In no time at all, October has come and gone, and November is already flying by.
The Society office has been buzzing with activity, and we have so much to share.
On the 24th of October, we had the pleasure of welcoming the new trainee solicitors and pupil barristers to the National Justice Museum. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from FRESH Professional Development, the evening was filled with networking opportunities against the backdrop of this historic venue. The Society's President, Stephen Luke, along with various committees and NJLD, gave insightful presentations on how members can extend their experience across the sea to our international partners, Karlsruhe and Ghent as well as testing their advocacy and negotiation skills in our competition.
Earlier this month, we conducted the second phase of the Mentoring Programme, where mentors and mentees gathered and shared their motivations for participating in the initiative. We are pleased to announce that the programme has commenced successfully, with mentors and mentees being paired up seamlessly.
The second seminar of the year, focusing on International Property in Wills and Estate Administration, was held at Nottingham Business School by the Private Client Committee. We would like to express our gratitude to Dennis Phillips for delivering two informative and entertaining sessions. Additionally, we would like to thank Brewin Dolphin and Currency Connect for sponsoring the seminar.
If you have an interest in any of the Society's proactive committees, we encourage you to reach out to us. We value your input and would love to hear from you.
On Thursday 9th November, I represented the Society at the Celebration of Life service for the former President, Robert David Milnes. During the service, numerous tributes were paid to David, all highlighting his vast knowledge, close friendships, deep love for gardening, and his dedication to the law. I was accompanied at the service by the previous presidents, Christine Doughty and John Pearce, as well as Tom Huggon, along with David’s colleagues from Robert Barber & Son. We extend our deepest sympathies to David's family, including his wife Judith, daughter Katherine, and son Robert.
This year, the MemSaab restaurant in Nottingham hosted a remarkable celebration of Diwali, the festival of light. The event was filled with beautiful lights, amazing Indian cuisine, and enjoyable company. We are excited to announce that we plan to celebrate Diwali at MemSaab again next year. Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces in a stunning setting. It's the perfect chance for networking.
My collaboration with The Law Society and the local law societies of England and Wales continued with another online seminar focusing on the content of websites. Many thanks to Ginger Root for their support to the Society and their availability to address any technical enquiries.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Julia Saunders from Derby & District Law Society, Carolyn Coles from Northamptonshire Law Society, and Charlotte Anderson-Dilkes from Leicestershire Law Society in person. Our meeting was highly productive as we brainstormed ideas on how we can collaborate for future events, which will hopefully benefit all our members.
Pictured T-B: Leicestershire Law Society - Charlotte Anderson-Dilkes, Derby & District Law Society - Julia Saunders, Michelle Foster - Nottinghamshire Law Society & Carolyn Coles from Northamptonshire Law Society
On the 18th of November, I had the pleasure of attending the Maggies Charity Ball at Kelham Hall, as a guest of Actons Solicitors. Accompanying me were Bindiya Patel, Chair of the Private Client Committee, Heather Parker, Charley Bellamy, and Ruth Swain. Maggies is the chosen charity of the current President Stephen Luke, so attending this event provided valuable insight into the impact of fundraising efforts on cancer support provided by Maggies to those in need.
So, what’s new…?
Membership Benefits
We have had discussions with Wonderluxe Travel who have confirmed some incredible offers for members of Nottinghamshire Law Society with 5% discount on package holidays and complimentary UK Departure lounge passes for all international bookings.
As a member of the Nottinghamshire Law Society, you can enjoy a 10% discount at Weavers Wine Merchants. They offer a diverse selection of premium wines from around the world, including whites, reds, sparkling wines, and champagnes. Their knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the perfect wine based on your preferences and occasion. Weavers Wine Merchants also hosts wine tastings and events to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow wine enthusiasts. Take advantage of the 10% discount and explore their selection for incredible savings and unforgettable wine experiences.
Future Events
We still have our Christmas Shopping event at Paul Smith Designs, a wonderful opportunity to buy your Christmas gifts at fantastic, discounted prices. Why not join us on 30th November?
Afterward, it's time to bring out the Christmas Sweaters, sparkly outfits, and head over to Copper for our exclusive party night on Wednesday 13th December. There will be a delicious festive buffet as well as amazing music from Matt Turner. This is an incredible evening, so make sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible!
In 2024, we will kick off the year with an exciting Wine Tasting event at Code 34, kindly supported by Brewin Dolphin. Join us on Wednesday 7th February as we explore a delightful selection of wines provided by Weavers Wine Merchants.
The John Pearce Charity Quiz will promptly follow, taking place at the Southbank Bar on Wednesday 20th March. The 2024 quiz hosts are the VHS Fletchers, so mark the date in your calendar and begin exploring Wikipedia!
We have opened up some fantastic webinar training centered on the well-being in the workplace and creative business thinking for the upcoming year. We invite you to join us in these training sessions, as they are highly informative and have the potential to enhance your ability to think outside the box!
Annual Awards 2024
The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2024 Annual Awards is approaching at the end of the month. Take inspiration from the interviews with the winners of the 2023 awards. One of the many remarks made by the winners is their gratitude for being considered worthy of the award by their colleagues, recognising their hard work and professionalism. If you know someone who deserves a nomination, click the provided link and make a difference!
As we draw to a close, I hope of seeing you at the array of events we've planned over the upcoming months. There's a variety to cater to everyone's taste, and if there are any events you'd like to suggest, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes,
Michelle Foster
Head of Operations
Nottinghamshire Law Society