Another busy month has passed full of pro-active meetings and attending events across the county.
On Sunday 16th June, the Deputy Vice President, Drew Dennis and I, represented Nottinghamshire Law Society at the Service celebrating the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, at Southwell Minster. A beautiful service, which saw presentations from the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Nick Rubins chosen charities, Brighter Futures Through Sport and the second charity being SASH, a Muslim/Jewish charity that operates take-away meals and grocery bags for those in need at Hyson Green, Nottingham.
Wednesday 19th June, saw an amazing array of colour when we assembled in front of the Justice Centre for the Nottingham Legal Walk. Thank you to everyone that attended and special thanks to Manayka Walia for her help in co-ordinating the route stewards, who joined us from the NTU Law School Society. So far this year, we have raised £2,068.86 for the Access To Justice Foundation.
On Thursday 20th June, I was the guest of The Conference Works at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Dinner, held at the Goosedale, Papplewick. It is always great to go to these events and meet our member firms, Thalejv Vasishta from Paragon Law, Marie Cooper from Freeths LLP. It was also great to see and chat with the hospitality staff at Nottingham Venues, who superbly host our Annual Awards Dinner.
As you may be aware we host Networking Lunches across the County and in July, we are in Newark. With over 30 due to attend at Ann Et Vin on Thursday 25th July, there is still a chance to book your place, and join us on National Cheese & Wine Day!
On the third Friday of every month, there is a Professional Luncheon meeting at the Prince Rupert in Newark. The June event was a great lunch, meeting fellow professionals from Nat West, Wright Vigar, Chattertons Solicitors & Wealth Management, not forgetting member firm, Larken & Co complete with office dog in tow!
25th June, saw me meet another office pooch, Margot at 1 High Pavement Chambers. Visiting our member firms and chambers is important and gives me the chance to share what we can do for our members, and to hear what you require as part of your corporate membership. The refreshing tea-stop was nicely accompanied with chocolate biscuits and a good catch up with Senior Clerk, Jaclyn Richardson.
Later that evening, I was invited to join Lowdham Book Club Festival, where Wendy Joseph KC (Ret.) shared insights into her latest book, Rough Justice. An inspirational talk about her pathway into law and life at the Old Bailey. Going forward, we are looking to work with the Lowdham Book Club and offering our members some great opportunities, watch this space!
On Thursday 27th June, we hosted Judge Victor Reyes (Ret.) from Colorado, USA. KCH Garden Square, hosted the seminar, where we discussed Secondary Trauma and how to mitigate its effects. Yet again, another insightful evening with lots of contribution by the attending members. Thank you to Professor Jane Ching at Nottingham Law School for sharing Judge Reyes with us during his visit to the Law School’s international conference.
As we say goodbye to June and head into July, there is the first Council Meeting with President, Lauren Crow at the helm, Buckles Solicitors LLP new office launch party and the first cricket match of the season with the NHS Nottingham Medic team.
The sun was shining on the glorious Adbolton Lane Cricket Ground, owned by the Old Nottinghamians’ Society. The inaugural cricket match will become a permanent fixture of the cricket calendar. A great game, fantastic sportsmanship and banter. The first game of the season saw the NLS team step out in their new kit. Thank you to John Hooper & Co for sponsoring the cricket caps, they all looked incredibly smart!
This cricket match was the last match for the super Australian sportsman, Grant Benskin from Rothera Bray LLP. Grant has been a very active member of the Society, attending social events, participating in the cricket matches and winning the Francis Reeson Squash Trophy twice. We wish Grant all the very best as he embarks on his travels with the final destination being Australia!
And pause to breathe… August will soon be here and what is happening next?
I have diary dates to visit Mengwei Hu at Clarendon Law and then, Ellen Nightingale at Landsmiths Solicitors, Newark Networking Lunch, Nottingham PRIDE 2024 and two further cricket games one where the Society’s Solicitors take on the Barristers followed by the Battle of the A52 game with Derby & District Law Society. The cricket matches are great to watch, in fantastic locations and the perfect way to end a summer’s evening cheering on the teams!
Over the next few weeks, we will be launching the Autumn calendar, beginning with the Real Ale, Gin & Rum Festival (September), followed by the New Trainee Solicitor & Pupil Barrister Reception (October) and Newly Qualified Solicitors & Tenant Barrister Reception (November).
In the meantime, have a lovely summer and I will look forward to seeing you in the autumn months at various events!
Best wishes,
Michelle Foster
Head of Operations
Nottinghamshire Law Society