Bulletin Articles

On Thursday 18th September, I attended the Birmingham Law Society Dinner at the Grand Hotel. Attending events where Local Law Societies get to meet up is very inspiring, particularly when you hear the conversations of how other societies work. The autumn lunch at the Cosy Club in Birmingham at the beginning of October was no exception – the buzzing conversation that filled that beautiful building was energising.

October Bulletin – A Month of Milestones, Memories & Momentum October is here… Goose Fair has come and gone, and the rollercoaster of a busy Society diary is officially underway!

This second series of interviews offers a compelling glimpse into the journeys of three remarkable barristers—Mequissa Magloire, Rebecca Brookes, and Sima Khan from Ropewalk Chambers. This time, we delve into their experiences of balancing a career with parenthood, the importance of diversity in law, and the value of mentorship. Building on their personal and professional insights, these conversations reflect the evolving face of the Bar and highlight the power of inclusion and support within the legal profession. We hope these interviews inspire future legal professionals and shed light on the diverse routes into a career at the Bar.

We’re excited to share the fourth interview in our Annual Awards series, featuring Lucy Tissington, winner of the Solicitor of the Year Award. Join us as Lucy reflects on her journey, achievements, and what this recognition means to her.

This year, Kirsten Wood of Rothera Bray LLP was awarded Partner of the Year 2025. Kirsten has played a pivotal role in growing the firm’s private client practice and delivering exceptional service to clients. Read our exclusive interview with Kirsten to learn more about her journey and vision for the future.

In this sixth award interview, with Team of the Year winners, Acton's Private Client team, we delve into the dynamics that make this team exceptional—from their strategic approach to complex matters, to the shared values that underpin their success. Alongside their professional insights, they reflect on memorable moments, including a light-hearted debate on the importance of trousers, reminding us that even in the most serious of professions, humour and humanity have their place.

As a black female Associate in the legal profession, Black History Month 2025’s theme—“Standing Firm in Power and Pride”—resonates with me deeply. It’s a moment to honour the strength and resilience of Black communities, but also to spotlight the work still needed in our sector. For those of us who’ve navigated underrepresentation both regionally and professionally, the theme is a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go.

Diwali day itself will be celebrated on October 20th 2025 across the UK. The festival will start on October 18th and last for 5 to 6 days (there will be a one-day interval on October 19th, 2025), and each day has diverse meanings.

In the first article of this newsletter [link to VP article in newsletter], we discussed the new failure to prevent fraud offence and identified ways in which law firms can mitigate their risk. In this article, we examine how changes to the identification doctrine impact organisations and what that might mean for directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance.

As the legal market becomes increasingly competitive, having the right guidance from a specialist recruiter can make all the difference when applying for roles. Whether you’re a newly qualified solicitor (NQ) or an experienced lawyer considering your next move, BCL Legal’s East Midlands team is here to support you every step of the way.

The legal sector has the opportunity to change for the better. Life in the Law 2025, LawCare’s latest research, shows that if we act now, we can create a sector where people feel supported, can build sustainable and successful careers, and where mental health and wellbeing are valued as an integral part of everyday working life culture.

The Solicitors’ Charity is delighted to announce that it has won Charity Collaboration of the Year at the ACO Annual Awards 2025, for its long-standing partnership with LawCare.

Experience the difference with Whittaker Workplace Solutions. As the UK’s leading supplier, we offer a wide range of office supplies and specialist legal products at competitive prices, backed by expert knowledge and dedicated service.

Actons, the leading independent law firm in Nottingham, has announced the promotion of Alastair Rose in its Corporate & Commercial team to Director.

Banner Jones has been announced as a finalist at the LawNet Awards 2025, shortlisted in the Best Innovation category for its work transforming the conveyancing process through a fully digital, end-to-end solution. The firm’s use of biometric ID checks, AI-powered search reports and interactive quote brochures has improved transaction speed, accuracy and client satisfaction, setting a new standard in conveyancing.

MJC is thrilled to announce the additions of Rebecca Keating and Molly Smallwood to the Nottingham Office, and Lydia Quartley to the Leeds Office.

Leading East Midlands law firm Rothera Bray is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruth Ball as Managing Associate and Head of Insolvency in its expanding Insolvency and Restructuring team.

Full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed its first-ever cohort of solicitor apprentices, who have now embarked on a six-year journey to becoming qualified lawyers. Joining the firm are Jess Sutton in construction, Amy Pressley in social housing and Isabelle Richardson in residential development, all based in Birmingham. In Nottingham, Cadie Kearney and Paola Nlemchi have joined the commercial property team.

November showcases the book from Trinidadian-born British author, Monique Roffey, Passiontide. Roffey’s latest book is set in the Caribbean and is a story of friendship, love and revolution. In this electrifying novel, four women spark a revolution on a Caribbean island.