CEO Report

CEO Report

SUMMER 2025

As we move through the summer, I’m pleased to update you on a busy and productive few months at Surrey Law Society. From collaborative events and member consultations to a strong programme of training and preparations for this year’s Legal Awards, there has been much going on behind the scenes. This update highlights just a few of the key developments and what’s coming up next.      

Championing Conversations and Insights

One of the recent highlights was our exclusive Actionstep Round Table, held in May at Stevens & Bolton. We were thrilled to welcome around 30 Managing and Senior Partners from across Surrey for an engaging lunchtime briefing, exploring findings from Actionstep’s 2025 UK Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report. This was not only an opportunity to hear key sector insights, but also to foster thoughtful, open discussion among peers about challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Thank you to all those who joined us for making it such a dynamic and valuable session.

We also had the great pleasure of participating in the County Societies Group (CSG) Reception at the Palace of Westminster. Over 20 Surrey members joined representatives from our partner societies around the UK, with local MPs invited to attend and engage with professionals from their constituencies. It was a proud moment for the Society to be part of this cross-regional collaboration, which enables us to amplify member voices and address shared concerns at a national level. Sincere thanks go to Steve Darling MP for hosting, Tony Steiner for coordinating, and to Mark Evans and Frank Maher for their thought-provoking speeches on access to justice and regulation in the profession.

Training with Impact

Our training programme has continued to flourish, offering members access to topical and practical CPD through a balance of online and in-person events. Since the beginning of May, we’ve delivered sessions on an impressive range of subjects, from climate risk to conveyancing updates.

Highlights have included:

• The New Non-Dom Regime: A Clear Guide for Practitioners 

with Julie Man (Russell-Cooke)

• Family Investment Companies Explained with Catriona Attride (Mills & Reeve) and Edward Emblem (Evelyn Partners)

• Mastering Compliance in Family Law 

with Karen Barham (Moore Barlow) and Victoria Clarke (Elite Law)

• Advising on Climate Change Risk Assessments 

with Simon Boyle

• Residential Conveyancing Update 2025 

with Stephen Desmond, kindly hosted at TWM Solicitors in Guildford

Our thanks go to all of our speakers, venues and attendees for contributing to such a strong and well-received programme.

SLS Legal Awards – Finalists Revealed

We were overwhelmed by the volume and calibre of nominations received for this year’s SLS Legal Awards—a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication across our legal community. We’re delighted to confirm that all 14 categories will be going ahead, and our judges faced some tough decisions in shortlisting finalists.

You can find the full list of finalists in this issue, alongside details of our special guest speaker for the evening—Shaun Wallace, barrister, lecturer, and star of The Chase. Shaun will bring a unique perspective to the evening as both a legal professional and one of the sharpest minds on British television.

We look forward to welcoming you to G Live on 16 October for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of excellence in Surrey’s legal sector.

Member Representation in Focus

Alongside delivering events, the Society continues to represent the interests of our members on issues of sector-wide importance.

We are currently seeking your views on two key issues:

1. Anti-Money Laundering Reform

The Property Lawyers Alliance (PLA) is calling for urgent reform to AML processes which, they argue, are placing disproportionate pressure on conveyancers and contributing to transaction delays. Past SLS President Dawn Lawson, who sits on the PLA steering group, is helping to shape the campaign, and we encourage members to read the overview and share feedback.

2. SRA First-Tier Complaints Consultation

The SRA has proposed changes to first-tier complaint handling, including clearer website disclosures, a standardised definition of a complaint, and the potential publication of complaints data. We’re preparing a response and would greatly value your input.

To share your views on either of the above, please contact the SLS Office, who will send over the surveys for completion. 

Looking Ahead

Our planning for the second half of the year is already well underway. In training, we’ll be adding new courses including a Post Completion Workshop for Conveyancing Support Staff, and a follow-up Round Table on the SQE and Apprenticeships in collaboration with The College of Legal Practice.

We’re also excited to be developing a special new event—the President’s Dinner—in partnership with Evelyn Partners, offering an exclusive evening of networking and insight for senior legal professionals. More details will be announced soon.

In the meantime, thank you once again for your continued support—it really does make all the difference. I hope you manage to take a well-earned break over the summer, whether that’s time in the sun, time with family, or just time away from your inbox!

Warmest regards, 

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