CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | XXXXXXXXXXXX12022 THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WESTMINSTER & HOLBORN LAW SOCIETY | AUGUST 2022 LondonCENTRAL ■ Dieselgate ■ WHLS Summer Party ■ Stepping forward in family law – a promised LawyerlandLONDON LEGAL WALK
2XXXXXXXXXXXX | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER Don’t change what you do. Just make it easier to do. See how Clio makes legal practice management easier. Discover Clio today at clio.com/uk/central-london or call +44-800-433-2546.
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | 3 BenhamPUBLISHERPublishing Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR Joanne Casey SALES DIRECTOR Karen AugustPUBLISHED1892MEDIALeeSTUDIOHallMANAGERFinneyNo.2022©Benham Publishing Ltd. LEGAL NOTICE © Benham Publishing. None of the editorial or photographs may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. Benham Publishing would like to point out that all editorial comment and articles are the responsibility of the originators and may or may not reflect the opinions of Benham Media. No responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracies that may occur, correct at time of going to press. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us. DISCLAIMER All views expressed in this publication are the views of the individual writers and not the society unless specifically stated to be otherwise. All statements as to the law are for discussion between members and should not be relied upon as an accurate statement of the law, are of a general nature and do not constitute advice in any particular case or circumstance. Members of the public should not seek to rely on anything published in this magazine in court but seek qualified Legal Advice. COVER INFORMATION Photographs supplied from WHLS and used with permission. 05 President’s Foreword 06 BenefitsMembership 07 John Davies 08 12,000 Solicitors ‘spin to win’ at London Legal Walk 09 Dieselgate 10 Events 12 JLD: balanceWork-life 13 Sub-Committees 16 The road(legislative)ahead 19 International 24 DJ Rob da Bank cleared of bad Bestival loans 27 What is Mentoring –for Mentors 29 The Bar Council and wellbeing at the ContentsBar07Copy Deadline 28th October 2022 For the November 2022 edition Advertising Anyone wishing to advertise in Central London Lawyer please contact Catherine McCarthy before the copy deadline. 0151 236 catherine@benhampublishing.com4141 Editorial Members wishing to submit editorial please send to: cwhlawsoc@gmail.com Co-Editors in Chief: Sarah Bradd and Kene Onyeka Allison. Editorial Board: Matthew Allan, Lotus Kimona, Anamitra Mukhopadhyay and Sadie Thompson. Follow us on social media 0916 27
Philip Henson Deputy Vice President Philip Henson is a Partner and the Head of Employment at international law firm EBL Miller Rosenfalck, based in Farringdon. He also heads the North America desk and the China desk of the firm. He is the Chair of the WHLS Law Reform Committee. Phil and the committee research and reply to consultations on changes to legislation. Phil is looking forward to being more involved in the Society as the Deputy Vice President. Phil is involved in various charities and he is the Editor of City Solicitor magazine (the magazine of the City of London Law Society). Outside of a busy work and family life, Phil also produces and occasionally writes short films. He has recently finished a script for a dark comedy called Viking Funeral which he plans to develop in 2022.
PROFILESMatthew
Sarah Bradd Co-Editor in Chief Sarah is a Paralegal and a Future Trainee at Charles Russell Speechlys working for the Development Sales and Regeneration Teams. She is currently working towards completing her Fellowship for CILEx having completed her LLB at the University of Law. She is looking forward to starting her Training Contract in 2023. If you have any contributions for the next editions of the Central London Lawyer please do get in touch with her on LinkedIn and it would be great to hear from you.
Kene Onyeka Allison Co-Editor in Chief Kene is an in-house solicitor at Mizuho International plc, a Japanese investment bank. She is dual-qualified in England & Wales and Nigeria. Her areas of specialisation are Debt Capital Markets and Derivatives. She is the co-chair of the British Nigeria Law Forum Women’s Network and volunteers in different capacities with different organisations with the aim of improving ethnic and minority diversity.
Saskia Rock-Williams Administrative Secretary Saskia is currently a Trainee Solicitor at Macfarlanes LLP and Administrative Secretary of the Westminster & Holborn Law Society. She has a particular interest in matters concerning Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and regularly reads and writes about such topics. Saskia is also an accomplished equestrian in her spare time.
4 | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER WHLS OFFICER
Allan President Matthew is a solicitor-advocate and associate at Greenwoods. He specialises in commercial litigation and international arbitration. He is also the Co-Vice Chair of the Society’s International Committee which develops professional links with lawyers and their clients throughout Europe and further afield. Matt is looking forward to helping build the Society’s network of local and international connections over his presidential year. If you or your firm are interested in hosting or sponsoring one of our events, do get in touch: President@whls.org.uk
Paul Sharma Immediate Past President Paul Sharma is the immediate past President of Westminster and Holborn Law Society and the Council member for Westminster & Holborn Law Society – the central London law society. Paul is the founder and managing partner of Sharma Solicitors. Sharma Solicitors is a boutique employment law practice acting for both claimants and respondents, small and multinational firms. Paul worked as a trade union official before qualifying in a firm that acts exclusively for the large trade unions for their members. Paul went on to head the employment law departments of an outer London commercial firm before doing the same for a large city practice.
Anthony Seymour Honorary Treasurer Anthony is a Locum Property Solicitor who deals with Commercial Property Landlord and Tenant and residential conveyancing. He has worked at many firms and was for many years a Partner in the Property Department of a central London Law firm. He is a member of the Bristol University Alumni Association London branch and holds a Masters degree in Law from King’s College London University.
Nicola Rubbert Vice President Nicola is a commercial and employment solicitor. She is the Chair of our Education & Training Committee and is Council Member of The Law Society of England & Wales, representing the constituency of Westminster. Nicola is Immediate Past Chair of the London Young Lawyers Group, an organisation which ignited her passion for the legal community.
Finally, we have an inspiring update from our friends at the Krakow Bar Association, who continue to fundraise and coordinate aid and assistance for colleagues in Ukraine, page 21. Please consider donating to the Ukraine Appeal, which, as the Krakow Bar notes, is empowering Ukrainian lawyers, who thanks to your solidarity are making a difference in their local communities.
AUGUST 2022 Welcome to the Summer edition of Central London Lawyer where we are focussing on work/life balance. We live our ideals here at WHLS, so speaking of balance, it was great to meet so many members and guests at our summer party in July. A special thank you to Leap UK for their generous sponsorship of an impressive welcome reception! The weather played ball too, as we could bask in the evening sunshine overlooking Regent’s Canal. You can read our guest editor Anamitra Mukhopadhyay’s article about the evening on page 10. Keep you eyes on our social media in the coming weeks as we finalise our autumn events schedule. For a taste of what’s to come, see page 11. We follow up last quarter’s magazine on a sombre note, however, as we reflect on the passing of John Davies, former managing partner, then senior partner of Pattinson & Brewer, and long-time WHLS stalwart. John was a secretary of Holborn Law Society for many years, and after the merging with the City of Westminster Law Society he was elected its president. You can read more of John’s life in law on page 7. We have a number of exciting opportunities coming up to join WHLS delegations as they travel overseas once again. Bilbao, Barcelona and Palermo, amongst others, are on the list for October and November. You are invited to join members of the society as they chase the last of the summer sun whilst meeting colleagues and firms to share knowledge and business development opportunities. A full list of our international engagements can be found at page 15. An insightful article from Shabnam Ali-Khan of Russell Cooke sets out tips when interacting with people with disabilities (p. 14). Morgan Wolfe of Leigh Day reports on Dieselgate and class actions (p. 9), and Sara Roden and Russell Strong of Greenwoods provide insights on DJ Rob da Bank’s court win concerning the downfall of Bestival (p. 24). There are articles from our own JLD co-chairs, Felicia Munde and Keshia Bushay-Ellis (p. 12) highlighting their recent events program as well as further opportunities for junior members to get involved. Michael Polak and Mike Harwood of the Young Barristers Committee also write on how the young bar is working to re-engage post-Covid, including with the Anglo-Dutch Exchange, Commonwealth Lawyers Association and annual International Weekend in September, and the bar’s work focussing on mental health.
Matthew Allan WestminsterPresident & Holborn Law Society
I look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.
I sign off this time with a save the date for our annual awards. On 26 September WHLS is presenting the Gamlen Prize and NQ Rising Star Award in the formidable surroundings of the House of Lords. We are still accepting nominations for both awards too, so why not apply or nominate a junior colleague?
SPONSORS Matthew Allan
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | INTRODUCTION5
The President’s Foreword
Participate in our professional development events to hone your legal skills and knowledge. Recent events include an in-person seminar on Russia and the Council of Europe held at the University of Law and on-line seminars to improve your public speaking skills and harness your personal brand. Most of our events are free for members and a great opportunity to meet other legal professionals. Write an article for our quarterly magazine, Central London Lawyer, showcasing your expertise or highlighting an important case your firm just won.
Representing the 20,000 solicitors across Westminster, Holborn and Central London
Subscriptions are free for members. And if you just won a big case, let us know so we can share your achievement on our social media channels. We want to hear from you. Apply for, or nominate a candidate for, the Gamlen Prize or the Rising Star Award. The award ceremonies will be held at the House of Lords on 26 September and all members are welcome to attend. Join a committee to share your ideas. The Society has several committees offering many opportunities to get more involved and to hone your leadership skills: International; Litigation; Law Reform; CSR & Pro Bono; Conveyancing; Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion; Education and Training; Publicity and Social Media; and Membership committees.
Member Benefits While the Society offers numerous member benefits, the Membership Committee is constantly striving to provide more perks to our members. If you have any suggestions of a benefit you wish to see, please contact Joanne Skolnick at cwhls@gmail.com We hope you will join us and look forward to seeing you at our next event! Joanne Skolnick Chair of the Membership Committee, Westminster & Holborn Law Society
Membership Benefits
6 | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER WHLS
. If you are an individual member, please consider approaching your firm about corporate membership.
he Westminster & Holborn Law Society is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming organisation representing around 20,000 solicitors across Westminster, Holborn and Central London. What sets us apart from other societies is our links to regional and international legal organisations. We are a part of the Fédération des Barreaux d’Europe and are twinned with the Paris, Berlin, Milan and Barcelona bar associations, among others. Membership is the cornerstone of our Society and all members have a vital role to play in our continued success.
Recent social event highlights include our annual Summer Party held on the beautiful terrace of The Gas Station overlooking Regent's Canal and our black-tie Holiday Party at Middle Temple Hall with live music.
Membership Renewal We will soon be starting our annual WHLS membership drive. The Society membership year runs from October to October. If your details have not changed, kindly pay the invoice you will be sent by email and please provide us with a secondary email address. If you have changed employers or if your status has changed, such as from trainee to solicitor, please let us know so that we can update your details. If you are not yet a member, you can easily join by going to our website at www.cwhls.org.uk Just fill out the membership form on the Join Us page and follow the payment instructions. We have updated our membership form to learn more about the interests of our members and to ensure we don’t lose touch. Reasons to Join The Society is what our members make of it. So please attend our social events to network with legal professionals from our Society and other bar associations across London and throughout Europe in a relaxing atmosphere.
Corporate Membership
TMEMBERSHIP
We are revamping our corporate membership to include additional perks along with special corporate discounts, so stay tuned! If your firm would like to learn more, please contact Joanne Skolnick via email at cwhls@gmail.com
John Davies
He was a proud Welshman and rugby fanatic. After a round of Six Nations matches, the working day could not start until John had discussed the fine details of each game. Even those with no interest in rugby could not escape the post-match analysis.
John was admired by his peers and was voted secretary of the Holborn Law Society for many years and just loved it. The highlights of his year were the Holborn Law Society Garden Party and the Annual Dinner. At both functions he knew everyone who attended and no one could have enjoyed himself more.
Maya Angelou is credited with saying, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It is hard to remember all the different things that happened in all the years I knew him, but I don’t forget how he made me feel. He was truly a life enhancer and we will all miss him so much.
John leaves his wife Brenda, two sons Huw and Chris and three adored grandsons, Matthew, Mark and Nick – Huw’s children with Jane, currently P & B’s managing partner. John & Brenda Davies
But what a lawyer he was. He was a partner at Thompsons and jumped ship with Rex Church to come to Pattinson & Brewer. He became managing partner and then senior partner.
He built up an impressive conveyancing practice and was the favourite lawyer of all the building societies and banks in Holborn. As young lawyers we were awestruck at his ability to make each building society manager feel like they were his favourite and in his view the most competent manager in the business.
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | 7 IN MEMORY
John was a proud socialist and a member of the Labour party and served on its Finance Committee. He used his charm to persuade Lord Irvine to open one of our offices, an unusual thing for a Lord Chancellor to do, as the Law Gazette commented at the time.
John was an early supporter of workplace equality. Although employing women in a trade union firm was frowned upon in those days, John continued to hire women, which is why Pattinson & Brewer is almost unique in having so many female partners. He pushed and supported us and insisted we took every chance we could.
The Holborn Law Society then became the City of Westminster and Holborn Law Society, and John was voted in as President. No man wore the finery with more enjoyment and we were so proud of him when he made his Presidential speech at the dinner. It was effortless, erudite and above all amusing.
John Davies had such a gift for friendship that there will be many people confident they were the closest friend he had. His attitude towards people was: ‘A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet’.
But much more than his legal skills, he was the heart and soul of Pattinson & Brewer. He was the repository for confidence, the source of advice and counselling, the person to gossip with and make you laugh, the one to support you if you needed it and always to praise whenever possible.
John was a wonderful raconteur. One of his favourite stories was about one of the post room staff, an evangelical Christian who once organised a staff outing to see Mel Gibson in The Passion of the Christ. (Sadly John and I had unexpected engagements which prevented us from going.) The next morning, he came to tell us about it and to reassure us that he would organise another outing. He started to describe the film but stopped himself saying, “I mustn’t spoil the ending”. John laughed so much telling people this story that he nearly missed his train home.
I thought you was a goner”.
Ironic really because when Wales were playing he generally had to go for a walk because he couldn’t stand the tension.
Maintaining good relationships with clients is important and with John we had the master practitioner. Lunch was his forte. When we moved from our ancient offices in Great James Street to Pilgrim Street near St Paul’s, within 3 weeks John was greeted by name at every restaurant within a 2-mile radius, particularly the curry houses. But shellfish was his downfall. Carole the tea lady once found him stretched out on the floor behind his desk after an unwise lunch choice. One of his favourite stories was how he opened his eyes to find her standing over him saying “Gawd Mr Davies –
Here are some words of the eulogy delivered by Frances McCarthy at the memorial service following John’s tragic death. Frances, formerly his articled clerk, is now senior partner of Pattinson & Brewer.
John always said that one day he would write the history of the firm and of our 100 years in Great James Street. He loved the area and knew it intimately., but when we decided to move to an open plan office, he came to love it for the way in which he could have easy access to all the staff. At the time, he confided in me that he had decided to sell the Senior Partner’s picture, a most valuable painting that had hung in the Senior Partner’s office since time immemorial. “This will pay for the removal costs”’ he said confidently and took it off to Sothebys – where they gently advised him it was a print.
He developed a commercial conveyancing department which served all our major union clients. He enjoyed meeting and joking with them and people like Baroness (Margaret) Prosser and Lord (Ray) Collins became close friends. His knowledge, legal skills and the thorough way in he approached his cases were impressive. But what I really learned from him was the importance of how you treated people, whether other lawyers or clients. He had an easy telephone manner, always seeming like he was chatting to friends.
He famously took each salaried partner out to breakfast on a regular basis to some greasy spoon where he was greeted by the owner with the affection he always inspired.
He read English at St Catherine’s College Oxford, loved his books and adored the theatre.
The Solicitors’ Charity Chief Executive Nick Gallagher said: “This year’s London Legal Walk had a great atmosphere created by all those taking part – including 10 of the charity’s volunteers and staff. A huge amount has been raised to help provide more free and pro bono advice to solicitors in London and the South East.
“As a sponsor of The London Legal Walk again this year, we were delighted to chat to participants at our information stand and spread the word about the work we do and how it makes a positive difference to many lives in England and Wales.
There was also a fun ‘Wheel of Fortune’ on the charity stand –giving walkers the opportunity to win big, which proved a huge hit! It was a brilliant opportunity for The Solicitors' Charity to engage with solicitors from across the UK, and visitors loved taking part in the fun and games on the interactive stand. After crossing the finish line, the walkers celebrated at an evening street party featuring food vendors, fire jugglers and musicians.
Sponsored by The Solicitors’ Charity, participants were invited to stop at its stand en route to find out more about how it helps solicitors who are going through difficult times.
The walk, now in its 18th year, was organised by the London Legal Support Trust and brought together the legal community supporting access to justice.
“The Wheel of Fortune proved popular too – it was lovely to see so many legal professionals having a fantastic time!” Find out more about The Solicitors’ Charity at: https://thesolicitorscharity.org/ Prizes a plenty with the spin to win game 12,000 solicitors out in force to show support for charity The Solicitors’ Charity sponsors event to raise awareness of the support it gives solicitors London Legal Walk participants, including The Solicitors’ Charity team led by CEO Nick Gallagher, supporting access to justice.
MLegalat‘spinSolicitors12,000FEATUREtowin’LondonWalk
ore than 12,000 legal colleagues got together and picked up the pace to support The London Legal Support Trust at the London Legal Walk on June 28th 2022 and raised more than £550,000 for legal support services.
8 | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER ADVERTISEMENT
Earlier this year the Volkswagen Group paid out £193m to some 91,000 claimants, collectively represented by Leigh Day and two other claimant law firms, who alleged the global car maker used unlawful defeat devices which artificially lowered the NOx emissions of their vehicles for the purposes of passing emissions tests, only for the vehicles to produce increased NOx emissions when being driven on the road in “real-world” conditions. Dubbed ‘Dieselgate’, it is the biggest consumer group action brought before the English courts.
CORLA and the case for reform
purchased or leased a diesel car in England or Wales on or after a specific date among the following brands: Nissan/Renault, Ford, Mini, Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen, Vauxhall/Peugeot/ Citroen. It only takes a moment If by this point you are wondering whether you are eligible, you can find out in seconds by entering your car’s vehicle registration number into the Leigh Day eligibility checker
Even where opt-in class action works well – as in the recent Volkswagen settlement – one wonders how many more people would have joined the claim and obtained a settlement payment had it been on an opt-out basis. Currently opt-out class action is only available for competition claims in the UK (price fixing, cartels, etc) but pressure has been mounting to extend the regime to a wider range of consumer claims. Earlier this year
Leigh Day’s emissions teams make judicious use of Artificial Intelligence to quickly collect and process data, keep tens of thousands of clients up to date and meet critical deadlines.
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER |
Dieselgate9
Behind the scenes of group litigation
A class act
If you build it Once a funder signs on, the next step is to get clients to sign up, a process known as ‘book build’. Book build is in essence a massive awareness-raising campaign designed to reach as many potentially eligible claimants as possible. In the case of the diesel emissions group claims, these are people who
There is no legal definition of a class action (also referred to as group, collective or mass actions), although such cases typically feature multiple claimants whose claims are similar in nature and who are pursuing the same defendant or defendants. In England and Wales, most group actions operate on an opt-in basis (as opposed to the opt-out system common in the US) which means that a claimant must take proactive steps to join the claim, including signing up with a law firm and providing evidence. Leigh Day aims to make this process as frictionless as possible through the use of digital online platforms and dedicated claim management teams. Clients can, in most cases, sign up, sit back and wait – with insurance taken out on their behalf to remove financial risk, in the unlikely event that the case is lost.
Litigation funding for group claims
If you want to go far, go together Group litigation enables the many to do what would not be possible alone. It is a critical ingredient in ensuring justice is available to all, not just those who can afford to fight. But it is not a perfect system and many gaps remain. There are many worthy cases where the financial return is too low to attract litigation funding, which means that often law firms cannot afford to take them on. Adopting an opt-out regime for a wider range of group claims in England and Wales would go some way toward addressing that gap. Morgan Wolfe Solicitor, Leigh Day Morgan Wolfe is a solicitor in Leigh Day’s Human Rights team and helps run the firm’s group emissions claim against Nissan/Renault.
ARTICLE
Leigh Day joined five leading firms in setting up the Collective Redress Lawyers Association (“CORLA”) whose aim is to increase access to justice for claimants who have suffered as a result of wrongful conduct and who are seeking to assert their rights on a collective basis.
Third party funding is becoming the cornerstone of group litigation. Litigation finance enables a claimant firm to get a case up and running which, in the case of the diesel emissions cases, is a massive and costly operation involving lawyers, barristers, experts, court fees, marketing campaigns and more. Litigation funders apply a careful calculus to deciding which cases they will fund. Forefront in the funder’s mind are the prospects of succeeding at trial (most funders require a minimum success rate of 60%), the overall value of the claim and the financial health of the defendant, among others. They will also expect a law firm to have insurance in place (known as after the event insurance) to shield both clients and the funder from having to pay the defendant’s costs should the claimants lose.
I can speak on behalf of my colleagues when I say that the summer party enabled us to meet, not only other legal professionals, but colleagues from non-legal sectors. The intimate setting allowed individuals to mix outside of their immediate groups (which, we can all admit, can be a daunting experience!) and broaden their horizon. I had the pleasure of interacting with lawyers from different law firms, barristers, legal software providers and cybersecurity professionals. Speaking to individuals from different professional backgrounds allowed me to understand how other sectors operate. For instance, as lawyers, we constantly rely on legal technology; it was therefore refreshing to speak to individuals working in this sector to gain some understanding of the work that goes into creating and perfecting legal software, which contributes to making life easier for Thelawyers.widerange
10 | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER
WHLSEVENTS
of industries attending the event speaks volumes as to WHLS’ ability to bring together entities and individuals from varied industries who are committed to make connections and learn from each other. Whilst I have attended many events aimed at legal professionals, it was refreshing to attend an event which encompassed a diverse range of professions. The legal industry cannot operate without the support of other industries, which is something I was reminded of at WHLS’ summer party. The icing on the cake arrived when I unexpectedly (and much to my delight!) won a bottle of champagne at a raffle. It was a wonderful end to a splendid evening!
On 13 July 2022, the Westminster & Holborn Law Society (WHLS) hosted their summer party at the Gas Station. I had the privilege to attend WHLS’ summer party along with several of my colleagues at JMW Solicitors LLP.
Anamitra Mukhopadhyay JMWSolicitorSolicitors LLP
Summer Party
In the first instance, the event provided an opportunity for me to connect with my colleagues outside of work setting. Often, we become consumed with our daily working lives and unwittingly, do not make an active effort to check in with colleagues. WHLS’ summer party provided an opportunity to connect (or in some cases, re-connect) with my colleagues over a glass of prosecco and a delicious array of canapes!
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | 11 Upcoming WHLS Events Date Event Location 2-3 September 2022 FBE Human Rights Oratory Competition Bilbao, Spain 26 September 2022 Gamlen Prize & NQ Rising Star Award Presentations Cholmondeley Room, The House of Lords 6-7 October 2022 Barcelona Bar Association Conference Barcelona, Spain October 2022 WHLS Annual Dinner Venue TBC October 2022 WHLS Annual General Meeting Venue TBC and via MS Teams 17-19 November 2022 FBE Autumn Conference Palermo, Italy Our events list is constantly growing so keep an eye on our social media to keep up to date. Have an idea for an event, or want to host one? Get in touch! CWHLawSoc@Gmail.com EVENTS
balanceWork-life
At the Junior Lawyer’s Division, the theme for this edition of the magazine is very close to our hearts – work life balance. What an important and topical issue this is for our fellow junior lawyers! At the Junior Lawyer’s Division, we represent the interests of junior lawyers across Holborn and Westminster. We are advocates of a flexible working regime and establishing a new balance to create our future way of working. We believe in the importance of developing and implementing strategies to ensure that we look after ourselves and one another, as we progress our careers. We believe in the importance of reflecting about what we want from our working lives in order to encourage and achieve change. Establishing a work life balance is one of the most important initiatives for this Junior Lawyer’s Division. We would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved with this – please do reach out! Well, Summer is officially here and we hope you have enjoyed getting back to some kind of ‘normality’ (and did not melt too much in the recent heatwave)! We have had a fantastic time participating in the numerous events that have taken place, such as the London Legal Walk and the Society’s Summer drinks. It was great to attend ‘in person’ events again and to catch up with our members in the sunshine. The Junior Lawyer’s Division have also received wonderful feedback from our members in relation to the engaging and informative workshop on ‘Harnessing your personal brand’ by Career Coach Paula McMullan. We are so pleased that our members enjoyed it and will certainly look to offer similar events in the future! I agree that Paula’s passion and delivery shone through and it was great to have an insight into what personal brand actually means and how all lawyers (no exceptions!) can develop their own. I certainly learnt a lot!
Going forwards, there will always be opportunities for you to get involved in the Junior Lawyer’s Division, no matter what stage you are of your legal career. We aim to represent all law students, trainee solicitors, pupils, and qualified solicitors and barristers up to 5 years PQE and are dedicated to creating a network of these junior lawyers to provide a wide range of educational and social benefits. We have some really exciting and interesting vacancies in our committee, including the position for Chair. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, meet fellow junior lawyers, campaign for change and enhance your career. What’s stopping you? We are inviting applications from all law students, trainee solicitors, pupils, and qualified solicitors and barristers up to 5 years PQE. Please get in touch with the current Co-Chairs via email if you are interested in applying: felicia.munde@dawsoncornwell.com and kmbushayell1@gmail.com We look forward to sharing what’s to come in Autumn and Winter 2022 – watch this space!
Keshia Bushay-Ellis Co-Chair of WHLS JLD and Solicitor at Creighton & Partners
JUNIOR LAWYERS DIVISION 12 | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER
Felicia Co-ChairMundeofWHLS JLD and Solicitor at Dawson Cornwell
The Committee met on 9 June to consider events for the future, which will include a session on Networking Skills, possibly a talk about Legal Technology and another on the workings of the human memory. Sandie Gaines Dean, London Bloomsbury Campus Associate Professor, The University of Law Dr Andreas Yiannaros
After a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, the CWHLS CSR & Pro Bono Committee returned in 2022, welcoming new Chair Debjani Biswas-Hawkes (Head of Not-for-Profits Programme and Secondary Specialisation at LawWorks – the Solicitors Pro Bono Group).
SUB-COMMITTEES
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | 13
WHLS Education and TCommitteeTraining
WHLS can send up to 2 candidates, and so if there are many interested there will be a quarter final selection in London in the third week of August.
CWHLS CSR & Pro Bono Committee
Exciting opportunity for Junior Lawyers
The Committee renewed its focus on supporting locals to access justice, creating a signposting page on the CWHLS website for members of the public to find local legal advice services. In the months ahead, the Committee will be looking for opportunities to link the Society’s members with rewarding volunteering opportunities, including taking part in ULaw’s mentoring scheme. For more information on this, please contact csr.pro.bono.cwhls@gmail.com
he WHLS Education and Training Committee ran an interesting and topical event on 30 June, that is a talk by Associate Professor at The University of Law, Dr Andreas Yiannaros on the legal implications of Russia’s exclusion from the Council of Europe. The talk explored the timeline of events leading to ofEuropewithRussia’sCouncilwithdrawalRussia’sfromtheofEurope,relationshiptheCouncilofandtheimpactRussia’sexclusion
on human rights regionally and globally. Through statistical data and case studies, it was shown that Russia’s relationship with the European Court has been deeply problematic – a broken relationship that was further exacerbated by rapidly evolving geopolitical developments, such as the annexation of Crimea. It was argued that, for ordinary Russian citizens who suffered and continue to suffer gross human rights violations, the European Court of Human Rights was their last resort for justice and closure. Russia’s isolation, not just from the Council of Europe but from the international community, leaves a fragile civil society exposed to further abuses, and requires the international community to move fast, in an attempt to empower human rights groups and allow them to fight for change from within.
The Committee thanked Caitlin Farrar for her time as Secretary. It is now looking for a new Secretary and welcomes expressions of interest, to be sent to csr.pro.bono.cwhls@gmail.com
WHLS is seeking law students, paralegals, trainee solicitors and qualified lawyers up to the age of 35 for the 3rd Young Lawyers Human Rights Competition from 2-3rd September in Bilbao.
What you will do Prepare a 10 minutes speech on: “War Crimes” to be presented to an International Jury in Bilbao with other participants from different countries. If selected amongst the four best contestants, defend a position against an opponent on another topic the following day. If you are interested, please contact sarachandler.lawsociety@ gmail.com as soon as possible as the closing date for entries is 16 August.
14 | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER
ow you behave around people and the language you use can be absolutely crucial. It can help them feel included and empowered. However, if you get it wrong it can be upsetting and offensive. We are not always going to get it right but this article provides a few tips of things to consider around people with disabilities!
TopSUB-COMMITTEEStips
I had the pleasure of speaking with Christina Warner, who is a barrister at Goldsmith Chambers. Christina is an engaging woman with lots of interesting and some shocking stories. Christina has a lovely warm nature. Christina has Stargardts disease. I must confess I had never heard of it before. It is a rare inherited form of visual impairment. It can manifest itself at any age and in Christina’s case her sight began to suffer in adulthood. Christina gave me some valuable insight into her world and helped me come up with this list of tips. This is by no means an exhaustive list!
1. Do not touch people with disabilities without asking! Do not ever feel you have the right to simply place your hand on someone to help them. This could be for example if you see a wheelchair or walking aid user going across the road or a visually impaired person with a cane. It is never acceptable to just go over and start pushing them or leading them. A good friend of mine who is a wheelchair user told me a story about how she was pushing up a slight hill when a lady saw her struggling and came over and started pushing her without asking. My friend described it as offensive and demoralising. Sadly this has happened to her a number of times.
3. Do not ask personal questions Think before you speak. It is not appropriate to ask personal questions about sex or toilet habits. Christina recalls one conversation in particular where she was asked if she would go “ugly blind”.
2. Speak to people with disabilities like average ablebodied people People with disabilities are people at the end of the day, just like all of us. Do not feel the need to focus on their disability in conversations. Just be yourself and be normal. Get to know them as fully rounded people. The disability is only one aspect of who they are. Avoid being patronising by unnecessarily speaking loudly or slowly. Think about the language you use around people with disabilities. Avoid phrases that may sound derogatory or make them feel like victims. Terms like “wheelchair bound” or “handicapped” are inappropriate and should not be used.
5 years ago, my younger brother was in a horrific car accident when he was hit by a speeding car. He suffered many injuries including broken legs, broken pelvis, scapula and ribs. He was able to walk again thankfully a few months after the accident but did sustain a life changing brachial plexus injury which means he has lost the use of his dominant right arm. Although I am mindful of my behaviour and language around him my conversation with Christina was certainly eye opening. Particularly the importance of not focusing on the disability. I never step in and assume my brother needs help. I actually find letting him do things for himself encourages him to be independent and adapt to his new life.
4. To stare or not to stare! Some people have a morbid curiosity around people with disabilities. It is not important that you know the nature of someone’s disability. This says a lot more about the starer than who they are staring at. Be sensible and think how you would feel if someone was staring at you. However, recognise that children can often be curious about differences and may stare. It is important not to make a child feel bad for staring or express that it is wrong. As a parent or guardian of a child you should be embracing their curiosity and perhaps use it as a way to have a dialogue about the disability. This is certainly better than avoiding eye contact and avoiding people with disabilities.
And I will leave you with one final comment which Christina made during our chat: Disability is a when not an if. It comes to all of us whether it be through an accident, a disease or through aging. That is why we need to continue the conversation of how we behave around people with disabilities. Treat people how you would like to be treated. Shabnam Ali-Khan RussellPartner Cooke
I hope these tips have given some food for thought!
Hdisabilitiespeopleinteractingwhenwithwith
5. Always ask before offering help Just because a person has a disability do not assume they need your help. Do not imply it of your own accord. Christina says “give us our dignity and do not make us feel de-humanised or sub-human”. If you are not sure just ask politely. Christina explains many disabled people worry about not being seen as contributing to society. Stepping in to help someone without asking can reinforce these beliefs.
Professor Sara Chandler QC (Hon) reports
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Conferencesperson
On Day two of the Congress, there were several contributions from Bar leaders from all over Europe on attacks on the rule of law and the independence of judges and lawyers. It is clear that there is much concern, and vigilance is needed to monitor the situation in various European jurisdictions. The new FBE President, Bas Martens of the Hague Bar Association, took office at the AGM, together with Izabella Konopcka of the Wroclaw Bar (1st V ice President) and Marc Labbe of the Swiss National Association of Advocates (2nd Vice President). Any member of WHLS may participate in international activities, so please look through the following dates. datesinternationalFurther Prof. Sara Chandler
Suddenly the dam burst, and after more than two years of the pandemic, meeting up in person has blossomed with events in Palermo. In the 17th June the International Fair Trials Day conference focussed on Egypt, and the delegates heard from many distinguished lawyers, journalists, and academics. Baroness Helena Kennedy spoke about the work of the IBA Human Rights Institute. Mary Robinson, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers spoke about the need to remind those embassies who send observers to trials, that they must not sit silent where there is evidence of torture, lack of access to their lawyers and the failure to show documentation about the charges before the court, their silence will be cited as acceptance and published by regimes. The Ebru Timtik award in memory of the Turkish lawyer who died on hunger strike as she protested for a fair trial, was awarded to joint winners, two lawyers in Egyptian prisons.
From 22nd June the FBE held its 30th anniversary congress in Sofia, a city which has many architectural sites from the Roman period. There are many beautiful churches and a central Mosque to visit. The first evening of the Congress was spent in the Palace of the King Simeon!! Who ruled as a six-year-old in 1943, and who as an adult became a politician and Prime Minister of Bulgaria in 2001. Delegates were entertained with music and folk dancing. The Congress addressed the post pandemic role of lawyers, the dynamics of working in polarized societies, the changing image of lawyers, and the evolution of legal practice”. The Human Rights Commission reported on current work in support of lawyers in prison in Turkey, and the Turkish government’s new rules to break up large bar associations such as the Ankara Bar into smaller and weaker new bar associations. There will be five members of the FBE Human Rights Commission participating in the Colombia Caravana delegation to Colombia in August 19 to 28. Readers may remember that it was WHLS that set up the Caravana international network of lawyers in support of human rights in Colombia. International sub-committee Co-Chair Jeffrey Forrest, and Vice Chair, Sara Chandler, were founder members.
SUB-COMMITTEES
2-3 September in Bilbao: Young Lawyers Human Rights Oratory Competition 6-9 October: WHLS visit to the Barcelona Bar 13-14 October in Gdansk: New technology conference 20-22 October in Krakow: Rule of Law conference 27-29 October in Dakar, Senegal: UIA conference 17-19 November in Palermo: FBE Autumn congress
At last! In
The (legislative) road ahead
Product Security & Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill Ensuring that manufacturers, importers and distributors only sell smart devices that meet tougher security standards.
Manufacturers to be required to have a point of contact for reporting software vulnerabilities.
Transport Bill Creating Great British Railways to act as the single national leader of the railways. Government will reserve powers of direction.
Philip Henson presents a cut out & keep guide to the new Parliamentary Session The 2022–23 Parliamentary Session formally commenced on 10 May 2022 with the State Opening, which was overseen this year by Prince Charles. The content and running order of this article is derived from the 140-page official lobby pack.
Draft Digital Markets, Competition & Consumer Bill Preventing fake reviews and tackling subscription traps. Updating and simplifying regulations for package travel.
Ensuring that businesses across the economy that rely on very powerful tech firms, including the news publishing sector, are treated fairly and can succeed without having to comply with unfair terms. UK Infrastructure Bank Bill Establish the UK Infrastructure Bank in legislation, with objectives to support economic growth and the delivery of net zero - with powers to lend directly to local authorities and the Northern Ireland Executive.
New laws that safely enable self-driving and remotely operated vehicles and vessels, support the roll-out of electric vehicle charge points and enabling the licensing of London pedicabs. Energy Security Bill Protecting consumers from unfair pricing.
Electronic Trade Documents Bill Updating the Bills of Exchange Act 1882 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992. Trade documents in digital form to have the same effects as paper counterparts. Bypass the need for paper and wet ink signatures.
High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill To provide the powers to build and operate the next stage of HS2 network between Crewe and Manchester.
Media Bill Enabling ‘a change of ownership’ of Channel 4 from a statutory corporation to a new corporate structure that could be sold, and other changes concerning Channel 4’s obligations and remit.
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Developing Carbon Capture Usage and Storage and low carbon hydrogen. Giving Government the power to give directions to, require information from, and provide financial assistance to, core fuel sector businesses and continuity of fuel supply.
Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill Improving the planning system to give communities a louder voice.
Creating a locally set, non-negotiable levy to deliver the infrastructure that communities need.
FEATURE
Schools Bill Strengthening the regulatory framework for academy trusts. Removing barriers to conversion for faith schools and grammar schools and bringing schools into the academy sector when requested by local authorities.
Non-Domestic Rating Bill Shortening the business rates revaluation cycle from five to three years from 2023, and creating new powers for the Valuation Office Agency.
Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Bill Broadening the powers of the Registrar of Companies’, to investigate and enforce - including new powers to check, remove or decline information submitted to, or already on, the Company Register.
Public Order Bill Criminalising the protest tactic of individuals intentionally attaching themselves to others, objects, or buildings to cause serious disruption.
Extending stop and search powers.
Financial Services & Markets Bill Revoking retained EU law on financial services and replacing it with an approach to regulation ‘that is designed for the UK’.
Introducing Serious Disruption Prevention Orders.
National Security Bill Reforming existing espionage laws (Official Secrets Acts 1911, 1920 and 1939) to tackle modern threats.
Data Reform Bill Ensuring that UK citizens’ personal data is protected to a gold standard.
Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill Amending the definition of terminal illness, so that individuals who are considered by a clinician as having twelve months or less to live (rather than the current six months) have fasttracked access to disability benefits.
Creating powers to seize and recover crypto assets, and a civil forfeiture power.
Strengthening corporate governance of firms in or approaching insolvency to take ‘asset stripping’.
Removing the supremacy of retained EU law as it still applies in the UK.
Updating the objectives of the financial services regulators.
Procurement Bill Introducing new arrangements ‘to buy at pace’ when needed to protect life, health, or public order.
Enabling data to be shared more efficiently between public bodies.
Modern Slavery Bill Strengthening the requirements on businesses with a turnover of £36 million or more to publish an annual modern slavery statement. Mandating the reporting areas to be covered in modern slavery statements; requiring organisations to publish their statements on a government-run registry, extending these requirements to public bodies and introducing civil penalties for non-compliance. Online Safety Bill Introducing a duty of care on online companies, making them responsible for protecting users and tackling illegal content.
All ‘recognised news publishers’ will be exempt from the Bill’s safety duties. Ensuring the big social media companies enforce their terms and conditions consistently.
Creating a new criminal offence of interfering with key national infrastructure, such as airports, railways, and printing presses, and of obstructing major transport works.
Introducing new offences to tackle state-backed sabotage, foreign interference, the theft of trade secrets and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Designing a more flexible, outcomes-focused approach to data protection. Trade (Australia & New Zealand) Bill To ensure that the UK can comply with the obligations in the FTA’s with Australia and New Zealand.
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Requiring platforms to have reporting and redress mechanisms, and challenge infringement of rights (such as wrongful takedown). Ofcom designated as the independent online safety regulator. Draft Victims Bill Holding agencies such as the police, CPS and HM Courts and Tribunals Service to account for the service they provide to victims.
Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill Creating a new, simpler regulatory regime for precision bred plants and animals. Establishing a new science-based authorisation process for food and feed products developed using precision bred organisms. Higher Education Bill Ensuring that appropriate fee limits can be applied more flexibly to higher education study within the Lifelong Loan Entitlement. Social Housing Regulation Bill Creating new Tenant Satisfaction Measures to allow tenants to see how their landlord is performing compared to others. Tenants of housing associations to be able to request information from their landlord in a similar way to how the Freedom of Information Act works for tenants of Local Authority landlords. The Regulator to only be required to give 48 hours’ notice before a survey is carried out. No cap on the fines that the Regulator can issue to landlords. Renters Reform Bill Abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions by removing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Harbours (Seafarers’ Remuneration) Bill Empowering ports to surcharge ferry operators if they do not pay the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage and ultimately to suspend them from access to the port.
Introducing a Foreign Influence Registration Scheme requiring individuals to register certain arrangements with foreign governments to deter and disrupt state threats activity in the UK.
Draft Audit Reform Bill Establishing a new statutory regulator, the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority.
Brexit Freedoms Bill New powers to strengthen the ability to amend, repeal or replace retained EU law by reducing the need to always use primary legislation to do so.
New regulator to have powers to enforce directors’ financial reporting duties; supervise corporate reporting, and to oversee and regulate the accountancy and actuarial professions.
Introducing identity verification for people who manage, own and control companies and other UK registered entities.
A new approach of managed shared audit where challenger firms undertake a share of the work on large-scale audits.
Strengthening police powers for livestock worrying.
Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill Creating a new complaints scheme run by the regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), free to access for students, staff and visiting speakers who believe their speech has been unlawfully restricted, overseen by a Director of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom. Introducing new freedom of speech and academic duties on higher education providers, their constituent colleges and students’ unions. OFS to have the power to impose penalties for breaches.
Download “The Green Law Firm: A Lawyer’s Guide to a Paperless Office” at clio.com/uk/greenlondon
2. Convert your existing files Unless you are a brand-new law firm, chances are good that you have at least some (or many) paper files and documents stored in your office or in use now. This is where a quality digital scanner will come in handy. Start with the documents you need immediately and work backwards when digitising. A cloud-based How to go paperless in your law firm storage system, such as Dropbox or OneDrive, can be used for storage. Alternatively, consider a practice management software (such as Clio’s which has in-built cloud storage) to store all client details where it can be accessed in just a few clicks. Be sure to shred documents that are no longer required and take your time to clear the back log—it should be a marathon and not a sprint.
Claimants will need to show significant disadvantage before a human rights claim can be heard in court.
3. Adopt clear processes If you want a paperless system to stick, it is imperative that you outline that system in writing. This should answer questions, such as: What should be done with paper files dropped off by clients? How are files named and organised on your cloud storage server? Who is responsible for making sure this all gets done?
Changing the criteria needed to detain people, so that the Act is only used where strictly necessary: where the person is a genuine risk to their own safety or that of others, and where there is a clear therapeutic benefit.
Seeking to go paperless in your office? These three steps can get you started today.
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Giving patients the option of an independent mental health advocate. Bill of Rights
Courts to consider behaviour of the claimant when considering making an award.
Tackling puppy smuggling and creating a new pet abduction offence.
Conversion Therapy Bill Banning non-physical conversion therapies, and introducing Conversion Therapy Protection Orders.
1. Onboard clients digitally The simplest way to reduce your paper use is to stop creating new paper files and documentation. One way to achieve that is to move from a paper-based client system to a digital one. With technology, you can reduce a lot of paper from the intake and onboarding process: client details can be stored in a spreadsheet or in an online folder. Documents can be emailed and sent for e-signature. Moving to a client relationship management (CRM) platform for lawyers, such as Clio Grow, can offer even more paperless benefits. CRMs and practice management software allow you to set up paperless agreements, intake forms, billing, and e-signatures, for example.
Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill Banning the exports of livestock for fattening and slaughter.
Draft Mental Health Act Reform Bill
Establishing the primacy of UK case law, clarifying there is no requirement to follow the Strasbourg case law and that UK Courts cannot interpret rights in a more expansive manner than the Strasbourg Court.
Boycotts, Divestment & Sanctions Bill Empowering Government to ban public bodies, that are already subject to public procurement rules, from conducting their own boycott campaigns against foreign countries or territories where these are inconsistent with official UK foreign policy. Philip Henson is a Partner and Head of Employment Law at EBL Miller Rosenfalck in London. Chair of the Law Reform Committee of the City of Westminster and Holborn Law Society (philip.henson@ebl-mr.com).
Draft Protect Duty Bill Requiring those in control of certain public locations and venues to consider the threat from terrorism and to implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.
Going paperless can help your law firm to lower overheads, collaborate more easily with colleagues and clients, and positively impact the environment. For more details on how your firm can go paperless—included detailed steps for organising your digital files, dealing with your existing paper files, and staff training—check out Clio’s free guide.
13.00
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– 6th OCTOBER 2022 –Welcome to the Barcelona Bar Association Welcoming remarks by a Council Member ICAB Meeting Room (2nd floor, Palauet Casades building) sessions on the legal system in Spain (to choose from): Procedural Law Law Business in Spain: Taxation and Constitution of Contracts 30 minutes each panel Networking with ICAB lawyers Visit to the ICAB Library Considered as one of the most important private law libraries in Europe, it currently has more than 300,000 volumes.
12.00 Cocktail
Visit to local law firms Entrance on the corner of Roger de Llúria / Mallorca. Tour through the Palauet Casades.
– 7th OCTOBER 2022 –Visit to the City of Justice Possibility to attend a live trial Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 111 15.00
1) Civil
Legal-Link Barcelona
WHLS has been twinned with the Barcelona Bar for a number of years. In 2019 the International Committee arranged a highly successful visit by the Barcelona Bar Association to London. This a return visit where members of WHLS are invited. Once a place is confirmed, each member arranges their own travel/accommodation and pays their own expenses. All members of the Society may apply. Please send your request to join to cwhlawsoc@gmail.com The details of the visit are below and of course we hope to have some enjoyable socialising during the trip.
Companies 5) Labour Law 6) Commercial
2) Criminal Procedural
09.30
3) ProceduralContentious-AdministrativeLaw 4) Doing
10.00
10.00 Training
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20 | CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Gareth’s first months as CEO have come at a turbulent time for the profession. Law firms are juggling the challenges of hybrid working and retaining and attracting talent in a competitive recruitment market. All this whilst maintaining an affordable yet profitable service.
He adds, “Law firms are incredibly resilient through tough times. When things are tough, law firms need to embrace software even more. This enables them to continue delivering the same level of services with lower overheads as well as using less people. For us this means driving innovation in everything we do. We are passionate about how we do that.”
www.Leap.co.uk
On the changes, opportunities and challenges facing law firms and the importance of a partnership approach: Law firms’ adoption of technology has developed significantly in the last 15 years. The firms have a lot more knowledge when they go out to market now. The options are numerous, but law firms know there is more guidance available. Many years ago law firms would reluctantly accept the use of technology, now they want to embrace it. That’s probably one of the biggest things I’ve seen. This makes the onboarding process easier, however customers are quite rightly more demanding of their technology partners. The relationship is not just as a supplier but as a partner now and therefore the role of our Leap Practice Productivity Advisors is so crucial.
Gareth is confident of the continued success of Leap and of the law firms that Leap serves.
– Gareth discusses the opportunities and challenges involved in his first six months, leading Leap UK Leap, the largest independent provider of software to law firms worldwide, has recently appointed Gareth Walker as CEO of Leap in the UK and Ireland. Previously Chief Operating Officer of Leap for five years, Gareth has extensive experience of the Leap business and the industry. He has worked in legal software for over 15 years and has been with Leap since they opened their first office in Twickenham, London. He has seen the business grow from the inside and has experienced first-hand the market changes over the years.
Gareth is, however, very positive about the future for the law firms Leap Garethserves.comments: “The current business challenges faced by law firms, such as the scarcity of talent in the market, the rise in global costs and the need to adapt successfully to hybrid working are very much supported by Leap solutions. By automating daily tasks, improving cash flow and mitigating risk, Leap enables law firms to be more profitable and productive without the need for more staff or impacting customer standards. Using the right technology partner will support law firms to future-proof their practice, counter the effects of inflation and help to grow the business.”
Gareth shares the following thoughts and observations as CEO:On the business landscape, the market and the importance of technology and of constantly innovating: In terms of the business landscape, we are faced with global political, economic and societal challenges caused by the war in Ukraine and Covid, however we’re continuing to grow rapidly. Law firms are resilient in tough times and turn to software to provide solutions to business challenges. There is an understanding that you’ve got to continue to drive and improve to survive and thrive in a challenging business climate. Effective use of cloud-based technology provides solutions to current business challenges, facilitating vital remote and hybrid working practices for law firms and reducing the headcount needs, overcoming the current skills gap caused by a scarcity of talent.
In terms of the business landscape, the market and the importance of technology, Gareth has seen some key changes in his time at Leap and notes important constants. “I’ve been with Leap since we arrived in the UK in December 2013 and it has been an incredible journey. There have been many changes.”
Leap appoints Gareth Walker as UK CEO
The Leap partnership approach and the development and evolution of Leap Practice Productivity Advisors is critical to ongoing success. If we understand our law firms and their business processes and what they’re trying to achieve, then we can train their people in the right way. Once trained, we help them manage their staff training and processes. Our customer service plays a key role in this. It’s not just training individuals, it’s working with a law firm, top down, to help them embed those processes and skills and being able to do that in a remote working setting. We proactively want to spend time with our customers to see how they are using the software and suggest how to adapt business processes for maximum effect. We are a very proactive business. Ultimately, it’s about supporting law firms to use technology to mitigate challenges and achieve business success.
On the Leap innovation ethos and future proofing for ongoing success: Innovation for us is a state of mind. We really have an evolution ethos here. We continually strive to be the best. The moment you stand still and you stop, you fall behind. And for us, it is about continually driving improvement in every single area of the business and every single aspect of what we do. We have a day one mentality. Today is day one. What do we know today? And what do we do to move forward? That’s something we drive a lot, and our business structures are fully designed around making sure that we do that.
“We will survive and thrive because of our problem-solving approach. Our focus on technology development and our partnership approach to working with law firms helps future proof Leap and the businesses we serve, ensuring continued evolution, relevance and value in an ever-changing world.”
We have seen amazing advancements in the technology available in the market, and Leap has been a clear driver in that. The technology now available to law firms is just incredible. There are new players and innovations emerging constantly. It’s well known in the industry that we invest every year in the innovation of what is already the most widely used product in the market. There are always opportunities, and these will come from continuing to drive development. We drive innovation in terms of investing in our products and innovation in our services, thinking about new ways that we can help our clients. Our customer success team constantly questions how we can improve.
About Leap Leap Legal Software has been helping small to mid-sized law firms to become more efficient and profitable globally for more than 25 years.
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What has started as a spontaneous impulse has turned into a complex operation.
BIC (SWIFT): INGBPLPW Sort Code: 105014 Bank: ING Bank Slaski S.A. Transfer title: ‘Self-management of the Bar: Aid for Ukrainian Lawyers’.
Krakow Bar Association’s debrief on the aid for Ukraine
Two ambulances more, which are intended for Charkiv and Winnica, have already been acquired and are in the process of preparation for the delivery (loading with humanitarian aid and medical equipment). Our focus till now, was on bringing assistance in kind, i.e. shipments of food, medical supplies and last but not least ambulances. Now we are also trying to bring targeted financial assistance to the Bar Association of the Kyiv Region, whose many lawyers were domiciled in cities such as Bucha, Irpien, Borodianka and others, almost completely destroyed. We believe that lawyers have a huge potential to bring aid. We count on you to join forces and to continue to make this humanitarian project possible. With your engagement we are helping Ukrainian population and be doing so, we are empowering Ukrainian lawyers, who thanks to your solidarity are making a difference in their local community. Ukraine Appeal
The first 100 days of the war is already behind us and it is time to present you with a debrief of what we have done.
IBAN: PL65 1050 1445 1000 0090 3043 5714.
Financial contributions can be made to Krakow Bar Association: Krakowska Izba Adwokacka, Batorego 17, 31-135 Kraków, POLAND
Krakow Bar Association was coordinating a collective effort of our members working together with judges to host at our homes as many lawyer’s families as possible. This is a dynamic process, people are coming and going, some staying for a few days, others for weeks or months. We are looking for solutions on a case-by-case manner, taking into account factors such as number of people, children, domestic animals, etc.
At the site of the Krakow Bar Association, we have created a space for lawyers looking for cooperation opportunities on one hand, and for law firms open to work with Ukrainian lawyers on the Krakowother.Bar Association focuses its efforts on humanitarian aid for Ukraine. We believe that this is what is mostly and urgently needed. We are collecting material supplies and financial contributions on a continuous basis. Till now, our shipments with humanitarian aid reached not only Lviv, Rivne or Luck but also Charkiv and Mykolaiv which suffer from bombardments. We leave the question of distribution to local lawyers, having trust in their good judgement. Two ambulances loaded with medical equipment and humanitarian aid have been successfully sent to Ukraine, the first to Mykolaiv, the second one to Rivne. We have also acquired and delivered first Vacuum-assisted closure of a wound system with a set of accessories for two months, we are waiting for the second one. This is a highly sophisticated medical device for treatment of extensive wounds. We are looking for specialized clinics that could offer hands and legs prothesis and rehabilitation for patients who have lost their limbs.
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Being the pioneers of ‘Instant Issue’ (meaning conveyancers can issue policies immediately, without the need for referral), GCS have worked hard to perfect quick and easy solutions that make solicitors and conveyancers jobs a lot easier. Our speedy GCS ‘Online’ system provides quotes in seconds and policies that can be issued in minutes. Our insurance ‘Pack’ is just as easy to use, but instead policies come in paper format.
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Of course I know the truth of this – Resolution has been telling its members for 40 years and more that amicable solutions are always best. What most worried me about this judgement was that as a lawyer I had been complicit in perpetuating a system that shouldn’t exist. The name partner of my firm founded the original organisation; it is branded on those of us who are lucky enough to work there. Framed against the question “is a court application really the best way to resolve this financial or other question – is it really in the children’s interests for these matters to be decided through a court process?” the answer in most cases surely has to be a resounding “no”. Of course I’m not talking here about welfare cases. Of course I’m not talking here about a person’s criminal behaviour. There are Court solutions that are well-suited to an inquisitorial role, and the state has a crucial part in protection. I’m talking about swathes of family cases that are begun every day of the week up and down the country. The cases that so many of us do around child arrangements and fair division of money on the separation of our clients.
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If you start from the premise that courts should not be too readily open to non-welfare cases, and remember that there are mediation information sessions before most applications are allowed, wouldn’t you be at a better starting point?
Isn’t it like that when you realise the significance of something new and meaningful in your professional life? For me it was the truth of a judge’s words in a recent judgement where I had appeared as advocate.
Viewed through the prism of “how can the interests of the children best be promoted”, or “how can a relationship be left in peace with dignity”, it becomes very clear that a court approach is not the best solution. It is all too easy to perpetuate myths. Habits become engrained. The common practice of issuing an application early on in a case in order to start the clock ticking on obtaining settlement is completely understandable. It concentrates minds. It consumes our clients’ money. Because we are working with the systems at our fingertips, we readily do this.
Do you remember when you first fell in love? I think you do. Surely that weightlessness of spirit, that perfect rhythm, remains a constant memory for you which no mass of experience can efface.
Stepping forward in family law – a promised land
I absolutely get that Magna Carta provided for ready access to courts by a country’s citizens. But we’ve had hundreds of years of experience of marital and relationship conflict since then. Twitter didn’t exist in 1215. Today the experience of one person’s relationship dispute can be communicated to 7 billion people in 140 letters taking one minute to dictate or type. There is a mass of academic study, and more importantly lived experience, to evidence failed systems that help perpetuate dysfunctional ways of resolving things.
Straight out of the playbook of the President of the Family Division, a really experienced judge told us that the case should never have featured in a court. The two parents, both of whom loved their children, should never have resorted to litigation. There is always a better way. The parents should have found a much kinder way of resolving matters than by going to court over a period of twelve months to reach a court-imposed answer. The very process of court-involvement is necessarily destructive of good parenting. It ruptures rather than soothes. It chafes. It disturbs and destabilises. And that cannot possibly promote the healthy cooperative parenting that parents should aim at.
Surely the most basic question that needs to be addressed is whether you should be there in the first place.
The family law profession is full of heroes who know all this and communicate it regularly. From the harbingers of mediation, to John Cornwell who started what is now Resolution, James Pirrie who brought Collaborative Law to the UK, Suzanne Kingston who helped pioneer arbitration, Nigel Shepherd who campaigned for a blameless new divorce law, to Helen Adam who is helping take children cases away from court, to David Hodson QC who helped with most of these things, and judges who work so hard at the coalface and to the thousands and thousands of barristers and solicitors who do this work.
We all know that there is a better way for family disputes to be dealt with which will not involve court solutions. We will prevail in finding it. There is no real point in not being positive and constructive in our search for solutions. We have to be brave. We have to create a system which does not allow routine use of court systems which end up spoiling parenting. We need to think on a different plane. For example, should divorces be available from post offices rather than courts, an apparently Scandanavian model. Yes of course there can be gatekeeping to allow applications to Court which are truly necessary. Urgent maintenance applications and actions to stop financial cheating are obvious examples.
The football team that I support is managed by someone who understands the value of teamwork and positivity. “Wir glauben” is his inspirational motto – “we believe”. He and that team never give up. Ever. If we believe, there is nothing that will stop us.
The judgment in these proceedings was detailed and thorough, but it leaves one significant unanswered question: who forged the mortgage deed? It was not the Judge’s role to make that finding, but it is a question that Ticketline may wish to find an answer to now that its routes of recovery against Mr Gorham and Bestival have closed.
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Both of Ticketline’s claims failed. The Judge found in respect of the first payment, for which Ticketline claimed £400,000 remained outstanding, that the contemporaneous documentation did not support it being a personal loan to Mr Gorham. However, of more significance was that the Judge found that even if Mr Gorham had agreed to be personally liable for the loan, he was not satisfied based on Ticketline’s own ledgers that any sum remained outstanding that could be claimed from Mr Gorham. As for the second payment, the Judge’s findings relied heavily on his conclusions surrounding the mortgage deed. Disproving the veracity of the mortgage deed was an uphill struggle for Mr Gorham: as the Judge explained, it was inherently improbable that the signatures of Mr Gorham and his wife on the mortgage deed had been forged. Unfortunately for Ticketline, the oral evidence of its witnesses was such that the Judge found, in this case, it was more probable than not that someone other than Mr Gorham and his wife signed the mortgage deed. One difficulty for Ticketline was that none of its own directors were present when the mortgage deed was allegedly signed. Its claim was therefore reliant on the credibility of the third party said have procured the mortgage, and other people present at the time in question.
The oral evidence of two of the other people present, including Mr Hughes (who had admitted to signing a similar mortgage deed) and the individual who “witnessed” the signatures on the deed itself, was that they had not actually seen Mr Gorham put pen to paper on any documents at all. This, coupled with the unexplained disappearance of the original signed mortgage deed (leaving only a grainy photo sent by text message from a third party on the day in question), caused the Judge to have doubts that Mr Gorham signed the mortgage deed. And it followed that the Judge found Mr Gorham did not agree to personal liability for the second payment.
Rob da Bank cleared of bad Bestival loans
Sara GreenwoodsAssociate,RodenDisputesRussell Strong Partner, Disputes, and Head of Marine and GreenwoodsInternational
The Ticketline Network Limited v (1) Mr Robert Gorham and (2) Mr John Hughes Cases concerning oral agreements are always difficult, whether you are trying to prove that one existed, or to deny that one was ever formed. There is often the panic of finding what appears at first to be an email fatal to your client’s case, and the concern that your client’s credibility will be torn to shreds under the pressure of crossexamination. However, most disputes over oral agreements do not include a forged mortgage deed that needs to be answered for.
Since the early 2000s, Ticketline had worked closely with Bestival and, over the course of their business relationship, Ticketline advanced millions of pounds to Bestival to support its cashflow in the run up to each annual festival. Those advances were recouped through ticket sales, and no formal paperwork was ever drawn up in this respect. These proceedings, which were heard before HHJ Johns QC over the course of 6 days in May 2022, concerned two such payments made by Ticketline to Bestival: the first payment in the sum of £750,000 in July 2016, and the second payment in the sum of £249,000 in August 2018. However, unlike the previous advances made by Ticketline to Bestival, Ticketline claimed that these two payments were actually loans made by Ticketline to Mr Gorham and Mr Hughes personally.
That is what happened to Robert Gorham, a DJ who goes by the stage name “Rob da Bank”, when he found himself on the wrong end of a claim for £649,000 plus interest arising out of what the Claimant, Ticketline, alleged to be two oral loan agreements, one of which it claimed to be secured by a mortgage deed over Mr Gorham’s family home. Prior to it entering administration in September 2018, Mr Gorham was a director of Bestival Limited, which owned and operated the well-known music festival, Bestival. Mr Gorham was responsible for the creative side of the festival, including securing artists such as Stevie Wonder and Elton John. Financial matters were primarily dealt with by his co-director, John Hughes – who was also a defendant to these proceedings but declined to defend the claims against him.
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | 25 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Myth 2: Getting it wrong can’t be that bad, can it? Small mistakes can have big consequences. What might seem like some minor administrative bother that can be swept under the rug could lead to some pretty major impacts to you and your law firm. And when hefty fines come your way, can you afford to take the hit? Even with money aside, how will your reputation of trust ever recover after being investigated for financial misconduct? An HMRC investigation might feel like a case of ‘this only happens to other people’, but that feeling will quickly dissolve when you get a knock at the door. How bad can things get?
Quill’s ‘Protect your law firm: Tips, tricks and traps in legal cashiering’ is adapted from its ‘The ultimate guide to legal cashiering’ e-book. Get your copy at ultimate-guide-to-legal-cashiering/www.quill.co.uk/resources/the-
Protect your law firm: Tips, tricks and traps in legal cashiering
Discover gettingimportancetheofyourlegalcashieringright Learn more: ultimateresources/the-ultimate-guide-www.quill.co.uk/to-legal-cashieringQuill’sguidetolegalcashiering
Quill recently ran a well-attended, and well-received, webinar hosted by The Law Society and in association with the ILFM covering all aspects of legal cashiering which you can view at your leisure here. Some of the key takeaways around why legal cashiering is so important within law firms are covered in this article. When we talk about protecting our law firms, it’s usually from external threats – fraud, copyright, theft, the list goes on. However, when it comes to legal cashiering specifically, often the real enemy comes from within, with internal financial complacency representing the real Achilles heel in your business. The legal industry is built upon trust. You wouldn’t hand over your money to someone you don’t believe to be absolutely reliable, and legal cashiering is no different. That’s why it’s your duty to get to grips with all the tips, tricks and traps that will ensure you’re always on the right side of the law, and never let your law firm’s reputation take a hit. Why is legal cashiering so important? The key thing to remember is that legal cashiering is a specialised discipline, and as such must not be overlooked. The process of legal cashiering ensures that law firms are managed with legal standards in mind from top to bottom, and prevents firms from finding themselves on the wrong side of the law due to avoidable negligence. Many firms don’t understand how important it is to get this right, and that’s down to some common industry myths which need to be understood for exactly what they are – myths. Busting the myths of legal cashiering Myth 1: Legal cashiering is the same as any other bookkeeping. Anyone can do it! If you believe this, then you’ll always fall short of the mark. Legal cashiering is a complex and meticulous process requiring specialised, expert knowledge to perform properly. You wouldn’t hand over any other department to someone with only limited experience, so why would your cashiering be any different? Don’t let someone who doesn’t have the full range of qualifications handle your legal cashiering, or you’ll encounter inevitable (and avoidable) problems down the line.
It’s important to understand what the risks of insufficient legal cashiering are to fully understand why you need to do it properly. So here are some of the main consequences of getting things wrong. Incorrect records If your record keeping isn’t up to scratch, then not only can this lead to legal implications, it will also cause internal disorganisation throughout your business, resulting in endless logistical headaches. Investigations If you miss a few deadlines or your numbers aren’t adding up, then people will soon notice. This can lead to HMRC and other similar bodies opening an investigation into your firm which, as you can imagine, is the start of a very slippery slope. Fines The SRA recently announced that they are increasing fines from £2,000 to £25,000 for firms that don’t reach the expected level of professional standards. Do you want to be one of them? Loss of trust Fines can be paid and investigations can be passed, but rebuilding trust following either of those things is a much harder task. In such a trust-based industry, the last thing you need is for your law firm’s reputation to be stained forever over insufficient bookkeeping. Theft Lose control of your records, and you lose control of your money. Unfortunately, this leaves you open to theft from clients and employees alike. Tight and efficient legal cashiering ensures everything is logged and accounted for, protecting both you and your clients. Closure The ultimate fear of any law firm is closure, and rightly so. Whilst this is often the last resort, closure can happen, and all it takes is a gradually snowballing administrative problem in your finances. The quickest way to get shut down is trying to do your own legal cashiering. Still considering it? Think again. Don’t risk it A qualified legal cashier is the only proven way to ensure that your firm operates in a legal, responsible manner. There are endless examples of times where law firms have disregarded legal cashiering as something that doesn’t need to be taken seriously. Every time, those examples have ended in serious legal repercussions.
After the income section, look at the bulk of the P&L which are the individual expense lines. Much like the income, there are a few ways the budget here can be generated. You could take the profit and loss at face value and take an average of the last six months, then extrapolate to the end of the year. I think to make savings however, it is important to again, look deeper. This is a good opportunity to review how much is being spent with each supplier. It is worth speaking to the cashiers to see if there is any un-necessary expenditure such as subscriptions or services that can be cancelled. Reviews such as these often highlight expenditure for things that are no longer required by the firm and have been overlooked. It is also an opportunity to speak to existing suppliers and see if reductions can be made to services or the cost of those services, even potentially switching suppliers to save on
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As I write this article, we are amidst what many deem a “cost of living crisis”, where “inflation is out of control”. These are very strong terms, but nonetheless the country is having to do what it can to pull through in this post-pandemic era. Companies are having to review how they work, for example where staff are now working in a “hybrid” format, part time at home, part time in the office. Companies should also be taking this time to review their finances and their budgets.
Once the budget is agreed, it then needs to be used. It needs to be checked against the actual figures every month in a “variance analysis”. If there are large variances, we need to determine why they are there, working with the cashiers to get an explanation. In addition, any un-budgeted expenditure needs to be highlighted, and management needs to be made aware of any budgeted up-coming expenditure so they are satisfied that everything is covered. It is also important that the cashiers highlight where there may be dips in turnover due to staff absences or sickness.
After all lines of the budget have been completed to the end of the accounting year, it is important to go back over them and determine if the budget is sensible and realistic. It is also important to look at what the NET PROFIT is likely to be if the budget was adhered to. If the budget is sensible and we are not making enough in NET PROFIT, then something needs to change. This will need wider management meetings to determine whether there is a lack of turnover overall or whether the company is simply spending too much money on its operating expenses and where it should/could cut back.
Once the overall expenditure reviews and negotiations have been made, the cashier will need to go through each nominal account and agree what the monthly figure should be, incorporating any adjustments/savings. It is also important at this stage to predict what is likely to be invoiced and in which month. For example, accountancy fees are billed to the firm once or twice per year, so it makes more sense to target those months with the estimated invoice amount rather than take an overall cost and extrapolate it across multiple months.
I always recommend starting with turnover (sales/fees). It’s usually the hardest one to get right because there are many elements involved in coming to the correct figure. In theory we could take an average of the last six months and use that as our monthly figure. It’s the easiest way to get a reasonably accurate figure, however when budgeting turnover it is often a good opportunity to look deeper. I recommend reviewing the fee earners who work for the firm and calculating what their billable hours/targets should be. If you work on a time recorded basis for all work, this should be straight forward and can simply be rendered from the case management system. If the work includes a lot of fixed fee work, determine how many fixed fee bills are achievable for those staff members and incorporate that figure too. Have meetings with fee earners and department heads to determine what is reasonable and achievable for chargeable and non-chargeable time. Once monthly targets have been agreed per fee-earner, total them and add that as the monthly budgeted figure. Pay special attention to future months and potential starters and leavers and adjust those future months accordingly.
Many firms do not have an ongoing budget or have never done a formal budget. Considering the issues we are presently facing, this can be quite a risky position to be in. Management within the firm should work directly with the cashiers to generate a budget which is realistic and attainable.
The starting point is always the hardest part. It can be difficult to know where to begin. My recommendation is to export a profit and loss report from the accounts system and have a look at the last six to twelve months and see what the “actuals” were. What did the company turn over and what was the expenditure in each area? It is at this point that the cashiers need to review each account and ensure that there are no posting errors or inaccuracies that could contribute to wrong decisions being made when preparing the budgeted figures. Once management and the cashiers are content that the figures are accurate and reliable, it is then time to start thinking about setting realistic targets for each account on the budget.
Alex Simons MAAT Outsourced Accounts & New Business Manager The Law Factory LLP
The true value of budgets expenditure. An comprehensive expense review certainly takes longer but will help with understanding and lead to costs savings in the long term.
The most important aspect of a budget is the information fed back to the management of the firm. Directors/partners need to clearly understand the position and profitability. Moreover, they need to understand the variances in a budget and why they have occurred. This will impact on future decisions on expenditure particularly. The budget will also give management a solid perspective about what is achievable in turnover and where savings can be made in expenditure. I also recommend that the budget is reviewed quarterly and budgeted figures are altered accordingly should there be changes needed. Budgets which are not reviewed regularly eventually become obsolete and lose their value.
In conclusion, drafting a budget will give management a much better understanding of the firm’s position and potential profitability whilst hopefully increasing turnover and driving down expenditure in the process. It is something every firm needs during this difficult time. ■
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | 27
The Objectives The University is aware that in order to be successful in securing a career in law it is essential that students have an insight into what it is like to be in legal practice, know how to build networks and gain experience, and have a measure of self-confidence.
All we require of mentors is that they agree to offer a minimum of four contacts with their mentee, at which discussions on areas of practice, the realities of work as a lawyer and wider career management issues might take place over the scheme. We expect much of the contact between mentors and mentee will be remote, and as restrictions ease, we will be leaving it up to the mentors and mentees to arrange face to face meetings, but we will not be requiring either party to commit to this If mentors are able to offer more than the minimum commitment and include a short period of work shadowing then the benefits to students increase even further. However, this is at the discretion of the Mentor, and should not be expected by the student. ▶ is Mentoring –
What is Mentoring? ‘A one to one non-judgmental relationship in which an individual mentor voluntarily gives his/her time to support and encourage another. This relationship is typically developed at a time of transition in the mentee’s life…’
Our mentoring scheme aims to address the issue of limited experience of the legal profession by providing these students with an ongoing individual contact whose views, knowledge and practical experience they can benefit from.
What is required of Mentors?
ARTICLE THE UNIVERSITY OF LAW LONDON MENTORING SCHEME What
The mentoring scheme is usually oversubscribed so the Careers Service takes into account a number of factors when students apply. These include the availability of a suitable mentor, lack of previous legal work experience and the student’s commitment to the scheme as demonstrated in the application form. In addition, we may take into account other factors which are, or are perceived to be, barriers to obtaining a training contract or pupillage, including ethnicity, age, disability and academic attainment.
for Mentors
‘Mentoring has provided me with an invaluable insight into the day-to-day life of a solicitor.’
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Some questions answered… Who can volunteer to be a mentor on the University of Law’s programme? Anyone from first-seat trainee solicitors to senior solicitors in private, public or in-house practice. We also have practising barristers mentoring students. How much paperwork is involved? Very little, mentors are invited to complete a simple details form which enables the Careers Service to match them with a suitable student at the beginning of the scheme and an evaluation questionnaire at its conclusion. How are students matched with mentors? When students apply to join the scheme, they are asked to state three areas of legal practice that interest them. Wherever possible we take account of these preferences when matching mentors with students. How big a time commitment is this? The mentors themselves will largely govern this. We ask that mentors agree to a minimum of four contacts during the course of the scheme. Emails or telephone calls could make up the remaining commitment. However, some mentors can offer more than the minimum requirement, and as restrictions ease, we will be leaving it up to the mentors and mentees to arrange face to face meetings, but we will not be requiring either party to commit to this. My firm/organisation does not offer training contracts. Is there any point in joining the scheme? Yes, indeed. Participating students are made aware when they apply to join the scheme it does not aim to help them secure a training contract/pupillage with their mentor’s employer. While this does sometimes happen, we do not recruit mentors with this aim in mind. Do I need to know much about Careers Guidance in order to participate? No. Students will find your willingness to listen, and your own experiences and opinions very valuable. Throughout the mentoring scheme, they will have access to experienced Careers Consultants at the University of Law, to whom you can always refer them if you are unsure of anything. What do the students really gain from the scheme? An awareness of life in practice to enhance their theoretical knowledge Self-confidence to ask for advice and engage professional people in conversations An awareness of the skills and qualities required to succeed in their preferred areas of practice Advice on their training contract/pupillage applications based on their mentor’s experience as an applicant or as a recruiter Self-confidence gained through the encouragement of a legal practitioner What do mentors gain from the scheme? The satisfaction gained from supporting and encouraging individual students through the application process, using their own experiences Positive University-wide publicity for their employer If I am interested in becoming a mentor, what should I do now? Please contact us at careersmentoring@law.ac.uk
‘I found the time spent with my mentor enlightening. I want to become a mentor myself!’
The Scheme is designed to support law students facing barriers to entry to the legal profession. This includes students who may be minoritised due to their ethnicity, disability, age, or academic background. The Scheme matches said students with volunteer legal professionals whose views, knowledge and practical experience they can benefit from.
What mentees have said about the Mentoring Scheme… ‘Speaking to someone within the profession gave me a realistic and grounded insight into the requirements of a trainee solicitor. Contact with a mentor gave me confidence to keep going at times when I felt everything was stacked against me’
‘My mentor was able to advise me on a variety of things such as preparing for job interviews and writing letters. She has been very encouraging and open in her advice which has given me a clear idea of the different firms out there and what they are looking for. As a result, I feel more clued up and confident about joining the legal profession’ ‘Having a mentor gave me a great confidence boost.’
In addition Recently, CWHLS’s CSR & Pro Bono Sub-Committee has been seeking out local volunteering opportunities to promote to the Society’s membership. We are pleased to be collaborating with University of Law’s Bloomsbury campus, and to be promoting the University’s ‘London Mentoring Scheme’.
Mentors are required to arrange a minimum of four meet-ups (online or in person), though many go above and beyond this. Mentee feedback includes: “Having a mentor gave me a great confidence boost” and “I found the time spent with my mentor enlightening. I want to become a mentor myself!”.
‘I’ve certainly appreciated the chance to talk to someone who has been through the whole process.’
Those interested in mentoring can find out more by emailing careersmentoring@law.ac.uk. You will then be invited to complete a simple details form, which enables the University of Law’s Careers Service to match you with a suitable student at the beginning of the Scheme; and an evaluation questionnaire at the conclusion of the mentoring relationship.
The CSR & Pro Bono Sub-Committee will be sharing details about other local volunteering opportunities in the future. We encourage you to check CWHLS’s social media channels to stay updated. You can also email csr.pro.bono.cwhls@gmail. com with any queries.
The Bar Council recently revealed that 43% of courts in England and Wales have closed since 2010 and legal aid fees for barristers continue to fall short of what is required. The criminal Bar is under extreme strain at the moment. All this impacts on wellbeing and is detrimental to a balanced and healthy working life. The Bar Council is working hard to make sure the government appreciates how poor the situation is right now.
Finally, summer is a good time to take a break, get away from work, and recharge before autumn begins. If you can’t do this, try to make sure you spend time away from your desk and get out into the good (or not so good!) weather. In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy. Mike Harwood Vice Chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee
The committee is very pleased to be hosting a session at the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association’s ‘Race to the Commonwealth and Beyond’ conference on 21 and 22 July in Birmingham. This offers an opportunity for young barristers across the country to meet with their colleagues both internationally and on the Midland Circuit, and explore ideas and best practice around sports law. We will also be co-hosting the annual International Weekend alongside the European Young Bar Association, on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September, representing an opportunity for young lawyers across Europe to come together for a set of panel discussions and activities, exchanging knowledge and experience, and building those much-needed links. We will also be organising the annual Anglo-Dutch Exchange, through which a group of young barristers from England and Wales will travel to the Netherlands to be hosted by their Dutch counterparts in a cultural exchange to broaden the horizons of both groups of legal practitioners.
Jumping on my bike to work, court, and to see friends is a quick and easy way for me to let off a bit of steam, and even where the weather is not on my side, getting my toolbox out and having a tinker helps take my mind off the stresses and strains the day brings, says Vice Chair Mike Harwood.
One of the things that has become apparent over the last two years is how damaging the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown have been for our mental health. Working too long and too hard whilst being unable to see family and friends has been tough. But not being able to go into work and court, see colleagues and – crucially for the Young Bar – forge and nurture the relationships that might sustain us for the rest of our careers, has been devastating. We believe that a key part of work-life balance is avoiding being ‘chained to your desk’. Professional events where you can network, socialise, and let off a little steam are key weapons in the arsenal for not becoming overwhelmed by work. That’s why the YBC has decided it is important this year to offer opportunities for young barristers to come together in person and grow their practices as they should be able to.
The Bar Council is at the forefront of advocating for more sustainable working practices and remains pivotal in attempts to improve wellbeing at the Bar Work-life balance – it is the eternal struggle for young barristers. The workload may be vast, and the hours may be long, but as for the idea that burning yourself out at the beginning of your career is worth it in the end – that notion is losing traction among a newer generation of legal practitioners. Our recent Life at the Young Bar report provides evidence of the need for change. Young barristers report lower scores for psychological wellbeing and overall wellbeing when compared to the rest of the Bar (and, not surprisingly, average scores for all criminal barristers are lower when compared to other areas of legal practice).
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | ARTICLE29
One of the report’s key recommendations was the need for bolder leadership to improve working conditions and work culture. This is a challenge the Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) is determined to meet and this year the committee has put work-life balance and wellbeing at the heart of its work. Work-life balance and wellbeing are key, as are related issues including bullying and mental health.
Spearfishing or swimming takes my mind off work, says Chair Michael Polak. When you are lying on the bottom of the sea waiting for a fish to unsuspectingly swim past, thoughts about work and other stresses disappear and you come out of the water feeling calm and ready to face life’s challenges. Work-life balance can also be helped by enabling greater flexibility and more reasonable working practices – the Young Barristers’ Committee is on your side on this, and if you would like to get in touch to talk to us or have any questions or concerns then please email: YBC@barcouncil.org.uk
Beyond this, creating leisure time outside work and making sure that ‘there is more to life than work’ are simple but effective ways in which you can make things manageable. We each have our own little things that help us to unwind.
Michael Polak Chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee
It also provides the Wellbeing at the Bar hub, which offers a dedicated online space for barristers to access more information and resources that are focused on wellbeing within the profession.
That is not to say that attending events is the only thing that matters. It is the opportunity to do good work for our clients and uphold the rule of law that really makes for a rewarding career at the Bar. However, this cannot be done without adequate remuneration and working conditions.
Therefore we’re pleased to announce that we have extended our Canine Care Card service. Dogs Trust will care for your dog should you move into a care home, become seriously ill or pass away.
If you have any queries regarding the Canine Care Card please email CCC@dogstrust.org.uk or call 020 7837 0006 and we will be happy to help.
Who’ll keep her happy when your client’s gone?
All information will be treated as strictly confidential. Service only available for residents of the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands & Isle of Man. A dog is for life, not just for Christmas® dogstrust.org.uk
We will – as long as your client has a Canine Care Card. It’s a FREE service from Dogs Trust that guarantees their dog a second chance a life. At Dogs Trust, we never put down a healthy dog. We’ll care for them at one of our 21 rehoming centres, located around the UK. One in every four of your clients has a canine companion. Naturally they’ll want to make provision for their faithful friend. And now you can help them at absolutely no cost. So contact us today for your FREE pack of Canine Care Card leaflets – and make a dog-lover happy. E-mail ccc@dogstrust.org.uk Or call 020 7837 0006 Or write to: FREEPOST DOGSTRUSTL (No stamp required) Please quote “334975”
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Poppy’s second chance at love
Registered charity numbers: 227523 & SC037843 © Dogs Trust 2021
Poppy’s owner first contacted her local rehoming centre and said she needed to hand Poppy, a four year old Chihuahua cross, over to us as she had sadly recently been given a diagnosis that she had a terminal illness. She was advised to apply for a free Canine Care Card and nominate a Dog Guardian; someone she trusts to sign over the care of Poppy to Dogs Trust should she need it. She’d then be able to spend the most time possible with Poppy and feel reassured that she’d be given the best possible care at Dogs Trust when they could no longer be together.
For more information on our Canine Care Card service and how to register your dog please type in this link www.dogstrust.org.uk/ccc where you will find our online application form and more information on our free service.
When Poppy’s Dog Guardian contacted us to advise that her owner was now receiving palliative care and that they needed to activate her Canine Care Card, Poppy was collected by Dogs Trust the very next day. After a vet and behavioural assessment we decided the best place for Poppy would be a loving foster home. We were able to advise the foster carers of all the information we’d been given by Poppy’s owner regarding her life, diet and routine to enable us to make this transitional period as stress-free as possible for Poppy. Within almost no time, we were able to find very affectionate Poppy a lovely new home for her second chance at love. Poppy’s story is one of many we come across at Dogs Trust. Many owners are growing increasingly worried about gradually losing their independence or their health deteriorating. Dogs Trust want to offer owners peace of mind that we will be there at this difficult time to care for and rehome their four legged friends should the worst happen.
CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | XXXXXXXXXXXX31There’s a reason smart law firms choose Quill. Outsourced legal cashiering Legal practice management software ...and more! 0161 236 2910info@quill.co.uk quill.co.uk
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