News

National Law Society – Special General Meeting

12 December, 2013

The Law Society is holding the first Special General Meeting (SGM) over a decade, as a motion of no confidence has been presented to the Council.

Members who are on the Roll of Solicitors (NQ’s to 5 years PQE) can attend, comment, and vote on the motion.

The SGM will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday 17 December 2013. More details are available on the Law Society website. The meeting will consider a motion of no confidence in the Law Society’s leadership. The motion relates to the strategy adopted by the Law Society to influence the government actions regarding proposed cuts to criminal legal aid.

The JLD executive can report that, following consultation with our national representatives, it is apparent that our members agree with the following position:

“The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) firmly opposes the government’s current proposals to cut legal aid and the executive committee of the JLD has previously responded to the government consultations on behalf of JLD members confirming our opposition to previous cuts to legal aid. The JLD also has supported, and continues to support, the Save Legal Aid campaign of the Young Legal Aid Lawyers.

For these reasons, the JLD supports statements made by the Law Society opposing the legislative changes that would make further cuts to legal aid. The JLD also supports proposals of the Law Society to mitigate the impact of changes to legal aid funding.

We, the executive committee of the JLD, call for the legal profession to be united in their opposition to further cuts to legal aid. We believe it is in the interests of both the profession and the public to minimise the damaging effects that the changes proposed by the government will have.”

On this basis, the JLD invites members to attend the SGM on 17 December 2013 to support the Law Society. Voting at the SGM is limited to solicitors on the Roll. Accordingly, no trainee solicitor members, students or paralegals are able to attend the SGM and vote.

For those qualified solicitors who would like to attend, please note that space within the Law Society is limited and so it will assist (and guarantee your place) if you email the Law Society in advance (by 12 December) to reserve a place via SGMattendance@lawsociety.org.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you at the event in full support of the Law Society.

The Bristol and National JLD Committees

£51,411.09

raised for charity to date.
630+

members in the Bristol and surrounding areas.
81%

consider the JLD events excellent value for money.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member of Bristol JLD committee. I was able to make valuable connections with some really engaging colleagues. Covid-19 lockdowns achieved overnight changes in the workplace. The chief beneficiaries are often people well established in their careers, rather than those at the start finding their feet. I am particularly proud the efforts we made to vocalise the concerns of junior lawyers during the early stages of the pandemic.
Mamunul Wahid, Senior Associate, Clarke Willmott – former Bristol JLD IT & Comms Co-ordinator and 2023 Bristol Law Society Junior Lawyer of the Year
Your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children is truly inspiring. We've cherished every moment of the events we've shared, from the delightful BBQ gatherings to the glamorous ball nights. Your dedication and enthusiasm have not only made these occasions memorable but have also contributed to a remarkable achievement. The total amount of £7,000 is truly incredible, and it will undoubtedly make a significant difference in our mission. With this support, we can provide enriching camp experiences to a multitude of children, creating lasting memories and fostering personal growth.
Barton Camp (Bristol Children’s Help Society) – Bristol JLD Charity of the Year 2023
It has been an absolute pleasure to partner with Bristol Junior Lawyers Division over the last 15 years. From sponsoring the Annual Charity Ball (which is always a sell-out) to running careers events for junior lawyers, it has been a privilege to support so many of your members over the years and we look forward to continuing this fantastic partnership for many more years to come.
Sheldon Carlisle – National Specialism Director - Legal & Co Sec UK&I, HAYS