Development
CHURCHERS BOLITHO WAY STAFF REACH OUT TO THOSE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY DEALING WITH DEMENTIA In March 2012 David Cameron set his Dementia Challenge, to deliver major improvements in dementia care and research by 2015. Since two-thirds of people with dementia live in the community, as part of the Challenge there was a commitment to the development of dementia-friendly communities across the UK. to live with dementia. The aim of the training sessions is to turn that newlyacquired understanding into action. There are now 10 members of Churchers Bolitho Way staff who are now Dementia Friends. They are part of a network of people across the UK creating dementiafriendly communities. The aim is to have 1 million Dementia Friends across the UK by 2015.
There were 180,000 people living with dementia in Hampshire in 2012 and that figure is set to rise to 24,000 by 2020. Hampshire has been at the forefront of the dementia-friendly communities work and late in 2013 Fareham became a Dementia Friendly High Street. Churchers Bolitho Way are proud to be a part of that initiative. Some members of staff have recently undergone training provided by Dementia Friends, a national initiative being run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The training was given by Diane Bizley, a Dementia Friends Champion, who gave plenty of information and insight into what it’s like
Churchers Bolitho Way are taking action in a number of ways. The firm offers several free drop-in clinics in the local area, giving people the chance to seek the help and advice they need in what may be a more familiar and convenient location, rather than going into a office environment which can be overwhelming for some. Seminars have been held in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society to provide members of the public with more information on dementia and the help and assistance available in the community to them. There are also plans afoot, again in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society, for the firm to hold free tea mornings on Saturdays to help those who might otherwise be engaged during the week.
NEW EQUITY PARTNER FOR LOCAL LAW FIRM Experienced Personal Injury Partner, Andy Munden, has been announced as the newest Equity Partner at Hampshire based law firm Warner Goodman LLP, with effect from 1st May 2014. Ian Curtis, Managing Partner for Warner Goodman LLP, commented, “Andy's appointment is a clear demonstration of his commitment and confidence in the firm and the future that we have. The fellow Equity Partners, and indeed the staff as a whole, are totally confident that Andy will bring new energy and ideas and we unanimously and wholeheartedly welcome him on board.”
Andy Munden Andy originally worked for the firm from 1995 to 1999, and then returned in 2002. Four years ago he was promoted to a Partner; the first non-solicitor Partner in what was the 150 year history of the firm. He is accredited on the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Law Society Personal Injury Panel, is the Chair of the Personal Injury Group of LawNet and is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Andy said of his appointment, “To be in a position to show my colleagues the extent of my belief in our continued growth is particularly rewarding. I firmly believe that we have a bright future and I’m delighted to be part of that as an Equity Partner.” Andy specialises in Personal Injury Litigation for claimants, with a particular focus on claims for injuries sustained in accidents at work. He is also experienced with an extensive range of other injury claims including trips, slips and falls, accidents due to faulty goods/products, claims following accidents on holiday, serious or catastrophic injuries and those suffering with an Industrial Disease.
PATHWAYS TO LAW STUDENTS ENJOY PLACEMENT SUCCESS Local law firms and legal teams contribute thirty five placements to aspiring young lawyers in the local area. College students on the University of Southampton’s Pathways to Law programme have been enjoying a variety of placements in the legal profession thanks to the involvement of many local, national, and international law firms, the CPS Wessex, and inhouse legal teams. In an inspiring example of local collaboration, eleven firms are delivering meaningful work placements to engage students in the profession, introducing them to life as a solicitor or barrister, and giving them key contacts for the future. Pathways to Law was created in 2006 by the Sutton Trust and the Legal Education Foundation in order to widen access to the legal profession. The initiative has national reach, with eleven different Russell Group Universities delivering their own programme, and targets gifted and talented students from non-privileged backgrounds who are interested in a career in law. A total of 400 students are admitted to the two-year programme in each intake, and enjoy a series of workshops, seminars, visits, and a national conference, before moving onto university. The University of Southampton and the Sutton Trust are very grateful to the following firms for their continued support for the programme and the work placements they have provided: • Ageas (in-house legal team) • Blake Lapthorn • Bond Dickinson • Clarke Willmott • Clyde & Co • CMS Cameron McKenna • CPS Wessex • Ordnance Survey (in-house legal team) • Ramboll (in-house legal team) • RJR Solicitors • University of Southampton (in-house legal team). For more information on Pathways to Law, or if you are interested in becoming involved with the programme, please email Rob Jack (Pathways to Law coordinator): pathway@soton.ac.uk.
Hampshire Legal
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