Newly Qualified Solicitors & Tenants Dinner 2025

On 18th November, we gathered at the vibrant Cuban-inspired venue, Revolución de Cuba, to celebrate the achievements of Nottinghamshire’s newly qualified solicitors and recent tenant barristers.

This special occasion was generously sponsored by BCL Legal, one of the UK’s leading legal recruitment firms. Representing BCL Legal, Lauren Evans, Associate, joined us for the evening.

This year, the event took the form of a formal dinner. Guests were welcomed with a choice of cocktails or mocktails, creating the perfect opportunity to network and connect before sitting down to enjoy a delicious meal.

President, Marie Dancer with sponsor representative Lauren Evans from BCL Legal.

After dinner, speeches were delivered by President Marie Dancer, Daniel Harley, Chair of the International Committee, and Shannon Mould, NJLD Chair.

President Marie Dancer, with Shannon Mould (NJLD Chair), Lauren Evans (BCL Legal) and guests from Richard Nelson LLP

Vice President, Drew Dennis with guests from Clarendon Law, Knights PLC and Rothera Bray LLP

Deputy Vice President, Aldijana Hoad with Paul Bacon (Past President 2007), founder of the Newly Qualified Dinner in 2007 and guests from Eversheds Sutherland and the Kevin De Silva 2025 finalists.

International Committee Chair, Daniel Harley with Jack Stuart (NJLD Vice Chair) and guests from Geldards LLP and KCH Garden Square.

Head of Operations, Michelle Foster with Helen Dunn, Education & Training Committee Chair and guests from MJC Law and Bryan and Armstrong Solicitors.

The evening also featured the announcement of the Kevin De Silva Memorial Legal Article Competition results. Out of four finalists, three were in attendance:

• William Parr – Nottingham Law School
• Zaienab Alghofari – University of Nottingham School of Law
• Henry Gjoka – University of Nottingham School of Law

Unfortunately, Laura Brewster, also from the University of Nottingham School of Law, was unable to attend. The finalists were selected from numerous submissions, with final judging by HHJ Coe KC and HHJ Owen.

President Marie Dancer proudly announced Laura Brewster as the winner of the 2025 competition. Henry, William, and Zaienab were commended for their insightful essays on topics including AI in the Courtroom, The Leveson Inquiry, and Legal Aid Data Breach.

President, Marie Dancer with William Parr, Zaienab Alghofari and Henry Gjoka with Helen Dunn holding the Kevin De Silva Shield.

A huge thank you to BCL Legal for their generous support and to Jay Glenn for capturing the evening through his photography.

Finally, our gratitude goes to all attendees who made this event such a success. It was a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the county’s recent legal milestones. Wishing everyone continued success in their careers!