Welcome to the October edition of my President's blog!
I find myself writing this as the nights are now starting to draw in. I am sure we can all relate to arriving at the office in the dark early morning and leaving the office in a similar fashion. We are well and truly in the latter part of the year, which means a lot of events to look forward too between now and the year end.
President Stephen Luke, pictured with Valeria Mancheva, Lubna Shuja, Shama Gupta, Lauren Crow, Marie Dancer, Kathryn Meir, Jeremy Allen & Michelle Foster
Since my last blog, the Society and I have been very busy! Myself, the Exec, Head of Operations and Council members met with the Law Society President Lubna Shuja and Valeria Macheva (Head of Engagement & Services) to discuss everything legal over a delightful dinner and drinks at the Cosy Club. It was great to share ideas and brainstorm to think about how we can all improve the Society & grow moving forward as well as keep vital connections with the National Law Society.
It was also a pleasure to see many of you at the sold-out Beer, & Gin Festival. I tried to get round to speak with as many people as possible, everyone seemed to be having a good time, and we managed to get everyone up for a final dance before the night came to a close. Thank you to Mem Saab for proving the mouthwatering food for the evening & thank you to Charlotte Porter and the Hi Rollers for providing great entertainment all night long.
I’m told that this is the first year that the Presidents beer has sold out early on in the night, it was a great keg! I’m glad everyone enjoyed it and got stuck in.
Moving on we held the Cocktails & Competitions launch night and Revolution De Cuba. Many new faces attended, and we had presentations from:
· Naomi De Silva introducing the Kevin De Silva Essay writing contest.
· Richard Hyde Introducing the Presidents Cup competition.
· Jane Jarman introducing the Hammond Cup.
Lots of students attended and have already applied to take part in all three competitions which is an excellent chance to compete against fellow members. Good luck to everyone involved!
Now onto future events… Myself and Society members will be attending the legal opening at Ghent next week, it is my first time at such an event. I am very much looking forward to it and I will be sure to update you in my next blog. Keep a look out for pictures on linked in.
Please also keep an eye out for the numerous networking events we have booked in the diary, including the Christmas drinks which will be held this year at Copper, definitely one not to be missed.
Myself and Luke & Bridger Law will be hosting the NJLD Wind down Wednesday at our offices at Upper Parliament Street mid-November, which will be a chance for me to meet many of the Junior Lawyers in a relaxed setting.
Before I sign off, I must mention that nominations for the upcoming Annual Awards are now open. As every year, we have multiple categories and I would invite everyone to have a think if you know anyone who you believe to be deserving of being recognised in any of the categories, please submit your nominations!
I hope to see you all soon and catch you on the next President's blog!
Stephen Luke
President 2023-2024