A good quote because October heralds the golden colours of Autumn, the turning back of the clocks and Halloween. Although, on looking out at the trees, not many have golden leaves falling, the seasons seem to be a little confused!
We can say there’s no confusion in the Nottinghamshire Law Society office, just a great sense of being busy. Busy out meeting members, new contacts that can bring benefits to the members and organising more events for the Society’s social calendar.
Since my last jottings, we have welcomed The Law Society’s Past President Lubna Shuja and Head of Engagement Valeria Mancheva to Nottingham. Their visit included meeting members of the Society’s executive, plus visits to Nottingham Law School and NLS Legal. Since Covid, the Society has worked closely with Lubna Shuja on many projects, and we would like to congratulate Lubna on a successful tenure as President and all the achievements and changes implemented during her time in office. We look forward to welcoming Nick Emmerson in his year as the new President.
September saw me out and about, and it is always great receiving an invitation from the Nottinghamshire Junior Lawyers Division (NJLD) to join them at their Wind Down Wednesday events. In September, their event was held at the Barley Twist, with an added bonus of a Quiz, once again a well-attended evening. The NJLD are incredibly active and have a list of events and news updates, which can be viewed on our website.
The local law societies of England & Wales came together again for a ‘Coffee & Catch Up’ session and more motivational sharing of ideas and discussions. The forum group is growing and its friendship and support across the country is being valued by all those involved.
Friday 29th September heralded the annual Real Ale, Gin & Rum Festival at the Vat & Fiddle. Huge thank you to everyone that attended the event, our valued support from sponsors and those providing the hospitality and entertainment. Castle Rock Brewery’s Vat & Fiddle staff provided excellent service, MemSaab provided the most amazing curry and as for a little Rock-a-Billy Swing entertainment we have to thank Charlotte Porter & the High Rollers. The full photographic gallery is available to view by clicking the link.
Towards the end of September, I visited the School of Law at University of Nottingham and observed all the new Freshers attending their first year at university. It was a productive meeting with Professor Nigel White, Deputy Head of the Law School, discussing the various law societies on campus and their involvement with the Society’s legal competitions and the NJLD.
On Tuesday 3rd October, George’s Great British Kitchen was the luncheon meeting place for the Practice Managers/HOO/Compliance Manager & Senior Clerks meeting. Thank you to Tony Woodward (Rothera Bray), Helen Fanning (MJC Law), Samantha Fletcher (Larken & Co), Sarah Klapowski (Gedling Borough Council), Carlota Gonzalez-Laynez (NLS Legal) Elizabeth Brammer (Geldards LLP), Mary-Anne Dickson (Richard Nelson LLP), Jane Bullock (Massers), Jane Pendergast (Nottingham City Council) and Lorraine Robinson (Browne Jacobson) for attending and making the lunch full of active discussion about our member firms. It was a very informative session, where we all took away something.
Last week, I was invited to attend Landsmiths BierFest Kieller on Thursday 12th October, a fantastic evening and a huge amount of money was raised for charity. Well done, Landsmiths!
That night, I also celebrated Excellence in Advocacy with Nottingham Law School, thank you all for the invitations.
Membership Benefit Update
Have you seen the latest membership benefits in the newsletter?
There are now opportunities to enjoy discounts at Code 34 on Market Street, as well as Masala Junction. We also can buy discounted tickets for Nottingham Rugby. Simply scroll through the mail chimp email to find out more about the benefits on offer!
Future Events
We have a busy diary still ahead, with some new dates released for you to book into!
For the first time, on Thursday 9th November, the Society is celebrating Diwali with the amazing Indian cuisine at MemSaab. The evening hosts an array of fine food and will be great opportunity to network with your fellow professionals of the City and County.
Christmas VIP Shopping at Paul Smith Designs, Willoughby House will be opening its doors to share fantastic discounts on the many stylish designs on offer. Throughout the year, our members can obtain 20% discount but, at Christmas, the discounts can often go that little bit bigger. Put your Christmas list together and come out shopping with us on Thursday 30th November and enjoy a glass of festive fizz at the same time!
We can also confirm the Christmas Drinks Reception is to be held on Wednesday 13th December. Nottinghamshire Law Society has exclusive use of Copper on Market Street, to host our festive event. Christmas jumper, sequinned outfits, whatever suits you best, get yourself dressed to enjoy a festive buffet and fantastic music. Bookings are open until Friday 1st December, so don’t delay book in today!
Annual Awards 2024
Over the next few months, we will be sharing interviews with the 2023 Annual Award winners, to help spotlight the nominations that are open, for the Annual 2024 Awards. Already online are interviews with:
· Junior Lawyer of the Year - Ellie Harrison
· Partner of the Year - Jacqui Callan
· Barrister of the Year - Kam Jaspal
· Team of the Year – Gedling Borough Council
· Business Champion of the Year – Carlota Gonzalez-Laynez
This is the perfect time to put someone in your department/team/chambers forward for an award, spotlighting their excellence in their field either in legal work and/or community service. There are nine categories to choose from, so there is something for everyone!
Go on, make a difference, nominate someone today!
On that note, I will close this month’s message and hope that we can see you at some of the many events we have coming up!
Best wishes,
Michelle Foster
Head of Operations
Nottinghamshire Law Society