Welcome from BLS President 2017/18 – Gary Lightwood

Posted on14 December 2017

Gary Lightwood is the Managing Partner of Pattinson & Brewer Solicitors’ Bristol office. During his career he has specialised in personal injury litigation, clinical negligence and family law.

A former Officer in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy, Gary then qualified as a Solicitor in 1996 after joining Pattinson & Brewer where he remains. He joined Bristol Law Society Council in 2003, eventually becoming Junior Vice President in 2015.

When not at work, Gary enjoys the company of his wife and two teenage daughters as well as a busy social calendar! He is a keen technical diver, singer and guitarist in a rock ‘n’ roll band (Men in Hats!) and a motorcycle enthusiast, currently engaged in training for his IAM Masters Motorcyclist qualification. He owns a Harley!

“Bristol Law Society has gone from strength to strength over recent years which was not always the case in these difficult times. I am honoured and humbled to be the Society’s President for this year and am supported by the most capable and committed team on the Executive and Council and I am most grateful for all the support we receive from our members and sponsors.

This team and the support we have has enabled the Society to establish a thriving base at the new “HQ” at 12 Colston Avenue which allows us to offer far more in the way of service to the members going forward.

As for my plan, I am not in need of any personal legacy. I am also aware that a year is such a short tenure. With this in mind and coming from ordinary beginnings myself, I am acutely aware of how difficult it is to forge a career in the law for the young generation. I have been so impressed and excited about the school’s initiative introduced by my predecessor, Becky Moyce, the Immediate Past President, that I can see no better use of my time in this Office than to support and grow this initiative further, with the Team’s help.

I will also focus upon building and honing the already excellent initiatives we have in training and services to the members and in representation to The Law Society and Government in terms of making our voices heard in any relevant consultations, of which there are many. I will also be looking to make increasing use of our new premises, particularly in respect of the mediation suite.

It should be fun!”

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