CEO Report

CEO Report

SPRING 2025

It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second quarter of 2025! It’s been a busy start to the year for Surrey Law Society, with plenty happening across training, events, and new initiatives. There’s lots to celebrate already – and even more to look forward to in the months ahead.      

A Strong Start to Training in 2025

Our 2025 Training Programme is now well underway, with a range of free webinars already delivered to members. We were particularly excited to launch our new Employment Law Programme, offering dedicated content for employment practitioners, and to host an online session on the Extended Building Safety Act, expertly delivered by Anna Newport.

In February, we were delighted to partner with The College of Legal Practice for a Round Table and Afternoon Tea at TWM Solicitors, Guildford. This interactive session focused on Solicitor Apprenticeships and the SQE, with expert speakers Peter Liver and Dr Giles Proctor leading an insightful discussion on SQE pathways, apprenticeship models, and trainee support. The session was highly praised for its informative and discussion-led format, and we are pleased to confirm that we will be hosting another roundtable later this year.

Expanding Our Social Programme

Beyond training, we were delighted to introduce new Regional Socials, with our first events proving to be a huge success. The Escape Room Challenge in Kingston and Night at the Wickets cricket event in Guildford were both sell-out occasions, bringing members together for an evening of friendly competition and networking.

These events also marked the launch of the Society’s Elite Challenge—a firm-based competition running throughout 2025. Firms earn points by participating in various social events, with the winner set to receive an exciting prize and the title of Elite Challenge Winner at the end of the year.

SLS Legal Awards 2025 – Nominations Now Open

We are thrilled to announce that nominations for the SLS Legal Awards are now open. This year, we have expanded the awards with three new categories recognising inspirational leaders, business services teams, and employment law teams.

Members can find the full list of categories and criteria later in this magazine, and we encourage you to submit your nominations before the deadline of 25th April. We look forward to celebrating your achievements at G Live on 16th October.

Strengthening Industry Partnerships

We are pleased to have renewed our valued partnerships with Evelyn Partners, Landmark Information, Finders International, Pro-Drive IT, LawSure Insurance, and Konsileo, while also welcoming new collaborations with Actionstep, PCC Education Hub, DevAssist, The College of Legal Practice, and insight6.

We encourage members to explore the support these organisations offer by visiting https://surreylawsociety.org.uk/patrons/.

Member Renewals

All members should by now have received their renewal notices for the membership year 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026. Many thanks to everyone who has already confirmed their renewal and processed payment so promptly – we really appreciate your support. If you have any questions about your subscription, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the office. 

Representing Members in Key Industry Consultations

In February, the Society submitted a formal response to the SRA’s consultation on Client Money in Legal Services – Safeguarding Consumers and Providing Redress. Our response covered:

• The model of solicitors holding client money

• How to protect client money

• Ensuring a sustainable compensation fund

Given the significant implications of this consultation, it was vital that SLS members’ perspectives were represented. You can read our full response at https://surreylawsociety.org.uk/news/. A huge thank you to Nick Ball, Kieran Bowe, and Hayley Lalsing for their hard work in preparing this response.

New Client Experience Initiative

We are also delighted to have launched our Client Experience Excellence Initiative in partnership with insight6. This initiative is designed to help member firms enhance their client service and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly client-focused market.

The initiative provides a suite of expert-led services, including CX Reviews (Mystery Shops), Client & Employee Surveys, Client Interviews, and Benchmarking Tools. To learn more, please contact Paul Matthews at paul.matthews@insight6.com.

Looking Ahead

The months ahead promise to be just as exciting. We are preparing to host our first in-person course of 2025 in April: Advising Clients in 2025 with Professor Lesley King. Other key training sessions include:

• Family Investment Companies

• Customer & Prospect Service Excellence

• Annual Residential Conveyancing Update

Our social calendar also continues, with the return of the Past Presidents’ Championship Cup on 3rd July.

Additionally, we are looking forward to collaborating with the County Societies Group for our Reception at the Houses of Parliament on 13th May—a valuable opportunity for members to engage with local MPs and legal professionals from across the country.

As always, we are incredibly grateful to our members, patrons, and partners for their continued support. We look forward to another exciting and successful year ahead and hope to see many of you at our upcoming events.

Best wishes, 

Helen Opie

Chief Executive & Magazine Editor

T. 0333 5773830

E. helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk

@SurreyLawSoc

@surreylawsociety

Helen Opie (Chief Executive at Surrey Law Society)

Surrey Law Society