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President’s Round-Up for August

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When I do have a moment to reflect, it amazes me that I am barely four months away from the end of my Presidential year. I like to think that we have achieved a lot already and yet, the next 4 months are likely to be busier than the last eight. Like many of you, I am looking forward to our Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, 10 October.

The last month has been particularly busy with a number of events.

Summer Party – 11 July

This year’s summer party was held at Goldbrick House. May I express my gratitude to Marc White and Sarah Sutherland, who organised this year’s event. Well done to both of you.

Apart from being the hottest day of the year, the venue was first-class and the event was enjoyed by all. As is now often the case, the event was sold out weeks ago.

For those of you that attended, I truly hope that you enjoyed the change of venue, music and food.

Congratulations to Elaine Jewel-Moore who won the Kindle, kindly donated by Wesleyan for Lawyers. My thanks also to our other sponsors the University of West of England and Wessex Searches.

 

Cricket Match

Bristol Law Society challenged the local bar to a game of cricket. The event was held at The Down’s School, Wraxall on Tuesday 9 July. See some photos here.

The event was an absolute success and very aptly, ended in a draw with both teams scoring 142 for 6. I was delighted by the response we received from those that played. We had solicitors from Clarke Willmott, Bond Dickinson, Lyons Davidson, Loxley’s and The Family Law Practice.

Special thanks to John Moriarty and Adam Chippindall who umpired.

 

Bylaw event

I attended an excellent event at TLT on Monday 8 July which was organised by Bylaw and which focused upon diversity both for employees and clients. There were a number of excellent speakers including Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, Tim Hailes of JP Morgan and Employment Judges Roger and Olga Harper. The event concluded with a Question Time panel chaired by Ben Tarrant, our Vice President.

The event also marked the beginning of Pride Week in Bristol. Special thanks to Richard Cross and Marcus Keppel-Palmer, both of whom were integral to the success of the week.

 

George Ferguson – Bristol Mayor

On Tuesday 16 July, Bristol Law Society invited our ‘man in red trousers’ George Ferguson to the Law Library for a Q&A session. Although the format of the event was informal, George Ferguson outlined his vision for Bristol and some of the steps that he was trying to implement to distinguish Bristol as a centre of excellence and to improve the lives of all Bristolians. My thanks to everyone that attended and contributed. We hope to invite George Ferguson back to the Law Library.

 

Gromit Unleashed

As many of you will know we have been invaded by 80 colourful and in my opinion, wonderful Gromits. A number of these have been sponsored by law firms, all in aid of Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, which is of course in support of our local children’s hospital.

Well done to those firms that have supported this initiative. It does raise a smile when I see the joy of children and sometimes adults, hugging and posing for photographs with their favourite Gromit.

On a personal level may I thank Veale Wasbrough Vizards for my invitation to their Gromit Unleashed party at the M-shed on 3 July. Their Gromit, Salty Sea Dog painted by Peter Lord is apparently George Ferguson’s favourite (along with Hero).

 

CILEX 50th Anniversary Ball

On Friday 5 July, I was very kindly invited by Sarah Goodridge of Withy King, Branch Chair of Bristol & Bath CILEX to attend CILEX’s 50th Anniversary Ball at Bristol zoo. My thanks to everyone that made me feel welcomed and congratulations to those CILEX members that received prizes for their endeavours. Well done to each of you.

Thank you also to Roger Chadwick, outgoing President of GWILS for his invitation to his President’s Dinner on 28 June.

 

Dates For The Diary

There are a number of events fast approaching, which I would like to mention: –

  • Music Quiz  - 5 September At Toto’s

Please do book early if you wish to attend, as we had to turn people away from our quiz in May. Please contact Valerie Squire to reserve a place for your team.

  • Legal Walk - 23 September

This date has now been confirmed by the South West Legal Trust. My understanding is that the walk will begin outside the Civil Justice Centre, Redcliffe Street and will end at The Creation, near Bridewell Police station. Please do come along and support this worthy cause.

  • Private Client Conference - 25 September

This event will be hosted at Burges Salmon. There is an excellent line-up of speakers. Further details available.

  • Law Surgery - 26 September

Do make an appointment if you have any issues that you wish to discuss regarding the profession. Your local council member, Ian Kelcey and Matthew Still, your regional Law Society representative will be in attendance. To make an appointment please contact Valerie Squire.

  • Annual Awards Dinner – 10 October

Please begin to reserve your table if you wish to attend. Give consideration also to nominations. Details below.

  • Legal Sunday - 13 October

For those of you that have never attended, I would truly urge you to come along at least once. The event marks the beginning of the new legal year and is celebrated (in style) at Bristol Cathedral.

  • Newly Qualified event - 17 October

If you are due to qualify this autumn or have qualified in the last 12 months, then please register your interest in this event. It is an opportunity to celebrate your hard work in qualifying as a solicitor. The event is very informal and is a perfect occasion for you to pat yourself on the back.

  • Property Conference - 24 October

This conference will be hosted at Veale Wasbrough Vizards. Further details available.

 

Annual Awards Nominations

The nomination forms for our annual awards have been circulated. Further copies can be downloaded.

Please do consider who should be nominated for an award. There are often many deserved people that work exceptionally hard and do not always get the appropriate recognition. These awards hopefully go some way to recognise their endeavours.

  • President’s Outstanding Achievement Award
  • Solicitor of the Year
  • In House Solicitor of the Year
  • Junior Lawyer of the Year
  • Sole Practitioner of the Year
  • Chartered Legal Exec of the Year
  • Barrister of the Year
  • Law Firm of the Year (up to 15 partners)
  • Law Firm of the Year (More than 15 partners)
  • Chambers of the Year
  • Legal Aid Firm/Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Award
  • Support Staff [Non Fee Earner] of the Year
  • Law Student of the Year
  • Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year

 

And Finally…

For those of you that are about to embark on holiday, may I wish you a peaceful and restful break. I myself shall be away from 29 July until 12 August.