaker, to meet lawyers and other professionals working in the competition
field, (including entertaining clients and valued contacts), plus see the first
prize and highly commended winners of the Horsfall Turner Essay prize
receive their awards.
Set within The Law Society’s prestigious building and compared by our
master of ceremonies, the sumptuous three course meal including delicious
wines is served with the beautiful Common room
12
2. Member Support
Horsfall Turner essay prize
The Horsfall Turner essay prize is a prestigious award
presented to the best essay submission on a given topic
every year. It is designed to encourage young lawyers
to engage with competition and European law.
The first prize is £1,000 plus two highly commended
prizes of £250. All winners will be invited as guests to the
Competition Section’s Annual Dinner, where their prizes
will be presented by the keynote speaker.
For more information on the competition, read the 2015 winner's essay or see photos of the
night, please click here
Previous winners include:
Year
Question
Winners
Keynote speaker
2015
'Brexit: what would it mean for the
UK competition law landscape
Ms Jasminder Chaytor, Berwin
Leighton Paisner
Judge Ian S. Forrester of European
Union General Court
2014
Object or effect: where do
competition authorities need to draw
the line?”
Highly commended:
 Mr Ali Sadek, Freshfields
 Ms Laura K. Elliott, Cooley (UK) LLP.
Aoife Monaghan, Linklaters LLP
Lord David Currie, chairman,
Competition and Markets Authority
Highly commended:
 John Kwan, Cleary Gottlieb Steen &
Hamilton LLP
 Daniel Schwarz, Clifford Chance
2013
Will the UK Government’s proposed
opt-out regime for collective
damages actions facilitate redress
for victims of competition law
infringements to any significant
extent?
Daniel Carall-Green, Slaughter & May
Philip Lowe, non executive director of
the Competition and Markets
Authority and director general for
energy, European Commission
(former director general for
competition)
2012
Is the proposed removal of the
‘dishonesty’ element of the cartel
offence a step too far?’
William Leslie, Linklaters
Professor Whish, president,
Competition Section, professor of
Law at King's College, London
Lord David Currie, chair designate,
Competition and Markets Authority
2011
2010
Do you agree with the recent ECJ
“Murphy” decision? (Cases C 403/08 and C - 429/08)?
Are there circumstances in which the
exchange of commercially sensitive
information between competitors
should of itself be considered to
constitute an infringement by object
under Article 101 TFEU?
Elizabeth Hookham, Linklaters
Kimberley Hall:
William E. Kovacic, Commissioner,
U.S. Federal Trade Commission
LinkedIn group
The Competition Section enables members
to share news, features, events and other
relevant activities in a private environment.
Increase your competition legal network
and join our LinkedIn group.
14
Webinars
Section members benefit from free access to four topical webinars per year, access
to all previous recordings and a 20% discount on other Law Society webinars.
Webinar
Competition Law update
When:
Cost:
Wednesday 9 December 2015, 16:00 - 17:00
For busy practitioners, this one-hour webinar will provide a comprehensive update
on recent cases and an overview and commentary on selected key EU and UK
competition law developments over the past year.
Speaker: Alastair Mordaunt and Greg Olsen, partners, Clifford Chance.
Click here for more information
Webinar
Economics of horizontal mergers for competition law in practice
When:
Cost:
Tuesday 15 March 2016
Attend this webinar led by our speaker who has extensive experience with
mergers raising both horizontal and vertical concerns before the EC Commission
and UK competition authorities and:
 gain a practical exploration of the economics of horizontal mergers for
competition law
 understand the economic principles of merger control and how economics
can be applied to merger assessment in practice
 obtain an overview of the economic foundations of horizontal merger
assessment, and of the analytical techniques and evidence used to
appraise the competitive impact of this broad class of merger in practice
The webinar covers:
 The role of economics and economists in merger assessment
 The economic principles that underlie unilateral effects concerns arising
from horizontal mergers
 The assessment of unilateral effects in practice, including a discussion of
the “price pressure” tests that are increasingly used by competition
authorities and some of the common empirical techniques used to assess
“closeness of competition”
 Coordinated effects in theory and practice
Speaker: Stephen Lewis, principal, RBB Economics
Webinar
Competition at the FCA: An update for lawyers
When:
Cost:
Friday 13 May 2016, 15:30 - 16:30
Join this webinar and discover how innovation and competition are encouraged
within the financial sector and gain an understanding of the FCA’s key priorities in
competition.
 a look at the Competition Division’s work at the FCA over the last 3 years
 what our total portfolio of work looks like, including:
o market studies
o Competition Act
o promoting competition across wider FCA work


Speaker: Deb Jones, director of Competition, FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)
Webinar
Competition law and the future of the Block Exemption
in the insurance sector
When:
Cost:
Friday 16 September 2016
Join this webinar to gain an understanding of how competition law and the Block
Exemption applies to the insurance sector and the impact on the insurance
market of its non-renewal.
By participating you will:
 understand the reasoning behind the European Commission's decision not
to renew the Insurance Block Exemption Regulation
 receive an overview of how the regime will apply to the insurance sector in
future
 gain a practical insight into how insurance undertakings can ensure
continued compliance
Speakers:

Stephen Smith, partner, Bristows

Fergus Broderick, senior legal adviser, RSA
Website
The Competition Section website is a one-stop portal of information on the
Competition Section activities. We encourage you to use its search facility which
provides quick access to the latest events, webinars and podcasts. To access
member only content, as an inclusive part of your membership, simply register and
login.
16
Podcasts
Membership of the Competition Section includes free access to all podcast
recordings of the Competition Section seminars (where Chatham House rules
have not been applied). The non-section members' price is £39 per podcast.
Podcast
Recording date: Tuesday 10 February 2015
Podcast
Recording date: Tuesday 10 March 2015
Podcast
Recording date: Tuesday 28 April 2015
Podcast
Recording date: Tuesday 16 June 2015
Podcast
Recording date: Tuesday 13 January 2015
Topic:
The Juncker Commission and a new EU Parliament gets
down to work – What to expect?
Speaker:
David Earnshaw, President and Senior Advisor, Burson Marsteller, Brussels
Recording date: Tuesday 14 July 2015
Podcast
Podcast
Our 2015 podcasts included:
Recording date: Tuesday 15 September 2015
Topic:
Update on UK merger control
Speaker:
Sheldon Mills, Senior Director, Mergers Group, Competition
Markets Authority
Topic:
Speaker:
Topic:
Speaker:
Authority
Topic:
Speakers:
Behavioral economics – beauty or beast?
Dr Mike Walker, Chief economic advisor, Competition Market
Authority
Mat Hughes, Managing director, AlixPartners
Competition law enforcement by the Financial Conduct
Authority
Deb Jones, Competition director at the Financial Conduct
Antitrust damages actions - review of recent UK cases and the
impact of the EU Damages Directive
David Bailey, Barrister
Sarah Ford, Barrister
James Flynn, QC
All above from Brick Court Chambers
Topic:
Ecommerce Sector Inquiry
Speaker:
Thomas Kramler, European Commission
Topic:
Initial conclusions from the CMA's energy market investigation
Speakers:
Peter Willis, Partner, Bird & Bird LLP
Derek Ridyard, Partner and founder, RBB Economics
lobbying
profession is heard by the right people - government, regulators,
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to competition
lawyers, we regularly provide expert advice to regulators and policy
makers.
The Section, with the support of the advisory committee, provides
the competition community with a stronger voice within the Law
Society to ensure that we can represent this vital sector of the
profession more effectively.
is frequently changed in response to our representations.
from the profession, including the EU policy committee.
meets your needs.
Relevant







committees
for
competition
lawyers
include:
EU Committee
Inhouse Division Committee
18
Keeping on top of your regulatory compliance is critical, and a periodic
review of your approach to risk and compliance can give you peace of mind.
comprehensive range of services to provide you with the information, skills
and expertise you need to mitigate risk and comply with industry
regulations.
Our service has been designed to deliver support and guidance that suits
your needs:

Keep up-to-date with the latest developments within risk and
compliance via timely email updates for members of our risk and
compliance service.

Receive thorough training on need-to-know principles and processes
such as
o
o
o

Since 2010, we have worked with over 500 organisations on an ongoing
basis to help them understand their current risk profile and ensure they
have what they need to implement any required mitigating measures.
telephone support. However you approach us, we will quickly identify the
critical success factors that will help drive future levels of performance,
integrity and assurance in your organisation.
Key contact
Pearl Moses, head of risk and compliance, is a seasoned legal practitioner
with over 12 years’ experience in private practice, legal publishing and
regulatory compliance issues. She specialises in creating tailored
compliance solutions and interventions to help firms and in-house legal
teams embed sound risk management principles and best practice client
care and complaints handling systems.
Pearl is supported by a skilled team of technical experts with backgrounds
in regulation, private practice and in-house work.
Library
comprehensive printed collections of law material in England and Wales,
plus online access to many of the major electronic legal commercial
services including Lexis, Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
call 020 7320 5946 or email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
within our collection. We offer a standard or a premium service. Please
email lawdocs@lawsociety.org.uk
All members are welcome to use the Reading Room and 113 restaurant
and bar whenever the building is open and the rooms are not in use for
events.
Members receive a 15 per cent discount on room bookings for meetings
and events.
20
management growing and supporting the market for solicitors at home and
abroad
 helping to maintain the reputation of England and Wales as the jurisdiction of
choice and the use of English law throughout the world
Access Scheme
 internationally working to open and grow markets for English and Welsh law
such as inward visits of foreign lawyers and trade missions
 providing Find a Solicitor - the website enables consumers and businesses to
find a solicitor who can meet their needs
 hosting the annual Excellence Awards which highlight and celebrate
outstanding contributions across the profession.
 campaigning on the rule of law, human rights, access to justice and regulation.
This includes lobbying in Brussels, Westminster and Cardiff and in the media
abroad
 helping members to represent key issues impacting the profession to their MP
or MEP
The Law Society Council governs the Law Society's
work. Council members are elected to represent
members from England and Wales, different
demographic groups and parts of the profession. The
Law Society harness the knowledge of the Council
members and around 300 volunteers to deliver the
advice, support and service members want. The Council
has 100 seats, 61 for geographical constituencies and 39
for special interest groups and areas of practice.
113 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1PL, Dx 56 Lon/ChanceryLn
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344
22
Family
Section
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/family
Advisory Group
Thank you to our advisory group members
This programme of engagement was created in close consultation with
the Family Section Advisory Group to ensure it is relevant and timely.
The Family Section Advisory Group meets up to four times a year to
discuss the key issues facing the family legal community. The Advisory
Group advises how the Law Society can best support its members who
work as family and children practitioners.
The Law Society thanks all of the members on the Section Advisory Group
for their time, commitment and contribution.
Advisory group Organisation
member
Role
Robyn Allardice –
Bourne
Spring Law
Partner & Head of
family mediation
Robin Charrot
Evolve
Managing Director
Claire Darley
Shakespeare
Martineau
Partner and mediator
Karen Dovaston
Jefferies Law
Deputy head of family
law department &
family law arbitrator
Joanne Radcliff
Brabners
Associate
Tony Roe
Tony Roe Solicitors
Principal & family law
arbitrator
Mena Ruparel
Ian Winrow
Law CPD Solutions
Ltd & Shedden
Family Law
Hughes Parry
Solicitors
Consultant & arbitrator
Solicitor
2
Foreword
Family Section 2015/2016
The advisory group was established in February 2015
to promote best practice and address current issues
and challenges facing family and children practitioners.
This is an exciting year for the Section as the advisory
group commences work with the Law Society to ensure
the products and services delivered are relevant to our
membership.
With this in mind, the advisory group is keen to engage
with the wider community and to hear from you, our
members, to assist us in shaping your Section. Please
get in touch at familysection@lawsociety.org.uk to
give us your thoughts, to seek our support or just to
connect.
Mission Statement
To bring family practitioners together to share best practice and
address current issues and challenges in a supportive environment.
Family Section membership
Family Section membership is open to all family and children law solicitors.
Membership provides access to relevant CPD-accredited events, webinars and online content. The
Section is developed and designed by leading family and children law experts to assist members to:

support, promote and represent family practitioners by providing opportunities to share and
develop best practice, to exchange ideas and experiences, to learn from peers, and by providing
research information

provide opportunities for family practitioners to influence the overall direction of the legal sector

promote family and children law

help the Law Society to understand and represent family practitioners better.
Coming from solicitors specialising in family and children law, our support will help you to achieve best
practice We also work closely with experts working in key related areas of law, including immigration,
crime, and mental health, to give you access to the information and support you may need in practice.
4
1. Events
Topical updates
The Family Section has created a programme of
engagement for members specialising in family law.

address hot topics and development through
a series of events and member support
activities

support, promote and represent family
lawyers by providing opportunities to share
and develop best practice, to exchange
ideas and experiences, to learn from peers,
and by providing networking opportunities

help the Law Society to understand and
represent family practitioners better.
Regional seminars
2. Member Support
Consultations
E-newsletters
LinkedIn group
Website
Webinars
1. Events
matter to family practitioners. Events will be held across England and Wales.
Details of these events will be published on our website:
communities.lawsociety.org.uk/family/events
Event
Is LinkedIn worth my time?
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 17 November 2015, 18:00 - 20:30
Want to learn how to grow your business through LinkedIn? The Family
Section and Small Firms Division host an interactive evening about LinkedIn,
designed to broaden your skill set and introduce you to those who are using
it to good effect.
Whatever level you’re at, whether you have just embarked on a social media
journey or you’re already a dab hand at online networking, this event is
guaranteed to give you something to think about.
Join expert LinkedIn user, Emily Miller, Marshall Walker – LinkedIn Tutors
and our panel members, Sally Azarmi, Azarmi & Company Ltd, Tony Roe,
Tony Roe Solicitors, and Mena Ruparel, Managing Director at Law CPD
Solutions, will take you through their top tips on setting up your account, key
words your account should use or avoid and more.
A Q&A and networking session will follow.
Seminar
Sharland and Gohil: what do the judgments mean in
practice?
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 3 December, 17:30 - 20:00
Due to popular demand following the Family Section autumn regional
seminars, we are pleased to announce that we are hosting an additional
update seminar on Sharland and Gohil.
Join Ros Bever, of Irwin Mitchell, the solicitor for Mrs Sharland and Mrs
Gohil, Sally Harrison QC and Samantha Hillas of St Johns Buildings,
Barristers Chambers for an invaluable insight into each of these cases and
what the judgments mean for your clients.
This seminar will be followed by a Q&A and networking session.
6
Regional
Seminar
Regional Seminars: Children Law Update
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 9 March, Manchester
Tuesday 15 March, London
All events will take place between 16:30 - 20:30
Alderley Park Conference Centre, Alderley Park, Alderley
Edge, Manchester, SK10 4TG
Join leading advocate in child sexual exploitation, Lorna Meyer QC of No 5
Chambers in Manchester (9 March) and Birmingham (10 March) as she
provides an invaluable insight into how to tackle the topical issue of child
exploitation. She will be covering the key points of note in a recent case in which
Counsel was involved, as the local authority’s representative.
Also speaking on this topic will be Stefano Nuvoloni of No 5 Chambers in
London (15 March) with coverage of the BCC v Riaz case. At the Birmingham
event, Robin Lewis of St Philips Barristers will also speak of Children Act
matters.
In addition, Ros Bever of Irwin Mitchell and Samantha Hillas of St Johns
Buildings will be providing an insight into the practical application of Schedule 1
of the Children Act 1989 at all three locations.
These seminars will be followed by a Q&A and networking session.
For information on how to book you place please visit our events page.
Event
Summer networking with update on Divorce Centres, a
year on
When:
Venue:
Cost:
June 2016, 17:30 – 20:00
One year since the launch of the Designated Divorce Centre, how are we and
our clients faring? Has the court service met expectations? This Family Section
seminar will give you an opportunity to look back over the last year to reflect,
review and make suggestions.
Our June 2015 seminar led to the launch of the email information bulletin to
save the chasing telephone calls and to allow a quick and easy method for the
court to communicate new developments. Do you like the information bulletin?
Do you use it? Have you got any hints and tips to share or do you have an idea
to make the court/user interface a happy place?
We will have the lead civil servants for BSE and for the Central Family Court as
part of the panel for discussion and questions.
The seminar will be followed by a networking session. For more information on
how to book your place please visit our events page.
Seminar
Setting up shop - how to start up a small firm
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 7 July 2016
Free
Are you toying with the idea of starting your own small law firm? This free
networking event, brought will feature presentations from small firm entrepreneurs
to give you practical support and guidance to help you take that first step.
Setting up shop – how to start up a small law firm
Enterprise 1
A project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated or risky.
Enterprise 2
Readiness to engage in daring or difficult action.
Are you toying with the idea of starting your own small law firm? Maybe it’s a longheld dream, or possibly you’ve reached a turning point in your job / life. Whatever
the reason or circumstance, this event will give you all the encouragement you
need to take the first step.
Featuring presentations from small firm entrepreneurs (both experienced and new
start-up), the SRA and others, this is your opportunity to hear first-hand testimony
and practical advice from experts and practitioners.
Programme
17:30 – 18:00 Registration and refreshments
18:00 – 19:00 Speaker presentations
19:00 – 19:30 Question and answer session
19:30 – 20:00 Networking with refreshments
Why attend?
This event is aimed at:
• solicitors interested in learning how to set up their own small law firm; and
• solicitors working in new or small start-up law firms.
8
Event
Regional Seminars: Privilege and Panamania
When:
Wednesday 5 October, Leeds
Thursday 6 October, Newcastle
Wednesday 12 October, Cardiff
Leeds (TBC)
Newcastle (TBC)
Cardiff (TBC)
Venue:
Cost:
Full and frank: cards on the table – face up. That is the duty of disclosure on
each spouse when resolving financial matters on divorce. Reported cases are
littered with offshore vehicles, sham trusts and even rogue claims to diplomatic
immunity, all devices aimed at hiding the real extent of one’s asset position.
After the Supreme Court cases of Sharland and Gohil, a host of other cases are
lined up for hearing. Meanwhile, Panama was once famous for its canal. Now it
is well known for the headquarters of the law firm, Mossack Fonseca, which
found itself subject to a massive data leak of 11 million leaked files, the Panama
Papers. A good number of former spouses are predicted to be seeking to rely
on them in fresh applications to set aside, vary or appeal their original financial
orders. Certain documents, however, may be exempt from disclosure, being
covered by confidentiality or privacy, including legal professional privilege.
Where do the specialist family law solicitors find themselves in this rapidly
developing environment?
Join us at our inclusive Family Section regional seminars where our events will:
examine recent developments and consider the implications for our teams and,
of course, your clients consider the aspects of disclosure and privilege.
Programme
17:30 - 18:00 Registration and refreshments
18:00 - 18:05 Chair opening remarks
18:05 - 19:00 Panel discussion
19:00 - 19:30 Question and answer session
19:30 - 20:00 Networking and refreshments
What can you expect to learn?
Delegates can expect to be better equipped to advise their clients more clearly,
be able to deal effectively with the (non)-disclosure of opposing parties, as well
as better appreciating their own duties.
This is a unique opportunity to:



Share your experiences
Have the opportunity to ask your questions
Network with our expert speakers and delegates
Who should attend?
It is aimed at family law solicitors at all levels, dealing with matrimonial financial
matters.
For more information on how to book your place click here.
2. Member Support
Consultations
ensures the voice of family legal community is heard with key
including family lawyers, government departments and nongovernmental organisations to provide robust and evidence-based
consultation responses. The Section with the support of the legal
policy committees in this area, will be the voice of the family law sector
in this process.
E-newsletter
The Family Section has a dedicated e-newsletter for family
practitioners. Our e-newsletter includes updates on our Family
Section advisory group, news, features, events and activities relevant
to our family members. Issues will be available and emailed to
members on a monthly basis.
Introductions
The Law Society has a wide range of member communities and can
facilitate commercial introductions between members. Members
interested in making introductions are encouraged to get in contact via
familysection@lawsociety.org.uk
LinkedIn group
A LinkedIn group for Family Section members to share news,
features, events and other relevant activities is in place. We
encourage you to increase your legal network and join the group.
10
Webinars
Webinar
Pensions on divorce: topical themes for Spring
When:
Cost:
20 April 2016
£45 for non-members
This webinar details the way in which pensions can be treated on divorce to
the advantage of your clients, including the new pension freedoms and
recent state pensions changes.
You will benefit by:




broadening your knowledge of the way in which pensions can be
treated on divorce to the advantage of your client
learning about the new flexibility with which pensions can be treated
on divorce
reflecting upon the way that the courts have been dealing with
pensions in recent reported cases
learning how to spot and address issues relating to pensions with an
international dimension






the new pension freedoms
the Taxation of Pensions Act 2014
the Pensions Schemes Act 2015
Valuation methodologies and the court’s approach
recent state pension changes
international pension sharing issues
Who should participate:
Financial remedy practitioners who wish to broaden their knowledge of
pensions on divorce and wish to ensure that they are conversant with the
latest relevant developments in the field
Speaker:

Philip Way, partner in the Family Law Team, Mills & Reeve LLP
Philip has specialised in advising on the financial consequences of family
breakdown for over 25 years. He is an elected fellow of the International
Academy of Family Lawyers, has twice been elected to the National
Committee of Resolution and has chaired the Resolution Property, Tax and
Pensions committee of which he remains a member.
Webinar
International child relocation
When:
Cost:
27 April 2016, 13:00 - 14:00
The webinar will cover the key themes and issues necessary to operate in
this area of work, focussing on children who are subject to public law
proceedings and children in the care system as opposed to private law
proceedings.
Benefit from participating in this webinar by:


gaining a clear understanding of this complex area of law, enabling
you to effectively represent local authorities, children and parents in
public law cases
having the current case law available to draw upon





the movement of children across borders has added a new
complexity to public law proceedings and a plethora of case law has
been generated
an understanding of BIIR in relation to pubic law cases
habitual residence, the key issues and associated case law
the interface between Hague Convention adoptions and public law
proceedings
practical guidance on how to effectively manage cases in this field
You should participate if you:


represent any party within public law proceedings
wish to gain a wider understanding of the legal, social and practical
issues involved in public law cases which have an international
element
Speaker:

Jane Lakin, LLB, LLM, solicitor
Jane Lakin a member of the Children's Law Sub Committee of the Law
Society. She has been a local government lawyer for over 15 years involved
in all aspects of public law proceedings relating to children. She has also
provided training for children's lawyers and social workers on all aspects of
public law proceedings and adoption.
12
Webinar
Conducting care proceedings in the Family Court
When:
Cost:
Wednesday 18 May 2016, 13:00 - 14:00
The aim of this webinar is to provide a general overview of conducting proceedings in
family court.
The webinar is led by the following expert speakers:
 Joy Merriam, McCormacks Law Ltd, Law Society council member for criminal
defence
 June Venters QC, Solicitor advocate, Venters Solicitors.
Webinar
Setting up shop: building a new law practice
When:
Cost:
Friday 2 September 2016
Are you toying with the idea of starting your own small law firm? This inclusive Family
Section webinar will feature presentations from small firm entrepreneurs to give you
practical guidance to help you take that first step in setting up your own family
practice.
Speakers:
 Robin Charrot, Family Section Advisory Group member and director, Evolve
Law
 Tony Roe, member of Law Society Family Section Advisory Group, principal
solicitor and Family Law arbitrator, Tony Roe Solicitors, Divorce & Family
Lawyers
Keep an eye out on the Family Section website for more information to follow.
Webinar
Arbitration in children cases
When:
Cost:
October 2016
The aim of this webinar is to provide an overview of arbitration in children cases.
Website
The Family Section website is a one-stop portal of information for family lawyers.
It contains practical guidance, news, research and event details for family
practitioners. We want it to remain relevant and useful so get in touch at
familysection@lawsociety.org.uk if there is something missing or if you have
any feedback.
lobbying
profession is heard by the right people government, regulators,
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to family practitioners,
we regularly provide expert advice to regulators and policy makers.
The Section, with the support of the Law Society policy committees
will give the family legal community a stronger voice within the Law
Society to ensure that we can represent this vital section of the
profession more effectively.
is
frequently changed in response to our representations.
meets your needs.
Relevant committees for family lawyers include:


Children’s Law Sub Committee
14
Keeping on top of your regulatory compliance is critical, and a periodic review
of your approach to risk and compliance can give you peace of mind.
and expertise you need to mitigate risk and comply with industry regulations.
your needs:

compliance service.

such as
o
o
o

basis to help them understand their current risk profile and ensure they have
what they need to implement any required mitigating measures.
Key contact
regulatory compliance issues. She specialises in creating tailored compliance
solutions and interventions to help firms and in-house legal teams embed
sound risk management principles and best practice client care and
complaints handling systems.
Library
comprehensive printed collections of law material in England and Wales,
plus online access to many of the major electronic legal commercial
services including Lexis, Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
call 020 7320 5946 or email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
All members are welcome to use the Reading Room and 113 restaurant
and bar whenever the building is open and the rooms are not in use for
events.
and events.
16
abroad
Access Scheme
abroad
or MEP
Solicitors pay their annual practising certificate fee
to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The Law Society
receives around 30 per cent of this fee to support,
represent and promote the profession. Other funding
comes from commercial activities.
advice, support and service members want. The
Council has 100 seats, 61 for geographical
constituencies and 39 for special interest groups and
areas of practice.
18
Law Management
Section
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/law-management
Committee
This programme of engagement was created in close consultation with the Law
Management Section Committee to ensure its relevance and timeliness.
The committee meets up to five times a year to discuss the key business and
practice management issues facing law firms and provide practical and
expert advice to shape the services for members who are responsible for
running law firm business operations.
The committee is chaired by Robert Banner, executive director of Banner Jones
Ltd, a firm which he has been involved in managing for over 25 years. Andrew
Otterburn, management consultant and chartered accountant is the vice-chair.
The Law Society thanks all of the committee members for their time,
and contribution.
commitment
Committee
member
Organisation
Role
Robert Banner
Banner Jones Ltd
Jonathan Beck
Black Norman
Solicitors
Rayden Solicitors
Executive director of Banner
Jones Ltd
Practice manager and compliance
officer
Managing partner
Nadia Biles
Davies
Barry Davies
Douglas-Jones Mercer
Practice director and compliance
officer
Partner and Head of Employment
Alison Downie
Goodman Derrick LLP
Nigel Haddon
Haddon Consult
Helps law firms on strategy
reviews, management, leadership
and performance and mergers
Ann Harrison
Stephensons Solicitors
LLP
Wollen Michelmore
LLP
BP Collins LLP
Independent
Chairwoman
Christopher Hart
Ian Hopkins
Meena Kumari
Andrew Otterburn
Paul Widdup
Barry Wilkinson
Paul Bennett
Sally Azarmi
Otterburn Legal
Consulting LLP
Independent
Wilkinson Read &
Partners
Aaron and Partners
LLP
Azarmi & Co Ltd
Managing partner
Chief Executive
Partner and head of family law
department
Management consultant and
chartered accountant
Management consultant, coach
and mentor
Management consultant and
chartered accountant
Co-opted
Chair of the Law Society’s small
firms committee
2
Foreword
Welcome to the Law Society’s Law
Management
Section
2015/16
This is an exciting year for the Section as the
committee works with the Law Society to ensure the
products and services delivered are relevant to our
law firm manager membership.
With the arrival in March 2015, of seven new
members from across England and Wales, the
committee is not only stronger with a wide breadth of
high level experience and deep expertise in law management, but also more
proactive and bursting with ideas. The committee is keen to engage with the
wider law management community of solicitors, practice managers, finance,
HR and IT managers and suppliers of financial or management services to
legal practices- and to hear from you, our members, to assist us in shaping
your Section. To give us your thoughts, see our support or just to connect,
please get in touch at communities@lawsociety.org.uk.
Robert Banner,
Chair of the Law Management Section Committee
Corporate membership
‘Median net profit has increased again..this year, a rise of 2.7%’. LMS Financial Benchmarking Survey 2016
Good management really adds up. In fact, many law firms view our new corporate membership* as a positive
step to develop the competence and professionalism of their managers. Take out a corporate membership
and reward your managers with all the individual benefits and discounts that the Law Management Section
offers. With access to latest thinking and information about all aspects of law firm and practice management,
the Law Management Section will help your managers work to their full potential, which is good for them,
good for you, and undoubtedly good for business.
Join now communities.lawsociety.org.uk/law-management/join-the-section
* sign up to 6 individuals
Mission Statement
We will provide Section members with a comprehensive range of
inclusive services, networking opportunities and discounted premium
products designed to boost their success and help them run their firms
more effectively.
Tailored support for law firm
managers
1. Events
Conferences
If you're involved or responsible for the running of a law firm the
Law Management Section caters for you. Whether you're a
solicitor, practice manager, HR and marketing manager or a
supplier of financial and management services to legal practices
- the Law Management Section is your tailor-made community.
Regional Forums
Seminars
We have created an engagement programme for law firm
managers which will:
2. Member Support
 address matters of the changing workplace, technological
innovation and IT challenges, business development and
finance through a series of events and member support
activities;
E-newsletters
 support, promote and represent law firm managers by
providing opportunities to share and develop best practice, to
exchange ideas and experiences and to learn from peers;
Managing for Success
LinkedIn group
Website
 provide opportunities for law firm managers to influence the
overall direction of the legal sector;
Webinars/Podcasts
 help the Law Society to understand and represent law firm
management interests.
Hot law management topics for 2015-16
The Changing
Workplace
Agile staffing
models
The IT
The talent
Challenges
and risks
Find, support
and keep
valuable
people
The
Business
The Practice
Client
focus
The
Financials
Improve and
innovate in
management
Stability and
growth
4
1. Events
Over the coming year the Section will host a range of events on issues that
matter to law firms managers. Details of these events will be published on
our website communities.lawsociety.org.uk/law-management/events
Regional forums: As a manager in a law practice your role is a rewarding yet
difficult one. The demands of the job can make the busiest of law practices a very
lonely place. Don't work in a vacuum. Join our regional forums to get networked
and engaged with your peers in your local area.
Conference: The flagship law management event of the year, packed with the
top business personalities providing practical guidance and advice on the vital
topics of the day which will inspire you to take your business to greater success
in volatile legal market environment.
Seminars: Focusing on the key law management fundamentals, our seminars
ensure you're on top of human resource, practice management and finance and
business development challenges.
Regional
Forum
Get a Grip - on team performance: a breakfast booster
session
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 10 December, 2015, 09:00 - 10:30
£25 + VAT for non-members
Team leaders often feel anxious - with good cause. As with individual
performance, your team's performance is as crucial (if not more so) to the
firm's success. Are you struggling to connect your team's work to the goals
and objectives of the business? Do you know how to develop a high
performing team?
The best law firm managers don't allow tough problems to derail the
progress of their business goal achievements. Let this breakfast booster help
you get to grips with those thorny questions and start your day feeling
inspired.
Facilitated by Patricia Wheatley Burt, director of Trafalgar – The Business
People Limited, the number of attendees will be limited to allow delegates to
talk informally and freely about the challenges being faced by most, if not all,
managers and partners of law firms in the region and to learn from each
other’s experiences and ideas.
Seminar
HR Forum
When:
Venue:
Cost:
16 March 2016, 10:00 - 16:00
Providing up-to-the-minute HR strategies and practical guidance ready to
implement on your return to your firm.
Discounted for Law Management Section members and an extra £50
discount if you book before 24 February.
Regional
Forum
Cyber security - how does the successful law firm
defend its business ?
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 22 March 2016, 16:30 - 18:30
The Law Society, 5th Floor, Capital Tower , Greyfriars Road,
Cardiff CF10 3AG
Professional cyber criminals are targeting law firms; your staff are a security
nightmare; viruses are still a big worry and the technology is outpacing the
defences put in place.
The seminar will be facilitated by:
 Barry Davies, practice director, Douglas-Jones Mercer and member of
the Law Society's Law Management Section Committee
 Wayne Williams, principal adviser, CPM21
 Clare Hughes Williams, partner, DAC Beachcroft LLP
.
Principal sponsor
6
Regional
Forum
Managing Change
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 5 April 2016, 16:30 - 19:00
Stewarts Law LLP, 9 Bond Court, Leeds, LS1 2JZ
The issue of how change is managed within a firm, is a challenge all
managing partners face. This one and a half hour primer is intended to give
you some ideas.
The seminar will be facilitated by;
 Robert Banner, chair, Law Management Section Committee and
executive director, Banner Jones.
 Julie Harrison, leading consultant specialising in change leadership,
executive coaching and mentoring, Julie Harrison Consulting
 Andrew Otterburn, leading law firm management consultant and vice
chair, Law Management Section Committee
Principal sponsor
Regional
Forum
Help- I'm a new partner/manager! A breakfast booster
session
When:
Venue:
Cost:
21 April 2016, 09:00 - 10:30
How do you transition from practicing law or a business support
function and step up to leadership?
This event is designed for those new to partnership or a management role in
a legal practice (up to 2 years), this session will consider strategies for
developing resilience and confidence to help you transform a potentially
'nightmare’ job into a rewarding career.
The seminar will be facilitated by:
 Patricia Wheatley Burt, director, Trafalgar – The Business People Limited
Conference
Annual Conference
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 27 April 2016, 09:00 - 17:00
Early booking fee on or before 1 April 2016
£250 + VAT for section members,
£145 + VAT for section members working for NFP
Booking fees from 2 April 2016
£300 + VAT for section members,
£195 + VAT for section members working for NFP
This flagship event will incorporate a varied mix of plenary and breakout
sessions ensuring delegates are offered the opportunity to discuss common
challenges, share experiences and hear practical tips from both their peers
and expert speakers.
We have listened to the delegates’ feedback from our 2015 conference to
form the programme for this year’s event. As a result, the 2016 programme
will focus on the impact of technology in law firms, business development,
finance and staff attraction and retention. In addition, an inspiring and
engaging keynote will set the scene for the day.
The conference will cover the following specialist sessions:





get up-to-date with marketing - the do's and don'ts
engaging with staff and attracting new talent
cyber security
strategic business planning
sessions for small firms
 sessions for medium to large firms
Book your place now
8
Workshop
Discover the power of LinkedIn - How this tool can be
used to help you to develop your personal career,
grow your network and grow business
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 24 May 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
Free
A Career Development and Law Management Section event
LinkedIn is the number one network increasingly used by individuals to showcase
their career successes and expertise as well as being used by businesses to reach
new customers and keep in touch with existing customers. Can you really afford
not to be connected? This workshop has been designed to help you get the most
out of LinkedIn.
Are you on LinkedIn but have no idea what to use it for? Or perhaps you don’t see
the point of joining – online networking is not for you. Don’t underestimate the
increasing power of LinkedIn as a career development tool.
Do you realise:
Everyday, growing numbers of legal professionals at all levels are using LinkedIn
to network, keep in touch with current and former colleagues and engage with the
wider legal sector. Potential employers now find it strange if you’re not on there
and recruiters are now looking at LinkedIn profiles to help vet CVs and job
applications.
Who should attend?
 all lawyers of all ages and at all career stages who are looking to learn how
LinkedIn can boost their personal career development
 those interested in using LinkedIn to develop their management career in a
law firm
 Law Management Section subscribers
Speakers
The session will be chaired by Ian Hopkins, CEO, BP Collins LLP and member of
the Law Management Section committee and feature a practical workshop led by
Emily Miller, The LinkedIn Tutors and author of LinkedIn for Lawyers: Developing
a Profile to Grow your Practice, and presentations from Husnara Begum, legal
recruiter and career coach and Kevin Poulter, solicitor and social media
specialist.
Click here for find out more
Regional
Forum
What makes a successful partner/director/manager
When:
Venue:
Cost:
June 2016, 17:00 - 19:00
Cardiff (TBC)
Please keep an eye out on the Law Management Section events page for more
information.
Regional
Forum
Listen up: How to get the best out of client reviews - a
breakfast booster session
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 15 September 2016, 08:30 - 10:15
Do you fully understand your clients’ needs? Are they really satisfied with your
service?
In today’s legal market place there is no excuse for complacency. Clients have
become more cautious and choosy. Increasingly clients demand a more tailored
service and will take their business to whichever firm offers them a better deal and
excellent client care . Firms that are not client driven risk losing out to competitors.
Topics for discussion include:
 How much detailed knowledge do you have about your 10 most important
clients?
 Does your firm have a dedicated partner / team for building and maintaining
client relations?
 Should client reviews and surveys be reviewed regularly or, possible be tailor
made?
Click here to find out more or book your place
=
Seminar
Finance and Business forum
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 2 November 2016, 13:00 - 17:00
Early booking fees on/before 30 October 2016
Section members £150 + VAT = £180
Non member from £175+ VAT = £210
Booking fees after 30 October 2016
Section members £200 + VAT = £240
Non member from £225 + VAT = £270
PC holders working for NFP £175 + VAT = £210*
The Law Management Section finance and business forum features some excellent
and inspirational speakers who will give practical and insightful guidance on
achieving and managing success.
Our networking session will allow delegates to share the challenges they face and
discover new innovative practices and ideas that may help them.
The conference will cover the following specialised topics to help firms sustain and
develop growth:





Key figures on increasing profitability
Management in a fixed-fee environment
Beyond benchmarking
Mitigating risks and costs on a change of structure.
Interactive breakout sessions will also give delegates the opportunity to
discuss the implications of topical issues for their businesses such as
‘Pricing’ and ‘IT software: reducing costs and improving service’.
2. Member Support
Click here to find out more or book your place
10
E-newsletter - Law Management Section Update
Your dedicated e-newsletter includes news updates, features, events and
activities relevant to law firm managers. Issues will be available and
emailed to members in December 2015, February, April, June, August and
October 2016.
Managing for Success
Your quarterly magazine covers all practice management and leadership
disciplines. It will focus on the issues that matter in practice through
features, comments and practical guides from leading practitioners.
Members can acquire up to eight hours of CPD per year through the
multiple choice quiz on magazine editions.
LinkedIn group
A LinkedIn group for law firm managers to share news, features, events
and other relevant activities is in development. We encourage you to
increase your management network and join the group.
Webinars
Webinar
Win the fight against cyber crime
When:
Cost:
January 2016
An estimated 1,000 cyber attacks now take place every hour in the UK.
Presented by Paul McCluskey, head of professional practices at Lloyds Bank, this
webinar will help you get smart about your firm's digital security
Webinar
How to put together a successful awards entry
When:
Cost:
16 March 2016
Benefit from understanding what is involved in entering business awards, how to
properly plan and resource collation of compelling evidence and how to build your
story for selected categories.
Principal sponsor
Webinar
New SRA regime, CPD and continuing competence. What do you
need to know?
When:
Cost:
14 June 2016, 14:00 - 15:30
Webinar
Topic TBC
When:
Cost:
September 2016
Please keep an eye out on the Law Management events page for more
information.
Website
The Law Management Section website is a one-stop portal of information for law
firm managers. It contains practical guidance, news, research and event details for
managers, whatever type of law firm you work in. We want it to remain relevant and
useful so get in touch at communities@lawsociety.org.uk if there is something
missing or if you have any feedback.
12
Podcasts
Podcast
Topic TBC
When:
Cost:
April 2016
information.
Podcast
Topic TBC
When:
Cost:
October 2016
information.
lobbying
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to law firm managers, we
The Section, with the support of the committee, will give the law firm
management community a stronger voice within the Law Society to
ensure that we can represent this vital section of the profession more
effectively.
The Law Society’s lobbying is taken seriously and draft legislation is
Policy is formed by expert committees whose members are drawn from
the profession, including the small firms division.
By joining any one of the Law Society’s committees, members have a
real opportunity to shape future legislation and ensure it meets your
needs.
Relevant committees for law firm managers include:

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




14
needs:

compliance service.

such as
o
o
o

Since 2010, we have worked with over 500 organisations on an ongoing basis
to help them understand their current risk profile and ensure they have what
they need to implement any required mitigating measures.
Key contact
compliance issues. She specialises in creating tailored compliance solutions
and interventions to help firms and in-house legal teams embed sound risk
systems.
Library
printed collections of law material in England and Wales, plus online access to
many of the major electronic legal commercial services including Lexis,
Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
Our experienced law librarians can help you find the information you need.
You do not have to visit the library to use these services. Please call 020 7320
5946 or email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
Lexcel
Designed specifically for the legal sector, Lexcel is the Law Society's
standard for excellence in legal practice management and client care.
Lexcel is appropriate for all types and sizes of practices. Lexcel defines
quality management procedures in seven areas: strategy, financial
management, information management, people management, risk
management, client care and file and case management.
Assessment against the updated version of the standard, Lexcel England
and Wales (v6) came into effect from 1 May 2015. Download the Lexcel
International
v5:
sole
practitioners
guide
(PDF
167kb)
www.lawsociety.org.uk/lexcel.
For more information please contact:
Dolores Conville, product manager
dolores.conville@lawsociety.org.uk or 020 7316 5742
Members receive a 15 per cent discount on room bookings for meetings and
events.
16
Access Scheme
abroad
MEP
and society
Council has 100 seats, 61 for
geographical
areas of practice.
18
Private Client
Section
Engagement
Programme
1
www.lawsociety.org.uk/privateclient
Committee
This programme of engagement was created in close consultation with the Private
Client Section Advisory Committee to ensure it is relevant and timely.
Committee members meet up to six times a year to discuss the key issues facing the
private client legal community. The committee advises on how the Law Society can
best support its members who work in the fields of financial and tax planning, elderly
client, wills and probate, estate administration, mental capacity, trusts, charities,
family and relationships, and contentious probate.
The Section is chaired by Gary Rycroft, partner at Joseph A Jones & Co and the
vice-chair is Gareth Marland, solicitor at Berwins Solicitors Limited. Helen Clarke is
the current Private Client Council member.
The Law Society thanks all of the committee members for their time, commitment
and contribution.
Committee
member
Organisation
Role
Simon Leney
Gary Rycroft
Cripps Trust Corporation
Ltd
Joseph A Jones & Co
Gareth Marland
Berwins Solicitors Limited
Solicitor
Jan Atkinson
Osbornes Solicitors LLP
Solicitor and head of the
private client department
Solicitor and consultant
lecturer
Partner, solicitor and head of
the private wealth team
Helen Clarke
Melinda Giles
Giles Wilson LLP
Christine Green
Sarah Murphy
Veale Wasbrough Vizards
JWK solicitors
Solicitor
Alberto Perez
Cedillo
Alberto Perez Cedillo
Spanish Lawyers &
Solicitors
Palmers Solicitors
JWK solicitors
Senior director and solicitor
Blocks
Notary solicitor
John Perry
Anthony Rickards
Collinson
John Riddett
Helen Starkie
Sole practitioner and solicitor
Stuart Adams
Penningtons Manches LLP
Associate solicitor-advocate
Kate Mahon
Davidson Mahon Solicitors
Principal solicitor
Fiona Heald
Moore Blatch
Solicitor and head of court of
protection team
2
Foreword
(Left to right - Gareth Marland, Gary Rycroft, Helen Clarke, Alberto Perez Cedillo, Melinda Giles, Sarah Murphy, Simon Leney,
Anthony Rickards Collinson, Iain Cameron, Jan Atkinson, Christine Green, Helen Starkie, John Riddett)
Welcome to the Law Society’s Private Client Section 2015/2016
The Section was established in 1997, to promote best practice and address current issues and
challenges facing the community. The Advisory Committee's role is to provide expert practitioner
input, guiding the Law Society on identifying issues, generating content and a wide variety of events,
to ensure the engagement programme is both relevant and practical.
The Section takes guidance from both the Section Advisory committee and the wider membership
through surveys, on-line discussions groups and events, etc.
The committee is keen to engage with the wider private client community and to hear from you, our
members, to assist us in shaping your Section. To give us your thoughts, seek our support or just to
connect, please get in touch at privateclientsection@lawsociety.org.uk.
Gary Rycroft,
chair of the Private Client Section Advisory Committee
3
Mission Statement
To provide our members with valuable support and relevant
information across a range of topics including: financial and tax
planning, elderly client, wills and probate, estate administration,
mental capacity, trusts, charities, family and relationships, and
contentious probate.
Tailored support for Private Client lawyers
The two budgets in 2015 have had significant implications for private client practitioners, from
legislative changes and issues ranging from cross border tax to HMRC disputes and the Inheritance
(Provision for Family and Dependants) Act. With longer life-spans and growing competition in the UK,
although there are potentially more clients there is also not only more legislation to keep on top of but
also more competition to manage.
Membership of the Private Client Section will give you the support you need to be prepared for market
change in private client law and practice, helping you to understand the implications for both you, your
business and consumers. We deliver expert analysis and practical guidance through magazines, enewsletters, face-to-face networking events and topical webinars. Our website even provides an
online database of private client law content, making your membership go even further.
4
1. Events
Conferences
Regional Seminars
Seminars
To assist the communication of member support from the Law
Society and the Private Client Section we have created this
programme of engagement for our members. The programme
seeks to:
 address leadership, regulatory developments and legal
management through a series of events, member support
activities and research
 support, promote and represent private client lawyers by
providing opportunities to share and develop best practice,
to exchange ideas and experiences and to learn from
peers
 provide opportunities for private client lawyers to influence
2. Member Support
E-newsletters
Spotlight
LinkedIn group
PS Magazine
Webinars
5
 promote private client lawyers
 help the Law Society to understand and represent private
client lawyers better.
1. Events
Over the next year the Section will host a range of events on issues that matter to
private client lawyers. Details of these events will be published on our website:
communities.lawsociety.org.uk/private-client/events
Membership of the Section includes free access to the Private Client Section
regional seminars and the podcast recordings of these events as well as discount on
the Private Client Section London conferences.

Regional Seminars: Elderly client update
Regional
Seminars














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





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

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


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
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When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 10 February 2016, London
Wednesday 17 February 2016, Manchester
Wednesday 24 February 2016, Birmingham
The University of Law , 2 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HJ
Birmingham City University, City North Campus, Birmingham B42 2SU
These regional evening seminars have been designed to provide private client
solicitors with a comprehensive review of current private client issues, focusing on
best practice and how practitioners can avoid problems and pitfalls. They cover a
range of market relevant topics to provide practical support for the busy private client
solicitor and are conducted by lecturers who are acknowledged experts in their
fields.
The precise content of this session will be contingent on developments in this field
over the next few months, but will likely include:
 assessment of care needs under the Care Act 2014 – what to consider
 top up payments- what clients need to know
 Mental Capacity Act 2005 – round-up of recent decisions and developments.
Speaker: Helen Clarke
Helen Clarke is a solicitor and past chair of the Law Society Wills and Equity
committee. She represents the Private Client Section on the Law Society Council.
She is an acknowledged authoritative lecturer and in-house trainer on wills, probate,
the Mental Capacity Act 2015 and elderly client issues
Why attend?





give your clients the best service possible linked to current legislation and trends
avoid costly common errors and keep on the right side of the regulators
maintain your ongoing continuous professional development with relevant training
keep a step ahead of the competition with the latest market insight
network with peers to share best practice
6
Conference
Cross border conference
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 3 March 2016
Early booking fee before 2 February 2016
£250 + VAT for Section members,
This year’s conference will particularly focus on the Brussels IV regulation,
which came into effect from the 17 August 2015. The full-day programme
comprises expert speakers from various jurisdictions covering:




cross border issues for English law and across Europe
impact of European succession - UK and European perspectives
offshore tax planning in the current climate
contested probate
Panel discussions, plenary sessions and networking with expert leading
practitioners will give you an interactive and experience-driven learning
opportunity in order to grasp the growing and changing trends in
international private client work, including the impact of the Brussels IV
regulation.
Breakout sessions will offer tailored learning, with input from various lawyers
from foreign jurisdictions. The workshop speakers will look at the impact of
the Brussels IV enforced regulation and what it will mean for you and your
firm. The conference concludes with a drinks reception where you can
network.
7
Regional
Seminars
Regional Seminars: IHT and death: A tax update
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 14 April 2016, London
Wednesday 20 April 2016, Manchester
Wednesday 27 April 2016, Birmingham
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
The University of Law, 2 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HJ
Birmingham City University, City North Campus, Birmingham, B42 2SU
These regional evening seminars have been designed by the Private Client Section
advisory committee and the Law Society to provide private client solicitors with a
comprehensive review of current private client issues, focusing on best practice and
how practitioners can avoid problems and pitfalls. They cover a range of marketrelevant topics to provided practical support for the busy private client solicitor and
are conducted by lecturers who are acknowledged experts in their fields.
The precise content may vary depending on developments over the next few months
but is likely to include:
 the transferrable and residential nil rate bands – where are we now and what do
we do with them
 the death of pilot trusts
 the rise of pension and ISA IHT planning
Speaker: Eason Rajah QC
Eason Rajah was called to the Bar in 1989 and took silk in 2011. He was called to
the Malaysian Bar in 1991. Eason's practice includes domestic, offshore and crossborder trust and will disputes, related tax and professional negligence issues,
drafting, structuring and advising on trusts, succession planning and tax Eason is
Hon. Secretary to the Chancery Bar Association, editor of Mellows Taxation of
Executors and Trustees and a member of the STEP central London committee. He
has been recognised in the leading legal directories for many years and was
shortlisted for the 2015 Legal 500 Private Client: Trusts and Probate Silk of the Year
award and also the Chambers UK 2014 Chancery Silk of the Year award
Why attend?





give your clients the best service possible linked to current legislation and trends
avoid costly common errors and keep on the right side of the regulators
maintain your ongoing continuous professional development with relevant training
keep a step ahead of the competition with the latest market insight
network with peers to share best practice
8
Regional
Seminars
Regional Seminars: Riding the HMRC rollercoaster
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 12 May 2016, London
Wednesday 18 May 2016, Birmingham
Wednesday 25 May 2016, Manchester
The University of Law, 2 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HJ
comprehensive review of current private client issues, focusing on best practice and
how practitioners can avoid problems and pitfalls. They cover a range of marketrelevant topics to provided practical support for the busy private client solicitor and
are conducted by lecturers who are acknowledged experts in their fields.
Speakers: Lisa Vanderheide and Karmjit Mader of BDO LLP
Lisa Vanderheide and Karmjit Mader will give a general update on Her Majesty's
Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and then look at how and why HMRC open
enquiries and how best to deal with them. This will include managing HMRC
information requests, advice on HMRC meetings, negotiation and settlement of
enquiries. They will also discuss the options when agreement cannot be reached
with HMRC; including a number of “war stories” at various (relevant) stages of the
presentation based on cases that we have dealt with.
Lisa Vanderheide is a senior tax manager in the BDO LLP Tax Dispute Resolutions
team. Lisa trained as an inspector with HMRC and spent several years as an
investigator including three years in the London Specialist Investigations team. Lisa
recently joined BDO LLP from a big 4 firm. Lisa specialises in HMRC enquiries into
tax avoidance and has experience of dealing with HMRC on both corporate and
personal tax enquiries.
Karmjit Mader is a senior tax manager at BDO LLP. Karmjit specialises in managing
HMRC enquiries, investigations and disclosures with a private client focus. Karmjit
has a varied portfolio and has assisted numerous clients to regularise their offshore
and onshore tax position with HMRC.
Why attend?
Attending these seminars will help you feel confident that you are:
 giving your clients the best service possible linked to current legislation and
trends
 avoiding costly common errors and keeping on the right side of the regulators
 maintaining your ongoing continuous professional development with relevant
training
 keeping a step ahead of the competition with the latest market insight
 networking with peers to share best practice
9
Regional
Seminars
Regional Seminars: Recent developments in private client
practice
When:
Wednesday 21 September 2016, Manchester
Wednesday 28 September 2016, London
Thursday 29 September 2016, Birmingham
Tuesday 11 October 2016, Cardiff
Thursday 13 October, Exeter
Venue: The University of Law, 2 New York Street, Manchester, M1 4HJ
The Law Society, 5th Floor, Capital Tower , Greyfriars Road, Cardiff CF10 3AG
Exeter venue TBC
Cost:
comprehensive review of current private client issues, focusing on best practice and how
practitioners can avoid problems and pitfalls. They cover a range of marketrelevant
topics to provided practical support for the busy private client solicitor and are conducted
by lecturers who are acknowledged experts in their fields.
Speaker: Professor Lesley King
Professor Lesley King, professional development consultant for the University of Law, is
co-author of Wills, Taxation and Administration: A Practical Guide; A Modern Approach to
Wills, Administration.
Why attend?
Attending these seminars will help you feel confident that you are:





giving your clients the best service possible linked to current legislation and trends
avoiding costly common errors and keeping on the right side of the regulators
maintaining your ongoing continuous professional development with relevant training
keeping a step ahead of the competition with the latest market insight
networking with peers to share best practice
The precise content may vary depending on developments over the next few months.
10
Annual
conference
Annual conference
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Friday 1 July 2016
Victoria Park Plaza, London
From £195
The 2016 Law Society Private Client Section annual conference will equip you
with the very latest thinking on private client work. A diverse range of expert
speakers sharing their expertise on a range of topics that are critical to private
client practitioners.
Annual
conference
Cross border conference
11
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Friday 14 October 2016
TBC
This conference will particularly focus the latest market legislative changes and
trends. It will include panel discussions, plenary sessions and networking with
expert leading practitioners to give you an interactive and experience-driven
learning opportunity in order to grasp the growing and changing trends in
international private client work.
2.Member Support
E-newsletter and Spotlight
The Private Client Section has a dedicated e-newsletter for its members. As part of your Section
membership, you will receive regular e-newsletters, with recent private client news, selected cases
and legislation provided by LexisNexis, and commentary on developments in the field by Lesley King
LinkedIn group
The Private Client Section enables members to
share news, features, events and other relevant
activities in a private environment. Increase your
private client legal network and join our LinkedIn
group. Keep an eye out for more information soon.
PS Magazine
Our bi-monthly PS magazine focuses on the issues that matter in private client practice through
features, commentary and updates from leading practitioners. 'Back to Basics' is a practical feature
that deals with one key issue in extensive practical detail. Members can acquire up to 12 hours of CPD
per year through the multiple choice quiz in each edition.
Here are some examples of our previous editions
12
Webinars
Section members benefit from free access to four topical webinars per year,
access to all previous recordings and 20% discount on other relevant Law Society
webinars.
Webinar
Inheritance Tax and residential property
When:
Cost:
Thursday 21 January 2016
Speaker: Professor Lesley King. The aim of this webinar is to provide a general
update. Please keep an eye out on the Private Client Section events page for
more information.
Webinar
Brussels IV update
When:
Cost:
Thursday 7 April 2016
Speakers: Alberto Perez Cedillo, David Anderson, Alessia Paoletto, Brad
Westerfield, Veit Klinger. The webinar will focus on the Brussels IV regulation
which came into effect from the 17 August 2015 and cover the following
jurisdictions: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and USA.
Webinar
TBC
When:
Cost:
TBC
The aim of this webinar is to provide a general update. Please keep an eye out
on the Private Client Section events page for more information.
Webinar
TBC
When:
Cost:
TBC
The aim of this webinar is to provide a general update. Please keep an eye out
on the Private Client Section events page for more information.
Website
The Private Client Section website is a one-stop portal of information for the legal
community working in wills, probate, financial and tax planning, trusts, mental
capacity and estate administration. It contains practical guidance, news, research
and event details, we encourage you to use its search facility to provide quick
access to the latest news updates, to search for past articles or practice notes. To
access inclusive member only content, simply register and login.
13
lobbying
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to private client
lawyers, we regularly provide expert advice to regulators and policy
makers.
the
Society
more
The Section, with the support of the advisory committee, provides
private client community with a stronger voice within the Law
to ensure that we can represent this vital sector of the profession
effectively.
is
members have a
your
from the profession, including the Private Client Section advisory
committee. By joining any one of the Law Society’s committees,
real opportunity to shape future legislation and ensure it meets
needs.
Relevant committees for private client lawyers include:









EU Committee
Wills and Equity committee
.
14
needs:

compliance
via timely email updates for members of our risk and
compliance service.

o
o
o

Since 2010, we have worked with over 500 organisations on an ongoing basis to
help them understand their current risk profile and ensure they have what they
need to implement any required mitigating measures.
Key contact
compliance issues. She specialises in creating tailored compliance solutions and
interventions to help firms and in-house legal teams embed sound risk
systems.
15
Library
The Law Society library provides access to one of the most comprehensive printed
collections of law material in England and Wales, plus online access to many of the
major electronic legal commercial services including Lexis, Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
Our experienced law librarians can help you find the information you need. You do
not have to visit the library to use these services. Please call 020 7320 5946 or
email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
Our Lawdocs service can email, fax or post copies of most material within our
collection. We offer a standard or a premium service. Please email
All members are welcome to use the Reading Room and 113 restaurant and bar
whenever the building is open and the rooms are not in use for events.
events.
and
WIQs accreditation
Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme
The Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) provides a best
practice quality mark for wills and estate administration advice that consumers can
trust. The scheme design (PDF 147kb) is based on a Wills and Inheritance
Protocol (PDF 360kb) that sets client service standards to ensure transparency in
process, costs and communications. It outlines required practices for will drafting,
probate and estate administration to help address common risks, errors and
inconsistencies that a rise in delivering advice.
Who is membership for?
WIQS is designed for practices that are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors
Regulation Authority (SRA) and offer both wills and probate/estate administration
advice.
Practices applying for accreditation must demonstrate compliance with the Wills
and Inheritance Protocol and, where necessary can amend existing policies or draft
new ones to meet the requirements.
Why apply for WIQS accreditation?
Help prospective clients to make a confident and informed choice of local legal
practice. Show that you follow best practice procedures to meet the highest
standards of technical expertise and client service.
16
abroad
Access Scheme
abroad
or MEP
17
advice, support and service members want. The Council
has 100 seats, 61 for geographical constituencies and 39
for special interest groups and areas of practice.
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344
18
Property
Section
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/property
Committee
Property Executive Committee to ensure it is both relevant and timely.
Committee members meet six times a year to discuss key issues and
topics facing the residential and commercial property community.
Committee members help formulate Law Society policy and co-ordinate a
programme of events and commentary for the exclusive benefit of Section
members.
The Property Section is chaired by Ian White, an experienced commercial
property lawyer, and former managing partner and head of property at a
large Midlands law firm.
Myfanwy McDonagh is the Vice-Chair, a partner and head of residential
property at Furley Page LLP, a Legal 500 firm based in East Kent.
and
contribution.
Committee
member
Organisation
Role
Ian White
Myfanwy
McDonagh
Nick GurneyChampion
Mark Hughes
Law Society
Furley Page LLP
Chair, Property Section
Partner, Residential
Property
Head of Property
Warren Gordon
Michael Garson
Simon David
Gurney-Champion &
Co
Veale Wasbrough
Vizards LLP
Olswang LLP
Kagan Moss & Co
Thomas Legal Group
Nick Dell
Stone King LLP
Dennis Cameron
Law Society Council
Christopher Bean
Roger Buston
Louise Waugh
Gaby Hardwicke
Solicitors
Birkett Long
Northern Rock
Ian Ward
Philip Askew
Bond Dickinson
Stone King LLP
Mary Rose Millin
RadcliffesLeBrasseur
Head of Property
Head of Real Estate
Partner
Managing Partner
Senior Associate,
Commercial Property
Residential Conveyancing
Specialist
Partner and Director of
Business Development
Consultant Solicitor
Head of Customer Team in
Legal
Partner
Associate Solicitor, Private
Client Residential Property
Joint Head of Property
2
Foreword
Property Section 2015/2016
With the impact of a new SRA code in 2016, the
continued and escalating threat of transaction fraud and
changes to the tax and consumer landscapes in the
years to come it is now more important than ever to feel
confident in the provision of information, knowledge and
policy.
The Law Society's Property Section was setup in 2002 to support property lawyers in
their everyday practice. The goal of the Section is to supply the profession with timely
commentary, analysis, policy and events addressing the most topical, and relevant
subjects of the day. The Committee aims to provide a unique sounding board for the
profession, drawing on the Law Society's own policy makers, accreditation schemes
and research facilities to pull together a programme of real interest to conveyancers
and residential and non-residential practitioners.
To this end, the Committee would like to invite you to read our 2016 engagement
programme, promoting the Section's forthcoming plans for the year ahead and ask
you to get in touch with us to voice your thoughts or just to connect. We would be
delighted to hear from you at propertysection@lawsociety.org.uk.
Mission Statement
 to promote, develop the fields of land law, conveyancing and propertyrelated work and increase the effectiveness of solicitors.
 to provide benefits and services for the solicitors’ profession, and help
members of the Section obtain better access to services and information
provided by the Society.
 to encourage best practice, improved standards of work and service to
clients through publications, seminars, guidance, printed and electronic
media and by other appropriate means.
 to offer opportunities for contact, communication and information-sharing
amongst members of the Section on matters of common interest.
 to provide a medium for the views of members to be expressed within the
Law Society
Tailored support for property lawyers
The Law Society supports, promotes and represents solicitors across England and Wales so they can help
their clients. Residential and commercial property work accounts for more than half of legal practice in
1
England and Wales . Since 2011 activity in both the residential and non-residential markets has risen.
Residential
Between March 2015 and June 2015, residential sales volumes averaged 65,550 transactions per month
and it is evident that a post-2007 recovery has taken place. In London in particular, the total value of
residential property transacted has grown significantly since 2009, and for 2014 exceeded the pre-crash
level peak in 2007.
Non-Residential
The non-residential property market has largely mirrored the ups and downs of the residential market.. The
credit crunch effects from 2007 triggered a similar fall in transaction numbers in most parts of the UK as
was seen in the residential market. Since 2011, the trend in non-residential property transactions has been
generally rising across the UK. Although London has experienced higher growth in this sector, there was a
general higher rate of increase for non-residential transactions compared to residential transactions in
2014.
1
2
Law Society - Time of Change report (2014)
HM Revenue and Customs - Annual UK Property Transaction Statistics (30 June 2015)
4
1. Events
Workshops
Seminars
Conference
As a result of the growth within the sector the Property Section
has created this programme of engagement for members
working in all areas of property and conveyancing practice to.
The aim of this programme is to provide you with details of the
benefits of Section membership in the year ahead. The
programme seeks to:
 address policy, strategy, risk management, regulatory
developments, news and developments through a series of
events, member support activities and research
 support, promote and represent property practitioners by
providing opportunities to share and develop best practice,
to exchange ideas and experiences, to learn from peers,
and by providing research information
2. Member Support
 provide opportunities for property practitioners to influence
Consultations
 promote the profession
E-newsletters
 help the Law Society to understand and represent property
practitioners.
Property in Practice magazine
Introductions
LinkedIn group
Webinars
3. Research and
Consultation
Case studies
Best practice guides
Surveys
1. Events
matter to property law practitioners. Events will be held across England and
Wales. Details of these events will be published on our website:
communities.lawsociety.org.uk/property/events
Workshop
Fraud and dealing with it
When:
Venue:
Cost:
February 2 2016, 17:30 - 20:00, London
February 24 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Cardiff
Two more dates in June to be added
The Law Society, Capital Tower, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff, CF10 3AG
Free for section members or £75 for PC Holders
Dealing with fraud and managing risk will the focus of these workshops. The
sessions will be chaired and will take the form of a discussion and designed to
help shape the strategy of the Law Society Civil Litigation Committee going
forwards as we continue to work representing litigators.
The workshops will be chaired by Peter Rodd (Property Section Committee
member) and Nick Podd (who has over 20 years’ experience working in both
physical and data security within the military, and blue chip organisations in
retail, finance and the not-for-profit sectors. The Workshop will discuss and
develop initiatives based on collective experience and provide:





fraud prevention and best practice
reliable and relatable technology
recent case studies
effective business planning and transaction management
dependable information sources
This will be an opportunity to hear from a leading authority on fraud protection,
supported by members of the Law Society’s Property Section; to share your
own experiences, ideas and concerns to help shape our strategy, and leave
with a better understanding of how fraud operates and how to safeguard
yourself.
Book your place now:
London (2 Feb 2016)
Cardiff (24 Feb 2016)
June dates - please keep an eye on our events page for further details .
6
Seminar
The changing regulatory landscape: What you should
know
When:
Venue:
Cost:
17 May 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Newcastle
23 June 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Birmingham
30 June 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Manchester
25 August 2016, 17:30 - 20:00, London
21 September 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Manchester
12 October 2016, 15:30 - 18:00, Bristol
Bristol (TBC)
Manchester (TBC)
Newcastle (TBC)
Birmingham (TBC)
Cambridge (TBC)
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has been making and is proposing to
make a number of regulatory changes which particularly affect
conveyancers. All will be fully explained, topics to be covered include:
professional indemnity insurance, accountant’s reports, the separate
business rule, holding of client money and anticipated changes to the
Code of Conduct and Accounts Rules.
As a result of these changes to the regulatory landscape, the Property
Section will host a number of seminars aimed at addressing, in particular,
the following issues:











The giving and receiving of undertakings in conveyancing transactions
When is it safe give an undertaking?
Who should you accept an undertaking from and can you rely on it?
What can you do if an undertaking is not complied with?
The importance of the Certificate of Title
How does it fit in with the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook?
What are the new additions to the Council of Mortgage Lenders’
Handbook?
How do they help to avoid mortgage fraud?
The Land Registry and Property Fraud
The dangers of bogus solicitors firms
How can you spot them?
Members of the Property Executive Committee will be available at each
seminar.
For more information please telephone 020 7316 5700 or email
events@lawsociety.org.uk
Conference
The national property law conference
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 13 October 2016, 09:00 - 20:00
Victoria Park Plaza , 239 Vauxhall Bridge Rd, London SW1V 1EQ
Discounted for section members
Our flagship property conference will use a combination of plenary sessions and
focused breakout sessions to explore ideas and solutions that will help and
support you as you prepare for the future. We will also examine important
topical issues drawn across the residential and commercial sectors..
Previous topics and sessions have included residential conveyancing update,
commercial conveyancing update, managing risk, marketing and business
development strategies, cyber security and updates from the Property
Committee, and the Conveyancing Quality Scheme.
Attendance at the National Conference is discounted for Property Section
members.
For more information please
events@lawsociety.org.uk
telephone
020
7316
5700
or
email
8
2. Member Support
Consultations
ensures the voice of the property legal community is heard with key
including conveyancers, residential and non-residential lawyers,
government departments and non-governmental organisations to provide
robust and evidence-based consultation responses.
E-newsletter
The Property Section has a dedicated e-newsletter for lawyers working the
property sector. The newsletter is published ten times a year and includes
news, updates, features and events relevant to everyday practice.
Property in Practice magazine
The Property Section's flagship magazine, Property in Practice includes
features, comment and practical guidance on all areas of commercial and
residential property law, as well as related fields including planning,
surveying and land registration. It is published quarterly and offers 2 hours'
CPD per issue which can be obtained by taking an online quiz based on
the content of each issue.
Introductions
The Law Society has a wide range of member communities and can
facilitate commercial introductions between members. Members interested
in making introductions are encouraged to get in contact at
propertysection@lawsociety.org.uk
LinkedIn group
A LinkedIn group for Property lawyers to share news, features, events and
other relevant activities is in development. We encourage you to increase
your legal network and join the group at
Property Section LinkedIn Forum – Join Now
Webinars
Property Section Members get free access to four one-hour webinars per year and
discounts throughout the year on other Law Society webinars of interest to the
section.
Webinar
Property tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) update
When:
Cost:
Thursday 26 May 2016, 16:00 - 17:00
This webinar will cover the significant changes that have been made to the SDLT
regime, applying to both commercial and residential property. You will also receive
an update of recent changes to the deductibility of interest and Entrepreneurs'
Relief.
Presented by Nigel Popplewell, tax partner, Burges Salmon LLP; this webinar will
cover::






SDLT (additional rate, 15 per cent rate and commercial property)
An update on ATED
Interest deductibility
Entrepreneurs'' Relief
Wear and tear allowance
Relevant case law
Find out more and register for this webinar today
Webinar
Residential Property Update
When:
Cost:
Thursday 9 June 2016, 16:00 - 17:00
Obtaining consistency with searches, dealing with increasing regulation and the
demands of lenders are making the job of property lawyers increasingly complex.
This one-hour webinar examines the key changes to residential property law and
offers practical advice in an area where most negligence claims are made against
solicitors.
Presented by Russell Hewitson, enterprise fellow, Northumbria Law School,
Northumbria University; the session will cover:








The new Con29 and Con29O forms
Rent Smart Wales
Recent case law on a solicitor's liability
Duty of care when discharging a mortgage
Right to rent
Land Registry developments
CML Handbook updates
Fraudulent replies to enquiries
Find out more and register for this webinar today
10
Webinar
Enfranchisement: Back to basics / Extending leases and
Enfranchisement
When:
Cost:
September 2016
£45 - 20% discount to members of the Property Section
Please keep an eye out on the Property Section events page for more
information.
Webinar
Commercial Property Update
When:
Cost:
Thursday 8 September 2016
Please keep an eye out on the Property Section events page for more
information.
Website
The Property Section website is a one-stop portal of information for all property
lawyers and conveyancers. It contains practical guidance, news, research and event
details relevant to residential and non-residential practice. We want it to remain
relevant and useful so get in touch at propertysection@lawsociety.org.uk if
there is something missing or if you have any feedback.
3.Research and Consultation
We will be publishing a series of case studies, best practice guides and
surveys directly relevant to property lawyers. Some recent projects and
discussions include:

Compulsory Purchase: The Law Society responded to the
Department of Communities and Local Government technical
consultation on improvements to compulsory purchase processes.

Brownfield Land: The Law Society sought views on a proposed
definition of brown-field land suitable for new housing and the
criteria to be applied to define land suitable for new housing.

Mortgage Fraud: The Law Society is committed to assisting
solicitors in protecting themselves and their firms from being
exploited.

Conveyancing Panels: We continue to work on behalf of firms by
maintaining a regular and constructive dialogue with individual
lenders and the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Flood, Re: The Law Society discusses the proposed 'Flood Re'
scheme

Residential Property Management Services: The Law Society
discusses the Infrastructure Bill giving Land Registry wider powers
and the authority to take over the statutory function for holding and
maintaining a composite Local Land Charges Register (LLCR) for
England and Wales - including the provision of LLC searches.

Managing Agents and Landlords: The Law Society responded to
the Competition and Market Authority's consultation on issues in
relation to the provision of information (e.g. service charges) at the
point of sale and purchase of leasehold property.
12
lobbying
We represent our members by ensuring the voice of the profession is
heard by the right people - government, regulators, industry and
international jurisdiction.
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to property lawyers, we
We want to give the property community a stronger voice within the
Law Society so we can represent this vital section of the profession
more effectively.
Our lobbying is taken seriously and draft legislation is frequently
changed in response to our representations.
By joining one of these committees you have a real opportunity to
shape future legislation and ensure it meets your needs.
Relevant committees for property lawyers include:












EU Committee
International Issues Committee
needs:

Keep up-to-date with the latest developments within risk and compliance
via timely email updates for members of our risk and compliance service.

Receive thorough training on need-to-know principles and processes such
as
o
o
o

Key contact
compliance issues. She specialises in creating tailored compliance solutions
and interventions to help firms and in-house legal teams embed sound risk
systems.
14
Library
Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
You do not have to visit the library to use these services. Please call 020
7320 5946 or email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
All members are welcome to use the Reading Room and 113
restaurant and bar whenever the building is open and the rooms are
not in use for events.
events.
Access Scheme
abroad
MEP
and society
16
areas of practice.
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344
In-house
www.lawsociety.org.uk/in-house
In-house Division
Engagement
programme
Engagement
September 2015 - October 2016
Programme
In-house
Committee
This programme of engagement was created in close consultation with the Inhouse Lawyers Division Committee to ensure it is relevant and timely.
Committee members are scheduled to meet up to four times a year to discuss the
key issues facing the in-house legal community. The committee advises how the
Law Society can best support its members who work as in-house lawyers.
The In-house Lawyers Division Committee is chaired by Sapna Bedi FitzGerald,
legal services director and company secretary at LSL Property Services plc.
Stephen O’Brien, lawyer from the Employment Group at the Government Legal
Department is the vice-chair.
The Law Society thanks all of the committee members, whose details are included
below, for their time, commitment and contribution.
For more information on the Law Society please refer to page 15.
2
Committee member
Organisation
Role
Clare Belcher
Travelex Limited
Head of Legal, Global Business
Development & EMEIA Region
Peter Clark
Oxfordshire County Council
County Solicitor and Monitoring
Officer
Sue Dauncey
Avon and Somerset
Constabulary
Director of Legal Services and
General Counsel
Sapna Bedi FitzGerald
LSL Property Services plc
Legal Services Director and
Company Secretary (chair)
Trevor Goodman
Legg Mason
Head of Legal EMEA
Dennis Hall
Gateshead Council
Commercial Manager and
Solicitor
Donna Harris
Aviva plc
General Counsel, Real Estate
Matthew Heath
Fidelity Worldwide
Investment
Head of UK Legal Services
Eleanor Hoggart
Lincolnshire Council
Head of Legal
Jane Mars
West Kent Housing
Association
Solicitor and Legal Manager
Stephen O’Brien
Government Legal
Department
Lawyer, Employment Group
(vice-chair)
Emily O’Neill
Spectris
IP and Litigation Counsel
Dominic Pickersgill
Institute of Engineering &
Technology
General Counsel
Kavita Savani
Financial Ombudsman
Service
Legal Counsel
Helen Shay
University of York
In-house Solicitor
Richard Somerville
Electricity North West
Head of Legal
Foreword
In-house Lawyers Division 2015/2016
The committee was established in 2015 to promote best
practice and address current issues and challenges facing
the in-house legal community.
This is an exciting year for the division as the committee commences work with the
Law Society to ensure the products and services delivered are relevant to our diverse
in-house membership.
With this in mind, the committee is keen to engage with the wider in-house
community and to hear from you, our members, to assist us in shaping your division.
Please get in touch at inhouse@lawsociety.org.uk to give us your thoughts, to seek
our support or just to connect.
Sapna Bedi FitzGerald
Chair, In-house Lawyers Division Committee
3
In-house
Mission statement
21%
in-house
lawyers
2014
To bring in-house lawyers together to share best
practice and address current issues and challenges
in a supportive environment.
Tailored support for in-house
lawyers
The Law Society supports, promotes and represents solicitors across England and
Wales so they can help their clients. In-house lawyers are growing in number and
influence both within their own organisations and across the legal sector. The
chart below shows the number of in-house lawyers has significantly increased
since 1999, representing 21 per cent of the profession in 2014. Numbers for 2015
will be made available in early 2016.
In-house Share of Employed Solicitors
with In-house Levels by Employer Type
15%
15%
20%
21%
2009
2014
25,000
20,000
15%
in-house
lawyers
2004
4
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
1999
2004
Commercial Industry
Government
Other
Source: The Law Society - Trends in the solicitors’ profession - Annual Statistics Report 2014
1. Events
Committee presentations
Conferences
Seminars / roundtables
Workshops
As a result of the growth within the sector the Law Society’s In-house Lawyers
Division has created a programme of engagement for members working in the
corporate and public sectors along with not-for-profit organisations and charities.
• a
ddress leadership and strategy, risk management, regulatory developments
and legal management through a series of events, member support activities
and research
•
support, promote and represent in-house lawyers by providing opportunities to
share and develop best practice, to exchange ideas and experiences, to learn
from peers, and by providing research information
• p
rovide opportunities for in-house lawyers to influence the overall direction of
the legal sector
• promote the in-house profession
• help the Law Society to understand and represent in-house lawyers better.
2. Member Support
Consultations
E-Newsletter
InsideOut magazine
Introductions
Lexology update
LinkedIn group
Webinars
Website
Leadership and strategy
Risk management
Regulatory developments
Legal management
3. Research
Best practice
Case studies
Surveys
5
In-house
1. Events
matter to in-house lawyers. Events will be held across England and Wales. Details
of these events will be published on our website:
Event
London launch and committee presentation
When: Thursday 17 September 2015, 17:30 - 20:30
Venue: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL
Cost: No charge
Jonathan Smithers, president of the Law Society, will introduce and present the
In-house Lawyers Division Committee. Attendees will hear from Lord ClementJones CBE, solicitor and life peer who has led the legal functions at Kingfisher,
Grand Metropolitan Retailing and London Weekend Television. He will look
at lessons to be drawn from the business regulation policies of the previous
government, and examine some of the key business-relevant themes of the
current government. Sapna Bedi FitzGerald, chair of the In-house Lawyers
Division Committee and legal services director and company secretary, LSL
Property Services plc; Trevor Goodman, head of legal EMEA, Legg Mason; and
Stephen O’Brien, vice-chair of the committee and lawyer from the Employment
Group, Government Legal Department will talk about the in-house engagement
plan for the year ahead, and discuss the issues and challenges affecting their
diverse working environments. A Q&A session will follow.
Event
Leeds launch and committee presentation
When: Wednesday 23 September 2015, 17:30 - 20:30
Venue: Addleshaw Goddard, Sovereign House, Sovereign Street, Leeds, LS1 1HQ
Cost:
No charge
Robert Bourns, vice president of the Law Society, will introduce and present the
In-house Lawyers Division Committee. Sapna Bedi FitzGerald, chair of the
In-house Lawyers Division Committee and legal services director and company
secretary, LSL Property Services plc; Donna Harris, general counsel, Real Estate,
Aviva; and Richard Somerville, head of legal, Electricity North West will talk about
the in-house engagement plan for the year ahead, and discuss the issues and
challenges affecting their diverse working environments. A Q&A session will follow.
Event
How Asda has revolutionised the way it handles contracts
Cost:
No charge
In-house legal teams are feeling the increasing pressure of doing more with less.
Traditionally, in-house lawyers have looked to human resource based solutions to
meet the challenge of higher workloads. Outsourcing, offshoring and other methods
of using lower cost lawyers has been the standard approach to the ‘more with less’
challenge. Alistair Maiden, senior commercial lawyer, Asda, will talk about how their
dedicated contracts team’s sophisticated programme has increased contracting
efficiency, improved risk management and quality of contracts, as well as reduced
costs. Attendees will learn how advanced technology can offer a comprehensive
way for in-house lawyers to tackle the challenge of increasing workloads.
6
Workshop
Changing career direction
When: Tuesday 20 October 2015, 17:30 - 20:30
Cost:
From £20 + VAT
This interactive workshop will provide practical tips for those considering a
change in career direction. It will demonstrate that changing direction in a legal
career is possible and will equip you with practical ‘how-tos’ to get you started.
Moving from private practice to in-house and vice-versa; changing area of legal
specialisation; portfolio careers, including non-executive director posts are some
of the themes that will be explored.
Event
Pro bono
When: Tuesday 1 December 2015, 17:30 - 20:30
Venue: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL|
Cost:
No charge
Martin Barnes, CEO of LawWorks; Dr Deborah Prince, general counsel and
company secretary of The British Heart Foundation; Graham Vinter, former
general counsel of BG Group plc; and Tom Dunn, pro bono director of Clifford
Chance LLP will present and discuss the business case for pro bono. The
difference in-house lawyers can make, ways that lawyers can support large or
small charities, and competing demands both on a company’s lawyers’ time and
CSR priorities will be covered by leaders in the pro bono field.
Workshop
In-house soft skills
When: Thursday 10 December 2015, 17:30 - 20:30
Venue: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL|
Cost:
From £20 + VAT
This workshop will examine the challenges faced by in-house lawyers and
suggest practical top tips for enhanced performance, increased efficiency and
greater effectiveness.
Event
In-house - a legal career
When: Wednesday 10 February 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
Cost:
No charge
This seminar is aimed at all in-house lawyers to help them plan their in-house
career. It will include insights from experts in the corporate sector, public sector,
and not-for-profit organisations and charities on mentoring and coaching, how
to be a successful new head of legal and general counsel, and becoming a
portfolio director.
7
In-house
Workshop
When: Thursday 17 March 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
Cost:
From £20 + VAT
Event
In-house annual conference
When: Thursday 28 April 2016, 10:00 - 18:00
Cost:
from £250 + VAT
This is the division’s flagship event. If you want to learn, network and connect
with the best of the best in-house, then you should attend. The in-house annual
conference brings together top in-house legal talent in England and Wales.
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in plenary and break-out sessions on
the issues facing in-house lawyers and how to get the most out of your
in-house career.
Workshop
When: Thursday 16 June 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
Cost:
From £20 + VAT
Event
In-house counsel - a trusted business adviser
When: Wednesday 6 July 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
Cost:
No charge
This seminar will include insights from experts in the corporate sector,
public sector, and not-for-profit organisations and charities on effective
communications. Presenting to boards and communicating with internal clients,
relationships with business peers, negotiation skills, getting to grip with the
numbers, multi-client environments and potential conflicts will all be covered.
8
Workshop
Cost:
From £20 + VAT
Event
Doing more for less - demonstrating value
When: Thursday 20 October 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
Cost:
No charge
Increasingly in-house teams are being asked to do more with less. This seminar
will include insights from experts in the corporate sector, public sector, and
not-for-profit organisations and charities on how to demonstrate the value of
the in-house legal function. Technology strategies, innovation and creativity,
adapting services to client needs, managing the legal function as a business,
and managing external law firms are all on the agenda.
9
In-house
2. Member support
Consultations
The Law Society develops policy on proposals to change the law and ensures
the voice of the in-house legal community is heard with key decision-makers.
The Society seeks input from a variety of sources, including in-house lawyers,
government departments and non-governmental organisations to provide robust
and evidence-based consultation responses. The division, with the support of the
committee, will be the voice of the in-house sector in this process.
E-newsletter - In-house forum
The Law Society has a dedicated e-newsletter for lawyers working in-house. Our
e-newsletter includes updates on the In-house Lawyers Division Committee, news,
features, events and activities relevant to our in-house members. Issues will be
available and emailed to members in October and December 2015, March, May,
July and October 2016.
InsideOut magazine
The In-house Lawyers Division’s e-magazine, InsideOut, was launched in
November 2014. Available online quarterly, it features hot topics affecting inhouse members working across the public, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
It provides practical information and guidance on issues such as leadership,
alternative business structures (ABSs) and how to plan for a successful in-house
legal career.
Introductions
The Law Society has a wide range of member communities and can facilitate
commercial introductions between members. Members interested in making
introductions are encouraged to get in contact via inhouse@lawsociety.org.uk.
Lexology update
The Law Society, partnering with Lexology, distributes an innovative daily
newsfeed, providing corporate members with essential, global market intelligence.
The In-house Lawyers Division newsstand is specifically tailored to reflect industry
practice areas, along with other relevant work areas identified by our Research
team. You can personalise your subscription to reflect your industry, sector and/or
other interests, and define how often you receive it.
LinkedIn group
A LinkedIn group for in-house lawyers to share news, features, events and other
relevant activities is in development. We encourage you to increase your in-house
legal network and join the group. Keep an eye out for more information soon.
10
Webinars
Webinar
ABSs - ways to source legal advice
When: w/c 2 November 2015
Cost:
£45 + VAT
Converting to an ABS could be a sound strategic move for firms still looking for a
long-term viable model.
Webinar
Regulatory framework and changes
When: w/c 18 January 2016
Cost:
£45 + VAT
Unnecessary regulatory restrictions on in-house lawyers have the potential to
impose costs and red tape, frustrate innovation and adversely affect access to
justice. It is important that any restrictions can be clearly justified.
Webinar
Legal professional privilege - UK vs Europe
When: w/c 23 May 2016
Cost:
£45 + VAT
UK solicitors operate differently from their counterparts in Europe. It is important
that European law-makers understand this critical distinction and that UK
in-house lawyers maintain their independent status as external advisers.
Webinar
Law department strategy setting
When: w/c 19 September 2016
Cost:
£45 + VAT
Is your strategy clear and practical? Have you linked your strategy with your
business priorities? Have you got governance structures to monitor progress?
Are you continually measuring, testing and adapting your strategy? These are
just some of the questions that will be answered at this informative webinar.
Website
The In-house Lawyers Division website is a one-stop portal of information for
in-house lawyers. It contains practical guidance, news, research and event details
for in-house lawyers, whatever type of law or sector you work in. We want it to
remain relevant and useful so get in touch at inhouse@lawsociety.org.uk if there is
something missing or if you have any feedback.
11
In-house
3. Research
We will be publishing a series of case studies, best practice guides and surveys
directly relevant to in-house lawyers. Some topics include:
• KPIs: to measure performance of the legal team
• Global teams: culture management and global complexity
• C
ompetency: what the new regime means for in-house lawyers and heads of
department
• M
aintaining independence: solutions to particular challenges faced by in-house
lawyers
• M
anaging legal departments: working with external advisers and the profile of
in-house departments.
lobbying
The Law Society represents members by ensuring the voice of the profession is heard
by the right people - government, regulators, industry and in international jurisdictions.
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to in-house lawyers, we regularly
provide expert advice to regulators and policy makers.
The division, with the support of the committee, will give the in-house community
a stronger voice within the Law Society to ensure that we can represent this vital
section of the profession more effectively.
The Law Society’s lobbying is taken seriously and draft legislation is frequently
changed in response to our representations.
Policy is formed by expert committees whose members are drawn from the
profession, including the In-house Lawyers Division.
By joining any one of the Law Society’s committees, members have a real
opportunity to shape future legislation and ensure it meets your needs.
Relevant committees for in-house lawyers include:
• Civil Justice Committee
• Company Law Committee (and sub-committees)
• Employment Law Committee
• EU Committee
• Intellectual Property Law Working Party
• International Issues Committee
• Money Laundering Task Force
• Planning and Environmental Law Committee
• Tax Law Committee (and sub-committees)
• Technology and Law Reference Group
• Education and Training
• Professional Standards and Ethics Committee
You can find out more information at www.lawsociety.org.uk/governance. If you
are interested in getting involved, contact us at:
governanceteam@lawsociety.org.uk.
12
Law Society Consulting in risk and compliance
Recognising the challenges and uncertainties brought by the rapidly evolving
regulatory landscape, the Law Society has developed a comprehensive risk and
compliance solution for organisations. The service is flexible and comprehensive
and helps organisations to establish their risk status, putting them in control.
The solution combines expert advice, supporting services and technology to give
tailored advice and assistance.
If you are uncertain about how compliant your policies and processes are, or would
like to discuss the support we provide in more detail, please contact:
Robert Morgan, business developer, Law Society Consulting
robert.morgan@lawsociety.org.uk or 020 7316 5743
Library
• Enquiry service
Our experienced law librarians can help you find the information you need. You
do not have to visit the library to use these services. Please call 0207 320 5946 or
email library@lawsociety.org.uk
• Document supply
13
In-house
Lexcel for in-house teams
Designed specifically for the legal sector, Lexcel is the Law Society’s standard
for excellence in legal practice management and client care. It provides a
flexible, supportive framework to help in-house legal teams enhance the service
they provide to the wider organisation and in some instances external clients.
This includes developing consistent operational efficiencies and client service,
managing risk effectively, reducing costs and promoting profitability.
Lexcel defines quality management procedures in seven areas: strategy, financial
management, information management, people management, risk management,
client care, and file and case management.
As well as helping in-house legal teams to improve the way they operate, the
Lexcel Standard also helps general counsel to demonstrate their value and quality
to the rest of the business.
Assessment against the updated version of the standard, Lexcel England and Wales
(v6) came into effect from 1 May 2015. A version has been specifically produced
for in-house legal departments which reflects the operational differences in
implementing the standard, compared with private practice law firms.
Download the standard for in-house legal practices and information on how to
apply at www.lawsociety.org.uk/lexcel
events.
14
everyone’s right to have access to justice.
• p
roviding targeted support, advice and guidance on areas of practice and
management
• growing and supporting the market for solicitors at home and abroad
• h
elping to maintain the reputation of England and Wales as the jurisdiction of
• campaigning on legal issues important to members and the public.
• providing practice notes and guidance on issues important to members
• giving advice through the library and helpline
• running accreditation schemes to support and demonstrate effective practice
• creating communities of members based on areas of law and demographics
• s upporting those who find it difficult to enter the profession through the
Diversity Access Scheme
• offering consultancy services for members who want more detailed help
• assisting members who wish to practise abroad.
• internationally working to open and grow markets for English and Welsh law
• p
roviding Find a Solicitor - the website enables consumers and businesses to
• increasing awareness of the benefits of using a solicitor and promoting Find a
• h
osting the annual Excellence Awards which highlight and celebrate
•
campaigning on the rule of law, human rights, access to justice and regulation;
including lobbying in Brussels, Westminster, Cardiff and the media
•
working with international legal bodies to position the Law Society as a
thought-leader on global legal issues
• intervening in cases where solicitors and the law are under threat in the UK
and abroad
• h
elping members to represent key issues impacting the profession to their MP
or MEP
• u
sing the law to challenge changes which will impact negatively on the
• championing and facilitating pro bono work.
15
In-house
around 30 per cent of this fee to support, represent
The Law Society Council governs the Law Society’s work.
Council members are elected to represent members
from England and Wales, different demographic groups
and parts of the profession. The Law Society harness
the knowledge of the Council members and around 300
volunteers to deliver the advice, support and service
members want. The Council has 100 seats, 61 for
geographical constituencies and 39 for special interest
groups and areas of practice.
For more information please visit www.lawsociety.org.uk
113 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1PL Dx 56 Lon/Chancery Ln
Designed by Blackberry. August 2015
Junior Lawyers
Division
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/juniorlawyers
Committee
Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) executive committee members, who are
themselves all junior lawyers, volunteer to serve a two year term. During
that time they meet regularly to discuss key issues facing junior lawyers
and how best to support and represent them as well as hosting and
attending events and undertaking activities on behalf of the JLD. The JLD
is supported by three Law Society Council members whose role is to
represent junior lawyers on the Law Society Council.
You
The Law Society thanks all of the committee and Council members, whose
details are included below, for their time, commitment and contribution.
can view committee members’ profiles on the JLD website
Committee
member
Committee Role
Status
Leanne Maund
JLD committee chair
Bryan Scant
JLD committee vice chair
Matthew Allan
Law Society Council
member for LPC students
and trainee
Student representative on
the JLD executive
committee
Executive committee
member
Executive committee
member
Solicitor, Nottingham
(private practice)
Solicitor, Bournemouth
(private practice)
Part time LPC student
and paralegal, London
Nikhil Bowry
Amy Clowrey
Adele EdwinLamerton
Beth Forrester
Ben Fraser
Kayleigh Leonie
Charlotte
Parkinson
Jonathan Smith
Brogan
Solomon
Law Society Council
member for solicitors 0-5
years PQE
Executive committee
member
Law Society Council
member for solicitors 0-5
years PQE
Executive committee
member
Executive committee
member
Executive committee
member
LPC graduate/paralegal,
Leicester
Solicitor, Yorkshire
(private practice)
Solicitor, London
(private practice)
Solicitor, London
(in-house/public sector)
Solicitor, Liverpool
(private practice)
Solicitor, London
(private practice)
LPC graduate
/paralegal, Yorkshire
Solicitor, Newcastle
(private practice)
Solicitor, London
(private practice)
2
Foreword
Junior Lawyers Division 2015/16
to overcome an
Law is a rewarding career and junior lawyers
working across the spectrum, from legal aid to
magic circle firms and the employed sector,
enjoy and value the profession they have
chosen. However, the profession continues to
be competitive with many junior lawyers
struggling to progress. On entering the
profession, whether it be obtaining a training
contract or qualification by other means,
managing high levels of debt, or qualifying
into their preferred area of law there are many
challenges. Once qualified there are still barriers
to overcome.
Partnership may no longer be seen as the
ultimate career goal, working in-house has
become more popular, and the pressure on
solicitors at a junior level to contribute to the
business in which they work above and beyond
mere
legal
work
through
business
development
initiatives
has
increased
dramatically.
Further,
barriers
to
social
mobility, equality and diversity remain at all levels
of the profession. In addition to this, junior lawyers continue to face the removal of certain protections such
as the abolition of the trainee minimum salary and drastic proposals to change the routes to qualification as
a solicitor, which threaten to remove the regulation of the practical training given to aspiring solicitors within
their workplace.
The JLD is always looking for active participation. If you are a junior lawyer and have ideas and the drive to
see them turned into action, why not get involved with the JLD at a local or national level? The JLD
committee has seats open for elections each year. By joining the committee or attending our events you
could help shape the future of the profession.
The JLD is all about its members and their needs, to enable the JLD committee to better represent you, we
want to hear from you. Please get in touch at juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk to give us your thoughts,
to seek our support or just to connect
Leanne Maund, chair of the Junior Lawyers Division Committee
Mission Statement
To represent, support and provide services to junior lawyers at the
start of their careers to help them to develop, progress and diversify
within the legal profession.
Who we are
The JLD is a division of the Law Society of England and Wales. The division, which has a committee with
an independent voice, was established in 2008 to support:
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LPC students
LPC graduates
trainee solicitors
solicitors up to five years qualified
The JLD is one of the largest communities within the Law Society with approximately 70,000 plus
members. Membership of the JLD is free and automatic for those within its membership group.
What we do
The JLD provides members with an opportunity to:
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network and connect with other junior lawyers
discuss issues of concern
benefit from training, advice and career guidance
ensure their views are heard
contribute to JLD campaigns, lobbying activities and consultations
Tailored support for junior lawyers
To address the diverse needs of the junior members of the profession the JLD has created a programme
of engagement for all sectors of its membership – from LPC students looking for training positions to
solicitors settling into their chosen area of practice. The programme seeks to:
 provide career advice and guidance and personal skill development through a series of events and
member support activities and services
 support, promote and represent junior lawyers by providing opportunities to share and develop best
practice, to exchange ideas and experiences, to learn from peers, and by providing research
information
 provide opportunities for junior lawyers to influence the overall direction of the legal sector and the
future of the profession
 provide greater protection for junior lawyers in the work environment
 help the Law Society to understand and represent junior lawyers better
 continue to develop links with external legal organisations, both here and abroad, to learn from and to
further promote the JLD, the solicitors’ profession and England and Wales as a jurisdiction of choice.
4
1. Events
Forums: free skills days
International Weekend
Conference & Ball
Awards and competitions
To assist the communication of member support from the Law
Society and the Junior Lawyers Division we have created this
programme of engagement for our members. The programme
seeks to:
 address leadership, regulatory developments and legal
management through a series of events and member
support activities
 support, promote and represent junior lawyers by providing
opportunities to share and develop best practice, to
exchange ideas and experiences and to learn from peers
 provide opportunities for junior lawyers to influence the
overall direction of the legal sector
 promote junior lawyers
 help the Law Society to understand and represent junior
lawyers better.
2. Member Support
E-newsletters
LinkedIn group
Webinars
Career guidance
1. Events
Throughout the year the JLD aims to cater for its diverse and vibrant membership
through its free one day skills forums and annual conference. Details of these events
are published on our website:
communities.lawsociety.org.uk/junior-lawyers/events
Forum: Career development and skills for junior lawyers
Forum
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When:
Venue:
Cost:
Saturday 27 February, Nottingham, 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 17 September, London, timings TBC
Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University, Chaucer
Building, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LT
Free for division members
These free one day skills event are aimed at trainees, newly qualified solicitors
(NQs) and solicitors up to 5 years' PQE. They are intended to equip those who
are at the start of their careers with skills and advice necessary to progress
within the law and the working environment. We invite delegates to join us for
presentations, discussion and activities designed to be of value and assistance
with speakers who are highly regarded and experienced in their field. Individual
CV advisory clinics are also held throughout the day.
Typical forum sessions include some of the following topics:
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social media for solicitors and developing your personal brand
moving in- house – what to expect and how to prepare
application and interview advice
achieving your career goals
commercial awareness
developing your specialism and changing practice area
public speaking and advocacy
networking and business development
an insight into the jobs market for junior lawyers
current trends in the work place and what organisations are looking for in
junior lawyers
 time management and maximising productivity
Book your free place on the February forum
6
Forum
Forum: helping you to secure a training position
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Saturday 5 March, Newcastle, 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday 8 October, London, timings TBC
Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus, 2 Ellison Pl,
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 8ST
Free for division members
These free one day skills events are aimed at LPC students and LPC
graduates to assist them in their search for a training position. We invite
delegates to join us for presentations, discussion and activities designed
to be of value and assistance with speakers who are highly regarded
and experienced in their field. Individual CV advisory clinics are also
held throughout the day.
Typical forum sessions include some of the following topics:
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tips from current trainees on how they secured their training position
cv and application techniques and what organisations are looking for
understanding assessment centres in the recruitment process
how to stand out at interviews
working in-house;
other routes to qualification
networking and social media for aspiring lawyers
commercial awareness – what it is and how to get it
Book your free place on the March forum
Conference &
Ball
Annual conference and ball
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Saturday 16 April, 10:00 - 01:00
From £55
Offering a mix of keynote speeches and presentations, interactive group
session, practical breakout workshops and networking opportunities,
the JLD's annual conference and ball provides invaluable guidance on
taking control of your career.
Highlights include
 giving and receiving feedback: how to conduct effective feedback
conversations
 legal project management: dealing with client expectations, adding
value and standing out in your firm
 alternative legal career paths: private practice is not the only way
 interactive group sessions
 updates on major jld policy initiatives
Book your place now
International
weekend
International weekend 2016
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 22 - Saturday 24 September
Various venues in Central London
TBC
Once a year the JLD, the Young Barristers’ Committee, the European Young
Bar Association and the London Young Lawyers Group organise a two-day
training conference that is attended by young lawyers from the United
Kingdom, Europe, and North America. This is a great opportunity to further
your legal skills, share ideas with like-minded individuals and, most
importantly, start establishing your professional network.
For further details, when available, please keep an eye on our website.
8
2. Member Support
E-newsletter - Junior Lawyer Update
The JLD publishes a regular e-newsletter for junior lawyers – Junior Lawyer
Update. The e-newsletter, which has a circulation of over 65,000, includes
updates on news, features, events and activities relevant to junior lawyers.
You can subscribe here.
Policy developments and consultations
The JLD is proud of the policy work it has initiated and contributed to in
recent years and the range of consultations it has responded to on behalf of
its membership – not just on issues directly related to junior lawyers but
also on wider matters which may impact the furture career paths of junior
lawyers. The JLD updates its policy and campaigns manifesto regularly.
Social Media
The JLD LinkedIn page is updated regularly with articles of interest to the
junior profession. Members are free to comment and discuss topics of
interest to them. We also have an active presence on Facebook and Twitter.
Access the JLD social media sites on the JLD website homepage
Law Society Excellence Awards and LawWorks
Pro Bono Awards
Junior lawyers have their own category of award at both of these
ceremonies. The awards recognise the most outstanding junior
lawyers’ contributions to the profession and to pro bono work.
JLD Essay Competition
This 2,000-word essay competition gives the JLD’s student and trainee
members the chance to compete for prize money, as well as honing their
drafting skills on a subject which is topical, likely to engage the membership
and of professional relevance.
Working with and influencing others
Over the course of the JLD’s development it has forged links and working
connections with a range of legal bodies and organisations– both here and
internationally – which aim to strengthen the role of the JLD and promote the
Law Society. In addition, the JLD committee has also cultivated the support
of high profile advocates in the profession, in particular the Lord Chief
Justice and the Master of the Rolls, by updating them on the work of the JLD
and the issues affecting the membership.
Exclusive benefits
The JLD membership benefits include a number of exclusively negotiated
products, services and discounts aimed specifically at junior lawyers. This
currently includes free access for trainees to Online Mentor, an online
training record management system, and JLD bespoke discount TM Lewin
vouchers, as well as special membership rates for many of the Law Society
Sections and events and publications.
CV clinics
At all JLD forums and the annual conference the JLD offers individual CV
advisory clinics to delegates seeking to update and tailor their CVs.
Press and media
The JLD is regularly approached by the national and legal press to comment
on matters affecting junior lawyers, particularly training and qualification
requirements for entry into the profession and the impact upon aspiring
lawyers and the JLD membership. These provide an excellent opportunity to
showcase the work of the JLD and also junior lawyers in general.
Regional junior lawyer groups
In the same way that the Law Society exists alongside local law societies,
local JLD groups exist all across the country. They run events ranging from
lectures to monthly meetings and social events, and offer an opportunity to
socialise with junior lawyers who work and live in the area. They can often
be a lifeline for trainees who may be alone in their firms, as well as giving
junior lawyers the chance to connect and build their professional networks.
Many groups are building contacts with other groups representing the junior
professions in their area.
10
Webinars
subjects of interest and on matters of relevance to you. Sign up to listen on the
day or access them later at your convenience. To find out more, ddetails of the
webinars will be published on our website: www.lawsociety.org.uk/juniorlawyers
Webinar
Stress and resilience
Cost:
Free for JLD members
Speaker Husnara Begum who runs her own recruitment and soft skills training
business offers skills training aimed to assist junior lawyers build resilience and
manage stress.
Webinar
Communication and assertiveness
Cost:
The aim of this webinar is to assist junior lawyers enhance their communication
and assertiveness skills.
Webinar
Mergers - a survival guide for junior lawyers
Cost:
This one hour webinar looks at the reasons why firms merge, assesses how the
process may affect you as an individual and offers practical advice on how to
respond to the situation in a positive way.
Webinar
Personal organisation and time management
Cost:
This webinar will look at improving your personal organisation and time
management skills.
Webinar
Effective team working, leadership and delegation
Cost:
This webinar is about soft skills training to assist junior lawyers develop effective
team working, leadership and delegation skills.
Webinar
Improve your presentation and public speaking skills
Cost:
This webinar is for those who are keen to holster their public speaking and
presentation skills.
Webinar
Networking and personal branding
Cost:
Networking is an important resource in building your career connections whilst
personal branding is vital to career enhancement.
Website
The Junior Lawyers Division's website is a source of information which tells you all
you need to know about becoming a solicitor and the issues facing junior members.
It includes information about legal career paths, mentoring schemes, national and
regional skills events and training materials. We welcome your suggestions and
contributions to the website, for example, articles, reviews, blogs, hints and tips. If
you would like to submit an item or send us your suggestions for additional website
content that junior lawyers would find helpful and informative, please email us
juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk
12
lobbying
JLD members face a range of issues. The JLD ensures that
members’ views are heard and campaigns bring about real change
to further members’ interests. The division’s members are the future of
the legal profession and therefore issues that affect them
potentially affect all solicitors.
The JLD focus for 2015-16 is as follows:
 representing current and future junior lawyers in relation to the SRA
proposal for a centralised assessment to qualify as a solicitor
 supporting solicitors up to five years PQE in their career and
progression
skills
 increasing engagement with our members across the whole of
England and Wales
Help shape the future of the profession
There are a number of ways junior lawyers can get involved and help
influence the future of the profession, either at national or local junior
lawyer level, as follows:

Contact your local JLD group
The JLD has a network of local groups, which although affiliated, are
independent of the main national JLD. The local groups hold regular
events and activities and are always looking for new members to get
involved. For details of a local group near you, please visit the JLD
website local group page.

Set up a local JLD group
If there is not a local JLD group in your area, you may want to
consider setting up one yourself or with a few of your colleagues. The
JLD is working on a local group guide to assist you which will soon be
available on our website.

Stand for JLD committee positions
Each year the JLD holds elections for positions on its executive
committee. All JLD members are eligible to apply. Nominations open
in September and close in October. Details are posted on the JLD
website nearer the time and also advertised in the Junior Lawyer Update
newsletter.
Stand for a Law Society Council seat or policy committee
vacancy
Periodically, the Law Society advertises vacancies on its Council and
various specialist practice committees, sections and divisions. The
Law Society actively encourages applications from junior lawyers.
Look out for vacancies on the JLD website, the Law Society website,
and in the Junior Lawyer Update newsletter.
Let us have your views
The JLD policy issues and consultation responses are available
the JLD website. Members are welcome to share their views with
JLD on any of the policy, projects or campaigns set out on
website, or let us know of other issues the JLD should be focusing
by emailing us at juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk.
on
the
the
on,
Attend a JLD national committee meeting
The JLD holds three national committee meetings a year at which
issues affecting junior lawyers are discussed. The national committee
consists of the JLD executive and representatives of the local JLD
group network. Meetings are held on a Saturday (sometimes Sunday).
A limited number of places are available for JLD members to attend
these meetings although permission is required. Information about
forthcoming national committee meetings can be found on the JLD
events page.
The Law Society’s lobbying is taken seriously and draft legislation is
from the profession, including the junior lawyers committee. By joining
any one of the Law Society’s committees, members have a real
opportunity to shape future legislation and ensure it meets your
needs.
14
your needs:

compliance service.

such as
o
o
o

basis to help them understand their current risk profile and ensure they have
what they need to implement any required mitigating measures.
Key contact
Website
The Law Society website is a hub of information, resources and bespoke
services for the profession. These include the Law Society accreditation
schemes, events and training, ethics guidance, Law Society Consulting,
Membership Extra, practice management, publications, communities
(including other divisions and sections), regional support, risk and
compliance. For more information visit www.lawsociety.org.uk
Library
Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
You do not have to visit the library to use these services. Please call
020 7320 5946 or email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
Practice Advice Service and helplines
One way in which the Law Society supports its members is through
helplines such as the Practice Advice Service (PAS) and the Pastoral
Care Helpline. Established for over 25 years, the PAS provides a free
and confidential telephone based helpline for Law Society members and
employees of member firms. The Pastoral Care Helpline acts as a referral
service to help members with personal, professional, financial and
employment problems.
Advice and practice notes
Law Society advice supports members to navigate business challenges and
the changing legal and regulatory landscape. Practice notes represent the
Society’s views of good practice in a particular area of law. Following the
solution-focused advice will make it easier to account oversight bodies for
your actions.
events. For more information visit www.113chancerylane.co.uk
16
Access Scheme
 internationally working to open and grow markets for English and Welsh law such
as inward visits of foreign lawyers and trade missions
 providing Find a Solicitor - the website enables consumers and businesses to find
a solicitor who can meet their needs
abroad
MEP
and society
England and Wales, different demographic groups and
parts of the profession. The Law Society harness the
knowledge of the Council members and around 300
volunteers to deliver the advice, support and service
members want. The Council has 100 seats, 61 for
geographical constituencies and 39 for special interest
groups and areas of practice.
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344
18
Small Firms
Division
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/smallfirms
Committee
Small Firms Committee to ensure it is relevant and timely.
Newly appointed in January 2015, committee members are scheduled to meet
up to four times a year to discuss the key issues facing the small firms
community. The committee advises how the Law Society can best support its
members who work in small firms.
The committee is chaired by Sally Azarmi, director of Azarmi & Co Ltd. Sally
founded her city based law firm in 2012 after 18 years of practising as a
solicitor and partner in large law firms.
and contribution.
Committee member
Organisation
Role
Sally Azarmi
Azarmi & Co Ltd
Director
Paul Bennett
Aaron and Partners
LLP
Partner, Professional
Practices & Employment
Melanie Craig
Craig Solicitors
Principal
Ravi Singh Chumber
Rashid & Co
Partner and HR manager
Emma Macpherson
Elm Solicitors
Principal
Sophie Khan
Sophie Khan & Co
Solicitors and Higher
Court Advocates
Solicitor Director
Tony Roe
Tony Roe Divorce &
Family Law Solicitors
Principal
Sarah Sargent
Lupton Fawcett
Denison Till
Senior solicitor
Marcus Hayes
Mason Hayes
Solicitors
Director
Chris Stocker
Stocker & Co
solicitors
Senior partner
Philip Giles
Giles Wilson solicitors Partner
Sonia Limbada
Carter Young
Solicitors
Partner
William John Scott
Reed, Ryder and
Meikle
Principal
Banner Jones Ltd
Chair of the Law
Management Section
Committee
Robert Banner (co-opted)
2
Foreword
Welcome to the Law Society’s Small
Firms Division 2015/16 engagement
programme.
The division was established in 2013 to promote best
practice and address current issues and challenges
facing the small firms and sole practitioner community.
This is an exciting year for the division as the committee
commences work with the Law Society to ensure the
products and services delivered are relevant to our
diverse small firms membership.
With this in mind, the committee is keen to engage with the wider small firms community
and to hear from you, our members, to assist us in shaping your division. To give us your
thoughts, to seek our support or just to connect, please get in touch at
smallfirms@lawsociety.org.uk.
Sally Azarmi
Chair of the Small Firms Committee
Mission Statement
To bring together solicitors working in small firms to share best
practice and address current issues and challenges in a supportive
environment, providing them with relevant information and services,
including industry news, business and finance analysis, and the latest
regulatory and management information.
Tailored support for small firms
The Small Firms Division targets private practice solicitors employed within sole practices and small law
firms (2-4 partners) and holding a practising certificate. The small firms’ community consists of 8,371 firms,
of which 4,322 are sole practices and 4,049 small firms. As a proportion of all law firms in England and
Wales, 85% are categorised as sole practices and small firms.
Small firms are the frontline of the profession. With the welcome return of growth and improved performance
in the national economy, many small firms have started to feel its benefits. The legal services market
however remains a tough and challenging environment. A significant number of small firms exposed to
funding cuts in the publically aided sector will continue to face difficulties with major legal aid changes taking
hold over the coming period.
4
1. Events
Conferences
Seminars
Workshop
The Small Firms Division has created a programme of
engagement for members working in small firms and sole
practices. The programme seeks to:
 address matters of client care, professional indemnity
insurance, mergers and market exits, panel lender
membership and regulation through a series of events and
member support activities
 support, promote and represent small firms by providing
opportunities to share and develop best practice, to
exchange ideas and experiences and to learn from peers
 provide opportunities for solicitors from small firms to
influence the overall direction of the legal sector
 promote the value of small firms
2. Member Support
 help the Law Society to understand and represent the
interests of small firms
E-newsletters
WestLaw Updates
LinkedIn Groups
Client care
PII and
regulation
Merger and
market exit
Panel lender
membership
Website
Webinars
Podcasts
1. Events
matter to small firms' lawyers. Details of these events will be published on our
website communities.lawsociety.org.uk/small-firms/events
Conferences:
Unique half day events featuring top business speakers giving advice and insights
designed to help the small firm generate better client value in a cost effective and
profitable way.
Seminars:
Topic based, panel led presentations with audience interaction and networking.
Practical essentials workshops:
Small group sessions helping small firms cover all the bases. Applying sound and
tested practice management principles to the running of the firm.
Local spots:
Informal opportunities to catch up with colleagues from other small firms in your
locality, and hear about what's going on over drinks and nibbles.
Local spot
Digital marketing
When:
Venue:
Cost:
26 January 2016, 18:00 -20;00, Ilford, London
Gallery room, Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, I
lford, IG1 4XA
Free for small firm solicitors
Workshop
5 practice management and regulation pitfalls for small
firms - and how to avoid them
When:
Venue:
Cost:
22 March 2016, 18:00 - 19:30 Birmingham
Burlington Hotel, Burlington Arcade, 126 New St, Birmingham
B2 4JQ
This ‘practical essentials’ clinic designed for busy solicitors working in new (up to
5 years) and established small firms and sole practices, will help put you back in
control.
Facilitated by:



Karen Bailey, of Karen Bailey, principal of Bailey Wright & Co, Matthew
Moore , solicitor consultant and managing director of Infolegal Ltd,
Ravinder Singh Chumber, partner at Rashid & Co Solicitors and
Birmingham constituency member of the Law Society Council and small
firms committee
Ranjit Thaliwal, founder of Thaliwal & Co solicitors and the Midlands
Asian Lawyers Association,
6
Workshop
Complaints management for small firms – how not to
make things worse
When: 14 April 2016, 18:00 – 19:30, Newcastle
Venue: TBC
Cost:
This ‘practical essentials’ clinic designed for busy solicitors working in new (and
established small firms and sole practices will help put you back in control.
Facilitated by:


Paul Bennett, of Aaron and partners LLP, former sole practitioner and member of
the Law Society’s small firms committee
Mark Harrison, incoming president of the Newcastle Law Society and head of the
family department at Ben Hoare LLP
Workshop
PII/regulation
When: Thursday 26 May 2016, 18;00 - 19:30, Manchester
Venue: TBC
Cost:
Do you find the Pii renewal process difficult and time consuming? Attend our new small
firms workshop to learn the top tips for getting the cover you need - without the usual
frustrations.
Click here to find out more
Event
Setting up shop- how to set up a small firm
When: Thursday 7 July 2016, 17:30 - 20:00, London
Cost:
Free for small firm solicitors - Fully booked
Are you toying with the idea of starting your own small law firm? This free Small Firms
Division / Family Section networking event will feature presentations from small firm
entrepreneurs to give you practical support and guidance to help you take that first step.
Conference
Small Firms Division annual conference 2016
When:
Cost:
Thursday 22 September 2016, 13:00 - 17:00, The Law Society
Chancery Lane, London
Thursday 6 October 2016, 13:00 - 17:00, Park Plaza Hotel, Leeds
From £175
The Division's flagship annual conferences will take place in London and Leeds, and will
provide practitioners with a half-day of small firms-focused conference sessions, practical
tips and networking opportunities. There is a strong interactive element to the conferences –
the programme includes breakout groups, question and answer sessions and opportunities
for networking with fellow delegates.
Conference topics have been tailored to address everyday issues faced by practitioners in
small firms and will focus on issues including:






Offering exceptional client service
The latest hot topics in finance
Managing change
Leadership
Partner behaviour and people engagement
Managing sustainability and growth
Click here to find out more - London
Click here to find out more - Leeds
2. Member Support
E-newsletter
The Law Society has a dedicated e-newsletter for small firms. Our e-newsletter
includes news updates, features, events and activities relevant to small firm
solicitor members. Issues will be available and emailed to members in December
2015, January, March, May, July and September 2016.
WestLaw Update
The Law Society, partnering with Westlaw, gives you exclusive free access to case
law and legislation updates, regulatory developments and news in a range of
practice areas, through our monthly updates.
LinkedIn Groups
We encourage you to increase your small firms network and the small firms
division A LinkedIn group to share news, features, events and other relevant
activities. Join here: www.linkedin.com/groups/8411994
8
Webinars
subjects of interest and quiz them about matters of relevance to you and your
practice. Sign up to listen on the day or access
them later at your convenience.
To find out more, details of these webinars will be published on our website:
communities.lawsociety.org.uk/small-firms/events
Webinar
Practical cyber security encryption
When:
Cost:
On demand
Free
This webinar has been designed particularly for solicitors working in small law
firms and will highlight the problems with using unsecured email, free cloud
systems like Dropbox, Google Docs, Google Drive etc and sets out the
requirements for law firm IT systems that managers need to be requesting from
their IT suppliers.
Webinar
Grow your small business with LinkedIn
When:
Cost:
On demand
£45 + VAT
Discover how you can use LinkedIn to grow your business and strengthen your
current relationships with clients. Gain practical advice on how to use LinkedIn as
a business development and marketing tool, to generate new business.
Webinar
PR for small firms: practical guide to improve your public
relations for maximum impact
When:
Cost:
On demand
£45 + VAT
This webinar will provide practical tips for you to improve your public relations for
business development – on a shoe string! Deepen your understanding of the
importance of public relations, and how this can positively impact your business
Webinar
Education for solicitors - what does continuing competence mean
When:
Cost:
On demand
Free
In April 2015 the SRA announced that it would implement a new approach to
continuing competence. The new approach will be implemented for all solicitors
from 1 November 2016. This webinar will guide you on: the meaning of continuing
competence; the key changes and the practical implications; the timetable and
whether and how to adopt the new approach.
Website
The Small Firms Division website is a one-stop portal of information for solicitors
working in small firms. It contains practical guidance, news, research and event
details for small firms whatever type of law you work in. We want it to remain
relevant and useful so get in touch at smallfirms@lawsociety.org.uk if there is
something missing or if you have any feedback.
Communities and networks
The Law Society offers a range of other communities and networks which can help
solicitors working in small firms develop in their professional life.








Advocacy Section
Family Section
Law Management Section
Private Client Section
Property Section
Ethnic minority Lawyers division
Women Lawyers division
Lawyers with Disabilities division
Visit www.lawsociety.org.uk/communities for more information.
10
lobbying
profession is heard by the right people - government, regulators, industry
and in international jurisdictions.
As well as lobbying on many issues relevant to small firms, we regularly
provide expert advice to regulators and policy makers.
The division, with the support of the committee, will give the small firms
community a stronger voice within the Law Society to ensure that we can
represent this vital section of the profession more effectively.
Our lobbying is taken seriously and draft legislation is frequently changed
in response to our representations.
from the profession, including the small firms community
By joining one of these committees you have a real opportunity to shape
future legislation and ensure it meets your needs.
Relevant committees for small firm practitioners include:


















Access to Justice Committee
Civil Litigation Committee
Conveyancing and Land Law Committee
Criminal Law Committee
Housing Law Committee
Human Right Committee
Mental Health and Disability
Wills and Equity Committee
needs:

Keep up-to-date with the latest developments within risk and compliance
via timely email updates for members of our risk and compliance service.

such as
o
o
o

Key contact
12
Library
printed collections of law material in England and Wales, plus online access to
many of the major electronic legal commercial services including Lexis,
Westlaw and Justis.

Enquiry service
You do not have to visit the library to use these services. Please call
020 7320 5946 or email library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
Lexcel for Small Firms
Designed specifically for the legal sector, Lexcel is the Law Society's standard
for excellence in legal practice management and client care. Lexcel is
appropriate for all types and sizes of practices. It is particularly important for
sole practitioners as they are perhaps under the most pressure to work harder,
faster and smarter. A sole practitioners guide has been created to highlight the
different compliance implications
Lexcel defines quality management procedures in seven areas: strategy,
financial management, information management, people management, risk
management, client care, and file and case management.
Assessment against the updated version of the standard, Lexcel England and
Wales (v6) came into effect from 1 May
2015. Download the
Lexcel International v5: sole practitioners guide (PDF 167kb)
www.lawsociety.org.uk/lexcel
Members receive a 15 % discount on room bookings for meetings and
events.
 supporting those who find it difficult to enter the profession through the
Diversity Access Scheme
 increasing awareness of the benefits of using a solicitor and promoting Find a Solicitor
through a consumer marketing campaign
 working with international legal bodies to position the Law Society as a thought-leader
on global legal issues
abroad
 helping members to represent key issues impacting the profession to their MP or MEP
 using the law to challenge changes which will impact negatively on the profession and
society
14
Solicitors Regulation Authority. The Law Society
receives around 30 % of this fee to support, represent and
members
from
England
and
Wales,
different
Council has 100 seats, 61 for
geographical
areas of practice.
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344
Career
Development
Engagement
Programme
www.lawsociety.org.uk/law-careers
Foreword
Welcome to the Law Society’s Career
Development 2015/2016 engagement
programme
The Law Society’s career development service helps potential
and existing members to make informed choices throughout the
various stages of their career, including:










students considering law (school, university, GDL, LPC)
overseas lawyers / barristers (QLTS)
career breaks
alternative careers
retraining / returning
planning your exit
setting up in practice
career options open to a solicitor
developing and managing your career
managing career crossroads
We offer events, webinars, email advice, publications and
website content.
One of the key work streams of the Law Society strategy is
legal education and professional standards with a commitment
to provide accessible, relevant and high quality education and
training to support the career development of members. Further
information on the strategy can be found at the Law Society
website www.lawsociety.org.uk along with updates on
activities developed to support this area of work.
This engagement programme highlights some of our
forthcoming events and activities and aims to give you an
introduction to our work.
2
Support for potential members
This includes events and a dedicated ‘Becoming a solicitor’ page www.lawsociety.org.uk/lawcareers/becoming-a-solicitor, providing guidance on preparing for a career in the solicitors’
profession, with information on:





routes to qualifying
how to increase the chances of success
completing applications
interview techniques
the realities of qualifying, ‘warts and all’
Support for solicitors
These activities are often driven by market trends, and include, for example: training webinars,
retraining seminars aimed at those looking to change their area(s) of specialism; sessions on
alternative ways to work within the profession; application/selection advice; and guidance to those
considering going on maternity leave, returning from a career break, at a career crossroads or
facing redundancy.
Career barriers
The service also supports the Law Society commitment to actively promote diversity in entrants to
the profession, and tackle obstacles faced around career progression. This is supported through
events aimed at inner city school students, undergraduates, LPC students, mature students/career
changers and a series of leadership workshops aimed at women and black and minority ethnic
lawyers.
1. Events
Seminars
Workshops
2. Member Support
Over the next year the Law Society will host a range of
career development activities. Details of these activities can
be found on the Events website, CPD Centre website, and
Communities web pages.
The ‘Law careers' web page includes information for both
potential solicitors and those in the profession.
The programme provides a portfolio of career services
including:




training
networking
events
practical support
Webinars
Publications
Toolkits
Practice notes
4
1. Events
matter to solicitors. Events will be held across England and Wales.
Workshop
Women’s leadership workshop – Developing your personal
brand
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 12 November 2015 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
This session has been developed following the findings of the Law Society
research on the barriers facing women solicitors who want to advance their
careers. Confident communication skills and personal impact are a vital part of
developing a strong personal brand. Being good at what you do and being
respected for what you do is undoubtedly a key factor in your credibility,
reputation and career success. However whether we like it or not, people also
judge us on how we present ourselves. They make assumptions; usually within
the first few seconds, about our capability and potential.
This workshop will offer practical techniques to put you in control of your
personal brand and presence.
Workshop
How a better understanding of your emotional intelligence can
help your performance at work
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 25 November 2015 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
This workshop has been designed to help you to better understand your
emotional intelligence and how this key leadership skill can have a positive
impact on performance. Being able to motivate yourself, manage stress and
inspire others is vital for success.
Research shows that the best performing leaders and managers have more
than just technical competence, they also have emotional intelligence - a key
component to both personal and professional success.
The workshop includes presentations and discussions and will explore: What
emotional intelligence looks like and why it is important in the work place.
Emotional intelligence is influenced by your attitudes towards yourself and
others - to make change stick, it is important to develop the right attitudes
along with your behaviors.
Workshop
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 10 December 2015 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
This is part of a series of workshops designed specifically for the needs of inhouse lawyers.
The importance of good communication skills cannot be underestimated or over
valued.
The workshop will examine the ‘unsaid’ i.e. your own emotions in the workplace
and the ability to read and influence the emotions of others. It will also explore
ways and means of building resilience to successfully navigate through the
challenging times that inevitably present themselves during your career.
Seminar
Preparing mature students and career changers for entry to the
solicitors’ profession
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 3 February 2016 15.00 – 20:30
Free
The Law Society is fully committed to attracting the most able candidates into
the legal profession and to promoting equality at all stages. As part of its drive
to promote diversity at entrance level, the Law Society has developed an
exciting careers event to offer advice and support to mature students and/or
career changers aspiring to become solicitors.
A panel of top employers will offer essential advice to help you identify key skills
that can be transferred to the legal profession and thereby increase your
chances of securing a period of recognised training.
You will also have the opportunity to put your questions to trainees and qualified
lawyers who have already made the switch successfully, during a fast-paced
speed networking session
Click here for further information and booking details
Supported by
6
Workshop
Women’s leadership workshop – Authentic leadership
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 8 March 2016 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
careers. The session will focus on developing authentic leadership. It can be
hard for women to develop a leadership style that earns the credibility of their
organisation while at the same time being true to themselves.
This workshop will enable you to explore and refine your authentic model of
leadership and identify the ways in which you inspire and get others to follow
you.
Workshop
In-house soft skills – Emotional intelligence part II,
communication and resilience
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 17 March 2016 17.30 – 20:30
From £20
Recent research findings found that in 2015 stress and depression accounted
for half of the calls to a charity offering support and advice to lawyers. It is true
that all successful careers experience challenges, difficulties, bumps and
bruises along the way. This workshop is designed to equip you with the means
to navigate through the challenging times.
Seminar
Preparing students for entry to the solicitors’ profession
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 19 April 2016 09:30 – 16:30
Free
This event is aimed at undergraduates. It aims to cover all aspects of preparing
for a career in the solicitors’ profession, including tips on increasing chances of
success, completing applications and interview techniques.
You will also be given an insight into the different routes to qualification and
alternative career options on offer by a variety of employers within the legal
profession.
Supported by:
Seminar
Retraining: an introduction to wills, probate and trust
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 21 April 2016, 10:15 - 19:30
From £145
In the current economic climate many practitioners are actively seeking to
retrain in other practice areas. This one day introductory training session has
been designed to help solicitors considering a career move into wills, probate
and trusts.
The session will cover an introduction to:




will drafting
disputed wills
trusts (including IT software)
probate
The session will be led by Gill Steel. Gill is a solicitor and compelling seminar
and conference speaker both in house and at public events with a strong gift for
making wills, probate, trusts and tax practical, engaging, authoritative and
informative.
8
Workshop
Discover the power of LinkedIn - How this tool can be used to
help you to develop your personal career, grow your network and
grow business
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Tuesday 24 May 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
Free
A Career Development and Law Management Section event
LinkedIn is the number one network increasingly used by individuals to
showcase their career successes and expertise as well as being used by
businesses to reach new customers and keep in touch with existing customers.
Can you really afford not to be connected? This workshop has been designed
to help you get the most out of LinkedIn.
Are you on LinkedIn but have no idea what to use it for? Or perhaps you don’t
see the point of joining – online networking is not for you. Don’t underestimate
the increasing power of LinkedIn as a career development tool.
Do you realise:
Everyday, growing numbers of legal professionals at all levels are using
LinkedIn to network, keep in touch with current and former colleagues and
engage with the wider legal sector. Potential employers now find it strange if
you’re not on there and recruiters are now looking at LinkedIn profiles to help
vet CVs and job applications.
Who should attend?
 all lawyers of all ages and at all career stages who are looking to learn
how LinkedIn can boost their personal career development
 those interested in using LinkedIn to develop their management career in
a law firm
 Law Management Section subscribers
Speakers
The session will be chaired by Ian Hopkins, CEO, BP Collins LLP and member
of the Law Management Section committee and feature a practical workshop
led by Emily Miller, The LinkedIn Tutors and author of LinkedIn for Lawyers:
Developing a Profile to Grow your Practice, and presentations from Husnara
Begum, legal recruiter and career coach and Kevin Poulter, solicitor and social
media specialist.
Workshop
In-house soft skills workshop - Build resilience and reduce
stress to take you where you want to be in your career
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 16 June 2016, 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
This session will look at the practical steps you can take when you notice that
your resilience, or that of your work colleagues, is failing. Resilience is turning
out to be the essential skill for survival in business today. It is not so much
about what happens to you along the way but how you respond or 'bounce back
' afterwards that matters most. How we handle these situations is crucial to
whether we stall or advance our careers. Happily resilience is not an inherent
trait, it can be learned and developed. You too can develop that quality that
allows people to be knocked down and come back stronger than ever.
The workshop will cover:
 an understanding of what impacts on resilience
 a range of things you can do to improve your resilience
 some time management tips to relieve stress and to make more time for
yourself.
Seminar
Interested in working in-house?
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 22 June 2016, 17:30 – 20:30
From £20 / Free for students
Working in-house is becoming increasingly popular with 1 in 4 solicitors working
in the employed sector. This seminar is aimed at those interested in working inhouse and will provide practical guidance and personal testimonial advice about
working within the employed sector.
You will receive advice on working in-house and useful insight into the sector.
The employed sector offers a range of opportunities including corporate, such
as financial and business services, to the public sector which includes
government legal services, the CPS and charities.
You will hear from a panel of in-house solicitors from both the public and private
employed sector.
10
Workshop
Women’s leadership workshop – Challenging conversations
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 30 June 2016, 17:30 - 20:30
From £20
careers. The session will focus on challenging conversations. Handling difficult
conversations is an essential skill for anyone who wants to advance their
careers. All too often we can put off the conversation, adopt the line of least
resistance and are labelled as ‘too nice’. At other times we can be too
confrontational, damage the working relationship and be labelled as
‘aggressive’. How do you strike the right balance to ensure your challenging
conversations achieve the desired outcome, maintain your professional
credibility and keep client and colleague work relationships intact?
This workshop will help you explore the impact of a range of conflict handling
strategies and communication styles.
Workshop
In-house soft skills workshop
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Wednesday 14 September 2016, 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
Workshop
Women’s leadership workshop – Career resilience
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 15 September 2016, 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
All successful careers experience challenges. It is a myth that resilience is a ‘have
or have not’ quality. We can lose our resilience when we have to deal with difficult
situations.
How we handle these situations is crucial to whether we stall or advance our
careers. A recent survey of women at the top of organisations showed that
resilience was one of the top three factors in their success.
The following topics will be covered:
 an understanding of what resilience is
 an assessment of your own resilience
 insights into how world class performers recover from setbacks and move
forward
 a tool for helping you get back on track
 career actions that follow from being resilient
Seminar
Preparing students for entry to the solicitors’ profession
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 13 October 2016 09:30 – 16:30
Free
This event is aimed at undergraduates. It aims to cover all aspects of preparing
for a career in the solicitors’ profession, including tips on increasing chances of
success, completing applications and interview techniques.
You will also be given an insight into the different routes to qualification and
alternative career options on offer by a variety of employers within the legal
profession.
Supported by
.
12
Workshop
Women’s leadership workshop – Brand, Impact and Presence
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 10 November 2016, 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
careers.
Executive Presence, the winning combination of confidence, poise and
authenticity has been identified as one of the key areas in which female
executives can differentiate themselves and raise their level of impact and
therefore influence.
This interactive session will offer you practical techniques to put you in control
of your personal brand and presence, what you want to project to others and
how to build greater confidence in meetings or networking opportunities.
Workshop
In-house soft skills workshop
When:
Venue:
Cost:
Thursday 15 December 2016, 17:30 – 20:30
From £20
2. Member Support
Webinars
Practical webinars providing training, guidance and tips that can assist you in
taking control and developing your career. All webinars are available through the
CPD Centre.
Webinar
Mind the gap – practical tips and advice for maternity leavers
Cost:
Free
This webinar has been developed to assist women in preparing for and
returning from maternity leave.
Topics covered include:








career or baby first?
pregnancy and the workplace – know your rights
well-being at work
preparing for maternity leave
while you are away
personal branding while pregnant
planning your return
alternative options
View the webinar here
Judicial appointments: Succeeding with competency based
selection Part I
Webinar
+
Cost:
£22.50
Completing your self assessment plays an important part in the judicial
appointment selection process. This webinar will help you to have a good
understanding of the competencies and help you to enhance your chances of
success by being able to demonstrate in your application how you meet those
competencies.
Part 1 will cover:
 the Competency-based method and the competencies required for judicial
appointment
 explanation of the competency-based method
 overview of the JAC selection stages and their specific competencies
14
Webinar
Judicial appointments: Succeeding with competency based
selection Part II
Cost:
£22.50
Completing your self assessment plays an important part in the judicial
appointment selection process. This webinar will help you to have a good
understanding of the competencies and help you to enhance your chances of
success by being able to demonstrate in your application how you meet those
competencies.
Part II will cover:
 the selection process and methods
 practical advice on how to structure and present your self assessment in
the required format
 overview of additional JAC selection methods used in candidate
assessment
Webinar
Soft skills training – Stress management and resilience
Cost:
Free
Soft skills training aimed to assist junior lawyers build resilience and manage
stress.
The webinar will cover:







is pressure bad for you?
sources of pressure
when does pressure turn into stress?
definition of stress and common symptoms
top ten causes of stress at work
what is resilience?
tips for building your resilience and reducing stress at work
Webinar
Soft skills training – Communication and assertiveness
Cost:
Free
Soft skills training aimed to assist junior lawyers enhance their communication
and assertiveness skills.





barriers to communication
active listening
tips for effective communication
the behaviour model - expressive, analytic, amiable and expressive
four styles of communication - assertive, aggressive, passive,
passive/aggressive
 traits of assertive people
 assertiveness techniques
Webinar
Soft skills training – Personal organisation and time management
Cost:
Free
Soft skills training aimed to assist junior lawyers enhance their personal
organisation and time management skills.








prioritising and responding to a range of competing demands efficiently
planning your workload
ensuring that objectives that you’ve been set are clear
balancing tasks and responsibilities
avoiding being deflected from your priorities
effectively delegating (where possible)
exploring when it’s appropriate to say “no”
understanding how self-motivation, focus, and engagement with your job
can impact your time management performance
 performing up to expectations while still achieving work/life balance
16
Webinar
Soft skills training – Networking and personal branding
Cost:
Free
Soft skills training aimed at junior lawyers. There are two elements to the webinar,
networking and personal brand.
Networking is a vital resource in building your career connections.
The networking part of the webinar will cover:






why network?
what is meant by networking
working the room
moving around the room
moving on
what to do after networking
Personal brand is vital to advancing your career. It is one of the most effective
ways to communicate to others what makes you stand out from others doing
similar work.
The personal brand part of the webinar will cover:




what is a personal brand?
making your plan
exploiting your brand
tips for putting yours together
Webinar
Soft skills training - Presentation skills – Public speaking with
confidence and impact
Cost:
Free
Soft skills training aimed to assist junior lawyers enhance their presentation and
public speaking skills.









top tips for effective presentations – some quick wins
great openings & closings
preparing your presentation
content
on the day
relaxation techniques
delivery
vocal variety
working with visual aids
Webinar
Soft skills training - Effective team working, leadership and
delegation
Cost:
Free
Soft skills training aimed to assist junior lawyers with effective team working,
leadership and delegation skills.







what is a team?
benefits of teamwork for lawyers
steps to building an effective team
qualities of a great team player
tips for leading a successful team
know your leadership style
delegation
Student support webinars
Webinar
Becoming a solicitor – Things to consider before making
applications
Cost:
When:
Free
23 March 2016
The webinar aims to assist those considering qualifying as a solicitor to ensure
that you are well equipped before embarking on the route to qualification.
 things to consider before making applications
 tips for getting ahead of the game
Supported by
18
Webinar
Becoming a solicitor – Application forms and CVs
Cost:
When:
Free
July 2016
The webinar aims to assist those considering qualifying as a solicitor increase
their chances of success by providing tips that will help you to enhance
applications and your CV.
The webinar will cover tips for producing strong applications and CVs to help
you survive the application process.
The webinar will be available to view from July 2016 here:
www.lawsociety.org.uk/law-careers/becoming-a-solicitor
Supported by
Webinar
Becoming a solicitor – Coping with interviews
Cost:
When:
Free
October 2016
The webinar aims to assist those considering qualifying as a solicitor to survive
the interview process.
The webinar will cover tips for having a good interview along with tips on how
you answer those difficult questions.
The webinar will be available to view from October 2016 here
Supported by
Publications
Brochure
Thinking of working in-house? – Start planning your future today
Cost:
When:
Free
May 2016
The brochure is aimed at those considering qualifying as an in-house solicitor. It
covers:
 training in-house
 career options
This publication will be available to download from May 2016 at:
Supported by
Brochure
Changing career direction
Cost:
When:
Free
May 2016
An increasing number of solicitors are looking to reshape their career as the
legal profession experiences unprecedented change. The fast evolving legal
market has seen many changes. The brochure will provide a starting point for
those solicitors considering changing specialism, leaving private practice for inhouse roles or considering a change away from the profession altogether.
This publication will be available to download from May 2016 at:
20
Brochure
Becoming a solicitor – Start planning your future today
Cost:
Free
The brochure aims to answer the questions you might have if you are thinking of
becoming a solicitor. It covers:
 the skills and training you need
 the different routes to qualification
 career options
To download a copy click here
To request hard copies please e-mail: careers@lawsociety.org.uk
Supported by
Brochure
Disabled students – Start planning your future today
Cost:
Free
The brochure is aimed at disabled students considering a career as a solicitor. It
includes tips on:
 overcoming barriers
 funding opportunities
 increasing your chances of success
Download a copy here
Supported by
Brochure
Mature students and career changers – Start planning your future
today
Cost:
Free
The brochure is aimed to assist mature students and career changers
considering a career as a solicitor. It includes tips on:
 overcoming barriers
 demonstrating transferrable skills
 increasing your chances of success
Supported by
Toolkit
Preparing students for the solicitors’ profession – A guide to
qualification and the profession
Cost:
Free
A comprehensive toolkit including guidance, tools and resources. It covers:




overview of the profession
routes to qualification
practical advice
career options
Supported by
22
Brochure
Becoming a solicitor – Understanding the different types of firms
Cost:
When:
Free
June 2016
The brochure is aimed at those preparing to make applications for a period of
recognised training. This brochure will provide an understanding of the different
types to firms to assist candidates with their research in short-listing those firms
to which they are best suited.
Download a copy from April 2016 here
Supported by
Website
The Becoming a solicitor website is a one-stop portal of information for anyone
interested in becoming a solicitor. It contains practical guidance, research and
analysis, as well as access to various publications. We want it to remain relevant and
useful so get in touch at careers@lawsociety.org.uk if there is something missing or
if you have any feedback.
Keeping on top of your regulatory compliance is critical, and a periodic review of your
approach to risk and compliance can give you peace of mind.
The Law Society's Risk and Compliance Advisory Service delivers a comprehensive
range of services to provide you with the information, skills and expertise you need to
mitigate risk and comply with industry regulations.
Our service has been designed to deliver support and guidance that suits your needs:


o
o
o

Benefit from bespoke support, advice and recommendations via our confidential
Advisory Service.
Since 2010, we have worked with over 500 organisations on an ongoing basis to help
them understand their current risk profile and ensure they have what they need to
implement any required mitigating measures.
Our support includes compliance health-checks, on-site visits and bespoke telephone
support. However you approach us, we will quickly identify the critical success factors
that will help drive future levels of performance, integrity and assurance in your
organisation.
Key contact
Pearl Moses, head of risk and compliance, is a seasoned legal practitioner with over
12 years’ experience in private practice, legal publishing and regulatory compliance
issues. She specialises in creating tailored compliance solutions and interventions to
help firms and in-house legal teams embed sound risk management principles and
best practice client care and complaints handling systems.
24
Law Society Publishing's Career Planning for Solicitors
This comprehensive guide provides essential guidance for trainees, recently qualified
solicitors and all those looking to develop their careers or change direction. It is a
must for anyone planning their future as a solicitor. Click here to visit the bookshop.
Job seeking practice note
This practice note gives advice on seeking a job in the legal profession. Click here to
download the practice note.
Redundancy practice note
The prospect of redundancy can be unsettling, this practice note contains general
advice for solicitors facing redundancy. Click here to download the practice note.
Library

Enquiry service
Our experienced law librarians can help you find the information you need. You do not
library@lawsociety.org.uk

Document supply
Members receive a 15 % discount on room bookings for meetings and events.
abroad
Access Scheme
abroad
or MEP
26
Solicitors pay their annual practising certificate fee to
the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The Law Society
receives around 30 % of this fee to support, represent
areas of practice.
t: 020 7242 1222 f: 020 7831 0344

a selection of some of our Engagement

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