BLS Statement on Ukraine inc. local legal fundraising initiatives

Posted on11 March 2022

Bristol Law Society endorses the words of I. Stephanie Boyce, President of The Law Society and we too, “stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian National Bar Association and the Ukrainian Bar Association. We also stand with the people of the world, who oppose the Russian government’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, in particular, the Russian people and lawyers who are defending the rule of law in the region.

We condemn the actions of the Russian Federation, which are in contravention of international law. There is no doubt that these actions are a direct threat to the rule of law.”

We extend our sympathies to all those affected by this humanitarian tragedy.

We remind any of our members affected by this crisis that they can seek support from LawCare, which offers free, confidential, emotional support to anyone working in the law.

Anyone who is looking to help refugees affected by this crisis, can donate via The Disasters Emergency Committee or the Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal organised by the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain:

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)

Local members are also undertaking fundraising efforts and if you would like to share any of your initiatives with us, we will post them below.

St John's Chambers

Over the next 3-weeks members and staff of St John’s Chambers will be walking, running and cycling the equivalent distance of our Bristol office to Mariinskyi Palace (the official residence of the Ukrainian President) in the centre of Kyiv. In total, the team will cover 2303.4km or 1431.26 miles as the crow flies to raise vital funds for Ukraine. We aim to average at least 478 miles a week to raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Appeal – setting ourselves a target of £5,000, which we hope to beat! Read more here.

If you would like to sponsor our team, here is a link to our fundraising page:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sjcraisevitalfundsforukraine

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS