Bournemouth & District Lawyer Spring 2023

Bournemouth & DistrictLawyer

INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE:

Annual Lunch

Annual Dinner

Cocktail Masterclass

BDLS Lecture Programme

BDLS European Law Conference

Emma Hamilton Cole (BDLS President) with Louise Minchin, Guest Speaker

BDLS CONTACTS

President

EMMA HAMILTON COLE

Williams Thompson

Avon House, 4 Bridge Street, Christchurch BH23 1DX

Tel: 01202 484242

Email: ehc@williamsthompson.co.uk

Senior Vice President

MICHAEL NEWBOLD

Luff Brook Carter

521 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9AQ

Tel: 01202 871311

Email: michael.newbold@luffbrookcarter.co.uk

Junior Vice-President

JOANNE CLARKE

Lester Aldridge LLP

Russell House, Oxford Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EX

Tel: 01202 786161 Fax: 01202 786150

Email: joanne.clarke@la-law.com

BDLS Office

MANDY HEATH & DAWN CHISHOLM

Honorary Secretary

THERESA MILLS

Meesons & Spurling Solicitors

2A Church Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1BW

Tel: 01202 473321

Email: tmills@meesons-spurlings.co.uk

Treasurer

LAUREN COONEY

Letchers

24 Market Place, Ringwood. BH24 1BS

Tel: 01425 471424

Email: lauren.cooney@letchers.co.uk

Council Member

PETER WATSON-LEE

Tel: 01425 270502

Email: pwatson-lee@outlook.com

BDLS Office

Borough Chambers, Fir Vale Road, Bournemouth BH1 2JJ

DX 7616 Bournemouth

Tel: 01202 587551

Email: office@bournemouthlaw.com

The Presidentʼs Column

Emma Hamilton Cole

Welcome to my third (and penultimate) column. Since my last missive, I hosted somewhat a muddy Pub and Walk with some particularly hardy and determined members and their children and dogs in November which ended in an excellent meal at the Barleymow in Wimborne. Some of us were muddier than others at that point and had also weathered the demands of electric fences and brambles as well as an ‘out of order’ bridge. My overall view of the day was eventful but ultimately fun. Thank you to those who were brave enough to join me.

We also had our 80’s band and Christmas party in early December. Thanks again to all who came and, indeed, those brave enough to don fancy dress (or those who were told it was compulsory including my lovely husband aka Adam Ant). What a great night of dancing and music we had!

You will see elsewhere in our Magazine a full report on the Annual Lunch on 8th March – I have been pleased to receive lots of positive feedback on the afternoon and our speakers Louise Minchin and Lubna Shuja. Thanks to all those who came to support the event in such great numbers – over 400. I must reiterate again my thanks to all those involved in making the day run so smoothly – Alan Turle, our Toastmaster, the sponsors and the indefatigable, Mandy and Dawn. May there be many more such enjoyable lunches!

I wanted to highlight in my few words, and here, the importance of professional networks particularly in these trying times. Your local law society is an excellent place to start building your networks, and maintaining them, through attendance at our social and educational events. On that point,

our lecture programme continues apace and our whole day Property and Private Client conferences were a great success at the end of last year. Please do contact our office (office@bournemouthlaw. com) if there are particular areas you would like us to focus on in future lectures as we are always keen to develop new courses and courses which are relevant for our members.

Looking ahead we have a Cocktail Masterclass on 17th March which I am told is getting towards fully booked and so I will look forward to seeing you there! Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available. I’m hoping to try the former….

A few weeks later we have our Annual Dinner on 21st April and, if you have not yet booked, please do reserve your spot – we have the excellent Ed Boydell of Counsel joining us to regale us with stories of his esteemed legal career so far.

I am conscious that time runs on apace and my year is now more than halfway done. Michael Newbold is starting preparations for his year with the launch of the Conference to Cardiff and, again, please do have a look at those details which have been circulated.

Well that about wraps it up for this edition – see you at one of our events soon! 

EMMA HAMILTON COLE BDLS President

BDLS Annual Lunch Wednesday 8 February

The BDLS prestigious Annual Lunch this year was, once again, held in the Pavilion Ballroom, Bournemouth. With 411 people attending, this was the highest number of guests for many years!

After a fabulous lunch, BDLS President, Emma Hamilton Cole, welcomed the top table guests including the guest speakers, Louise Minchin and Lubna Shuja (national Law Society President), and the sponsors. She thanked the guests for supporting the event and commented on the record-breaking numbers. She remarked that since becoming Junior Vice President, there have been many changes – the Ukraine war, the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, the passing of the Queen and the succession of King Charles. Her theme for the year is resilience and she paid tribute to the profession for keeping up with all the challenges – changing the way of working in order to best serve our clients. She hopes that there better times lie ahead. Her final reflection was on the need for us to support each other which is essential for good mental health.

Next, Lubna Shuja, the 1st Asian, 1st Muslim and 7th female President in the 200-year history of The Law Society, addressed the audience. She stressed the importance for the Law Society to get out to the regions and talk to the members. She recognises the huge contribution that local law societies make to support the local community. Lubna particularly wants to hear about the challenges faced so that The Law Society can support their members and, in that respect, her door is always open. She regularly updates her LinkedIn followers about what she’s up to – follow her here: www.linkedin.com/in/lubna-shuja-2801711b/

Last, but definitely not least, Louise Minchin recounted hilarious stories about her time at BBC breakfast where she was on the sofa for 20 years. She paid tribute to her former colleague and friend, Bill Turnbull, who sadly died recently.

Her time on the reality show “I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here!” was in freezing Wales where she survived on 700 calories a day eating rice, beans and water .. and cockroaches! Saying that she exclaimed that she would definitely do it again!

She was very proud of her achievements as a Triathlete and in particular free diving under ice in the dark! She finished her talk by saying that it is not about the winning but getting to the end and the journey being an incredible story.

Louise spent some time after the Lunch, meeting the guests and signing her book “Dare to Tri”.

Our sponsors were Paragon, ITEC, PKF Francis Clark, Finders, Search Acumen and Barclays. A huge thank you to them for supporting this event. 

MANDY HEATH BDLS Office Manager and Annual Lunch Organiser

As a specialist Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance broker, one of Paragon’s skills is to help showcase our law firm clients in their very best light.

It would be great to have the opportunity to explain more about how we can help your firm please and provide you with renewal terms from our exclusive Professional Indemnity facility, which:

 does not have a cap on conveyancing work.  provides a discount for Lexcel or CQS accredited firms.

If this is of interest, please contact me.

Ryan Senior Senior Vice President

Direct: +44 (0) 20 7280 8254

Mobile: +44 (0) 7827 575652

Email: rsenior@paragonbrokers.com

Finders International are an award-winning probate genealogy company who trace heirs to estate, property and assets worldwide. We also provide a comprehensive range of private client services from statutory will & deputyship services, to overseas bankruptcy searches. Within the private sector, we work with numerous solicitors, legal executives, corporate & state trustees and financial institutions. Finders International is also the founding member of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR), which provides regulation and a single authoritative voice for industry professionals. Contact us on Freephone: 0800 085 8796;

Email: quotes@findersinternational.co.uk or visit our website: www.findersinternational.co.uk

With the banking and finance needs of legal firms becoming ever more complex, it’s more important than ever to have an experienced partner.

Barclays has had a dedicated Professional Services team for over 20 years and are the banking partner to more than half of the top 100 UK law firms. Today, clients can benefit from the experience and contacts we’ve gained from working with leading legal practices, accountancy firms and insolvency partners across the UK and globally.

To find out more about how we can support your business, call Relationship Director Stewart Bulpitt on 0777 555 2713 or stewart.bulpitt@barclays.com

For another year running, Search Acumen are proud to have sponsored and attended the BDLS Annual Lunch. This is always an important event to us as it provides us with the opportunity to catch up with some friendly faces, as well as meet new ones. If you didn’t have a chance to catch up with our very own Wilfred Gomez and Andy Sommerville at the lunch, please do feel free to reach out, we’d love to hear from you.

Wilfred Gomez, Senior Client Account Manager

Direct: 0777 103 909 60

Email: wilfred.gomez@search-acumen.co.uk

Enquiries

Direct: 0800 240 4746

Email: enquiries@search-acumen.co.uk

PKF Francis Clark is a full service chartered accountancy, business and tax advisory firm with nine offices across the south and south west. With 54 partners and over 850 staff we act for clients across many industries. Our specialist legal services team acts for over 120 legal firms, from highly successful boutique firms to top 100 firms. We also work closely with a range of legal sector groups such as Law Society Law Management Section, SRA and ICAEW Solicitors Group. Two of the senior members of the team are authors of the Law Society 2021 Solicitors’ Accounts Manual. 

Photos by Zelda De Hollander of Studio Shotz Photography.

Mark Hamilton Cole, Louise Minchin, Emma Hamilton Cole, Peter Watson-Lee, Lubna Shuja and Kezia Evans.

Edward Holmes and Theresa Mills.

Mark Hensleigh, John Butterworth, Peter Davy, Simon Walsham, Louise Boyle.

Stewart Bulpitt, Michael Munns, Mike Collins and Orias Imafidon.

Carol Maunder, Michael Newbold and Fiona Knight.

Sean Reeves, Julian Heath, Adam Scott and Laura Clarke

To view all photos from this event please click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjArXmB

Neil White, Mandy Heath and Mark Kiteley.

Simon Barnes, Suzanne Kadziola, Stephen Bowden and Amanda Bartlett.

Lauren Cannon, Kerry Houston-Kypta, Patrick Herklots and Steve Davies.

Benjamin Hume and Matthew Lewis.

Danielle Orosa and Lauren Cooney.

Dan Tout, Dawn Chisholm and Ashley Hinwood.

SOLD OUT!

Cocktail Masterclass

Friday 17 March 2023

Marsham Court Hotel

BDLS Annual Dinner

Friday 21 April 2023 Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

We are delighted to confirm our Annual Dinner will take place on Friday 21 April at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriot Hotel. Our speaker is Edward Boydell, head of the Family Finance team at Pump Court Chambers.

The event will be sponsored by College Chambers, Index Property, Paragon and PKF Francis Clark.

Please download the booking form here: www.bournemouthlaw.com/res/Annual%20Dinner %20Flyer%202023.pdf 

For the first time, BDLS will be running a Cocktail Masterclass. Our expert for the evening is Gemma Withenshaw of VinGIn, who has members will remember from the recent Wine Tasting evening.

During this fun cocktail masterclass, you will be tasting three spirits such as gin, vodka and rum, whilst understanding the history, raw materials, methods of production, and how to mix these into fabulous cocktails as you become the master mixologist!

There will be a choice of three cocktails per style and a mixer option to cater for different tastes. (Non-alcoholic versions are available), The evening will also include an assortment of accompanying nibbles.

Please download our booking form here: www.bournemouthlaw.com/res/Cocktail%20 Masterclass%2017%20March%202023.pdf

Sponsored by 3PB. 

BDLS European Law Conference – Cardiff

Friday 6 – Sunday 8 October 2023

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Conference will be to Cardiff. The weekend will be an opportunity to get to know the wonderful Welsh Capital with that added touch of the unique experiences for which the annual BDLS European Law Conference has become known.

Please click here for full details: www.bournemouthlaw.com/res/Annual%20Conference%20to%20Cardiff%202023%20-%20flyer.pdf

Please note that the booking form and deposit should be sent to the BDLS Office no later than Friday 10 March 2023.

Why 2023 is a great time to start a law firm

The thought of setting up a new law firm during a time of recession may sound high risk and cavalier. However global change, even a crisis such as the recent pandemic, provides opportunities as well as challenges. The winners will be those who adapt the quickest and respond to change, rather than resist it.

The motivation of most lawyers, whether they entered the profession to help others, for the career opportunities, intellectual challenges or for financial reward, is often to become a partner and ultimately run their own firm.

Over the past few years, many legal practitioners have been weighing up their options, making initial enquiries and starting to consider what running their own legal practice might look like.

Recessions are well known for motivating people to start up in business. The numbers of new businesses launched in the UK in 2020 during the challenging times of the pandemic outpaced the global average, in what has been described as a ‘wave of entrepreneurialism’. After experiencing such a world altering event that has impacted how we operate both personally and in the workplace, it is no surprise that many professionals are reviewing their career choices.

Here are three reasons why it could be a great time to set up a law firm.

A change in culture

One of the biggest and most documented changes that the pandemic has driven is the switch to remote working and in the years following the start of the pandemic, this has become far more commonplace and often the norm for professionals.

Consumers no longer question conducting video meetings with their service provider and many may well actually prefer this to visiting offices. This means that opening an office to launch a law firm is no longer a necessity, and a client will no longer associate this as part of the firm’s value proposition.

Working virtually offers the opportunity to work with clients from further afield. Using meeting software such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams is now second nature, proving that communication and collaboration with clients and colleagues can be much simpler.

There is now a wave of smart start-up firms that have embraced innovation such as video calling, online digital

payments, document sharing, e-signatures and documentbundling solutions. It is this digital engagement that prospective clients will now see as essential when choosing who to place future business with.

Affordable technology

The first item on any new law firm’s shopping list has changed dramatically in recent years. While it used to be the office lease, printing and copying machines or precedent guides, it is now, unquestionably in my experience, a case management and accounting system (CMS).

The data held within the system ultimately represents the firm’s most valuable assets. With a sophisticated CMS in place, the only technology really needed to start a law firm is a good laptop, a subscription to Office 365 and access to the internet.

With the right practice management solution, new lawyers can digitise all client matter communications, capture time and activities, share and collaborate on documents, bill and invoice in a few simple steps and perform SRA compliant accounting, and more – all for the monthly cost of a romantic meal for two!

Attracting new talent

At a time where we’re seeing legal practitioners reviewing new career opportunities, starting a law firm provides the opportunity to create a business that will appeal to new talented junior lawyers who could become future partners of the firm.

The competition to attract and retain staff is more intense than ever, but through smart use of affordable and effective technology, firms can scale up to meet demand and profit through any unpredictability over the coming years.

Often great things are formed in adversity and no matter how new they are, smaller, more agile businesses can react, adjust quickly and adapt to meet the requirements of a changing environment.

For more information, please visit www.LEAP.co.uk ■

GARETH WALKER CEO, LEAP UK

Bournemouth & District Junior Lawyers Division

The BDJLD social calendar has had a busy few months and is set to continue throughout the year with lots of exciting events in the pipeline!

Since the last edition, we hosted our Christmas Canapés evening on 16 December 2022 at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel. The evening was kindly sponsored by Pump Court Chambers, who continue to support our events. It was lovely to see everyone dressed up for the occasion and let their hair down for the evening. We also had a guest appearance from Alfie the magician, who brought some extra festive sparkle to the event with his mystifying magic tricks!

On 11 January 2023, we kicked off the New Year with a very insightful webinar: ‘Drafting A Witness Statement For Civil Proceedings In The County Court’ hosted by our very own David Kemeny of 3PB and Conor Maher of Ellis Jones Solicitors. We had a great turn out and the content was valuable for every litigator, no matter their level of experience. Thanks once again, David and Conor - we look forward to future webinars!

On 23 January 2023, we hosted our first ever Yoga evening at Jodie Anne Fitness in Poole. Firstly, thanks to Jodie for having us. It was certainly a stress-busting evening and left attendees feeling chilled and prepared for the rest of the working week – what better way to fight the January blues! We plan to host more events aimed at dealing with the stresses of our members’ busy working lives.

Our next event is our Cheese & Wine evening on 02 March 2023 at Renoufs in Southbourne, sponsored by Index Property Information. More details will follow on the BDJLD social media pages. After last year’s success, make sure to save the date and secure your place once booking is available – this is an evening you will not want to miss! 

FLORENCE NEWTON President for BDJLD 2022-2023 www.bdjld.co.uk

BDLS Lecture Programme 2023

WEBINAR: Lease Extensions and Enfranchisement for Residential Conveyancers

Course Notes

For environmental reasons, BDLS will no longer be providing printed course notes at lectures. Lecture notes will be emailed to delegates in advance for either printing or accessing via their laptop or alternative device on the day.

Payment for lectures

Please be aware that payment must be received at the office before the lecture takes place. Course bookings will only be confirmed upon payment. All payments are to be paid by BACS. 

For further details and booking forms please visit Bournemouth and District Law Society Website – www.bournemouthlaw.com/lectures or scan here: 

Summary of upcoming live time lectures and webinars

LECTURE Wednesday 1 March 2023 – 14:00 – 17:15

Topic Tax and Trust Update

Lecturer John Bunker

Venue Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth

Cost £95 – Member and Associate Members of BDLS/Trainees (Solicitors; Cilex; Apprentices) £145 – Non Member of BDLS

This course will include:

 Tax & estate planning:

Following the Autumn Statement’s squeeze on taxpayers, with stealth taxes and reductions in allowances, some careful thinking is needed by clients, including executors and trustees. Many clients will be paying more tax, in lifetime on death, simply by doing nothing. IHT is the classic “stealth tax” where the IHT “tax take” in increasing by a third over 5 years.

There are opportunities for reviewing estate planning, for individuals and couples, which can help mitigate the effects of this squeeze. We will explore these areas on which you might advise clients:

– Inheritance Tax (IHT): what wills and trusts, and lifetime planning can help mitigate long term tax?

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Dividend tax: the huge cuts in CGT gains allowances and dividend allowances could be mitigated with some financial planning input.

– Estates and Trusts: the cuts in allowances coming in 2023/24 mean changes in various elements of estate and trust practice are needed.

Income tax freeze: steps some individual clients can take.

 TRS Updates

We will also identify any developments of significance on the Trust Register.

WEBINAR Tuesday 7 March 2023 – 10:00 – 12:15

Topic Supervision – a best practice guide for law firms

Lecturer Paul Bennett

Cost £70 – Member and Associate Members of BDLS/Trainees (Solicitors; Cilex; Apprentices)

£100 – Non-Member of BDLS

This webinar is suitable for supervisors/line managers of any level within a law firm and will cover:

 What does good supervision look like?

 What the SRA will focus on if there is a problem

 Remote, in person and hybrid supervision options – how to adapt supervision for every working environment

 Best practice supervision – the importance of structure to the supervisee and supervisor

 How to get the best out of your team?

 Why have supervision skills become more important in the last 5 years? Covid, #MeToo, SRA enforcement, rising PII etc.

 If sports people need a coach on fundamental skills to maintain their sporting prowess what are solicitors able to learn from this?

 Staff motivation and wellbeing and an insurer's perspective

 What simple changes can you adopt?

LECTURE Thursday 9 March 2023 – 16:00 – 18:00

Topic NETWORKING IS FUN! Tips on how to enjoy and get the most out of attending events

Lecturer Simon Scarborough

Venue Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth

Cost £40 – Member and Associate Members of BDLS/Trainees/Members of BDJLD (including drinks/canapés)

£65 – Non-Member of BDLS

This one hour course is suitable for people who are starting out in their business life and relatively new to networking or those who need to gain confidence to attend events. It will cover:

 Myths around networking

 Always put networking events in your work diary… treat it as a client meeting

 Tips on how to start a conversation – where and who to head to; where to position yourself

 Have the mindset to meet new business friends, not to get business

 The importance of follow up and how to follow up

This talk will be followed at 17:00 by the opportunity to network over drinks and canapés.

LECTURE Thursday 16 March 2023 – 14:00 – 16:15

Topic Family Law Update

Lecturer HHJ Christopher Simmonds

Venue Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth

Cost £55 – Member and Associate Members of BDLS/Trainees (Solicitors; Cilex; Apprentices) £95 – Non Member of BDLS

The Lecture will cover:

 The qualified legal representative – what are they; what are the rules

 A legal update – money and children (to include public law)

 Just off the press – to cover what is at the forefront of family law in early 2023

In memoriam David McCreath

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of local retired solicitor, David McCreath in December 2022. David was a past President of the Dorset Law Society and continued to sit on their committee for many years. A gourmet and wine connoisseur, David also served as Honorary Dinner Secretary for the Dorset Law Society.

David’s family came from London and he was educated at Millfield School. After completing traditional articles of clerkship, David qualified in 1963 and went on to practice in local government and in private practice in Bournemouth and Blandford. After suffering life changing injuries in a road traffic accident, David devoted his considerable energies to chairing a charity concerned with medical research into spinal injuries.

A general practitioner solicitor of the old school in the best possible sense, David lived by a commitment to the highest professional standards and standards of client service and will be much missed. Our thoughts are with his family. 

BDLS Committee Members

We are looking for members to join our General Committee. It is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved in the Society, to get to know other Solicitors in the area and to contribute to the local legal community. No ‘previous experience’ is needed and, indeed, we are always keen to encourage members of all ages to get involved.

The General Committee meets six times a year - 5.30pm until approximately 7 pm at a local venue. Twice a year a Committee Dinner will follow the meeting, at one of which spouses/partners are invited to attend. We have various sub-committees including Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Property, Private Client, Careers and Lectures. We are keen to encourage new members to take an active role in our sub-committees.

If any member wishes to put their name forward or to suggest a name for the above posts, please let the BDLS office know office@bournemouthlaw.com. 

BDLS Parliamentary Liaison Officers

After nearly 13 years as a Parliamentary Liaison Officer (PLO) for BDLS I have decided to step down from the role. However, for the benefit of new members and as a reminder to more longer standing ones, I thought it would be useful to summarise the role that PLOs perform, as well as to advise who they are.

BDLS covers six Parliamentary constituencies and there are PLOs covering all of them. The role of the PLO is to make representations to local MPs on behalf of BDLS on matters which affect members. Over the years this has included things such as legal aid funding, access to the court system generally and, more recently, the proposed substantial increase in probate application fees, which in the end did not go through.

Although the representations primarily involve writing to the MP in question, it sometimes also requires meeting them. During my time as a PLO, I have had meetings with Conor Burns MP, Christopher Chope MP and, when he was Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, Chris Grayling MP.

The current PLOs are:

Mark Timberlake

M.Timberlake@laceyssolicitors.co.uk

PLO for Bournemouth West

Nigel Smith

nigel.smith@ellisjones.co.uk

PLO for Bournemouth East

Matthew Fretten

mfretten@frettens.co.uk

PLO for Christchurch

Neil Curtis neil.curtis@luffbrookcarter.co.uk

PLO for New Forest West

Andrew Carswell andrew.carswell@absolicitors.com

PLO for Poole and Mid Dorset and North Poole

I would encourage members to contact the relevant PLO on a matter which they would like to raise with their local MP. From personal experience, every matter which I have raised has not only received a response from the MP but, more often than not, a response from the relevant Minister as well. Full contact details of the PLOs can be found on the BDLS website. 

MICHAEL NEWBOLD BDLS Senior Vice President

THE LAW SOCIETY’S PRIVATE CLIENT SOLICITORS SECTION

The Law Society’s Private Client Solicitors Section is the membership group for private client practitioners working in wills and probate, estate and tax planning, trusts and mental capacity.

With a membership of over 1500 private client solicitors across UK and Wales, the Section provides you with a wide network of professionals to help you share knowledge, best practice and experiences and make connections.

Our annual programme of support is delivered by experts in their field and will equip you with the latest thinking in private client work, keeping you up to date with the most timely and vital issues private client practitioners need to know about. This year our key areas of focus to support and update our members on:

 Trust Registration Service

 Modernising lasting powers of attorney

 Probate Service

 Court of Protection

 Mental Capacity Act code of practice

 The Hague Convention for the protection of adults

 Older and vulnerable client care

 Wills reform

 Cross-border practice

 Management of Digital Assets

Spotlight on last month

On 26 January the Private Client Solicitors Section hosted a joint online event with the Property Section entitled “Acting in probate sales or transactions where the owner lacks mental capacity”. The panel had speakers from both Section Advisory Committees and included Philip Askew, Partner (Stone King LLP); Sarah Cookson, Director & Solicitor, Head of Conveyancing Department (Switalskis Solicitors) and Fiona Heald, Partner, Moore Barlow LLP.

Property practitioners are instructed to act for attorneys, deputies and executors or trustees. This webinar provided basic principles of beneficial ownership, best practice in such transactions and what to look out for. It was a great practical session with 339 delegates registering to

attend and a high-level of engagement with questions on the day. The event was complimented by a useful resource and checklist that can be used in practice which members of our section can access together with a recording of the webinar.

What’s coming up?

New for 2023 we have launched a series of four online classrooms on our new learning and development platform on the Essentials of Cross-Border Private Client Practice.

They are written and delivered by leading private client practitioners in a live interactive format, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions relevant to your practice areas. You will also be able to access the content on-demand at any time. Find out more and book your place at: learn. lawsociety.org.uk/product/essentials-of-cross-borderprivate-client-practice-series-bundle.

Save the date

Our flagship Private Client Annual Conference takes place on 28 June 2023 and brings together expert speakers and audiences from across the country to explore the key issues and the latest thinking in the private client area and practice.

Interested in becoming a member?

Membership of the Section is open to all private client practitioners working in wills and probate, estate and tax planning, trusts and mental capacity. Our annual programme of support is delivered by experts in their field and will equip you with the latest thinking in private client work, keeping you up-to-date with the most timely and vital issues private client practitioners need to know about. Benefits include free access to exclusive on demand online content, magazines, newsletters, face-toface networking events and topical live online classrooms as well as discounts on related events and publications. Find out more and join at: communities.lawsociety.org. uk/private-client or email MSadmin@lawsociety.org. uk 

The Council Member’s Report

PETER WATSON-LEE Law Society Council Member for Dorset

English law is still the best

Did you know that the law of England & Wales is still ‘the law of choice’ governing most major international transactions? Which is why London is still the centre for many large international dispute cases.

London is second only to New York – although many others, such as Singapore, are keen to challenge our position.

Our standing is based on the certainty of our common law, the reputation of our Judges and the quality of our legal services.

Most of the largest 50 UK law firms have a network of offices abroad – and not just the City firms, but firms across our regional centres as well. We export a massive £5.7bn of legal service to the rest of the world.

I chaired a session a few days ago about the Law Society’s input into the International Law scene – something about which I knew little.

There are 11,000 solicitors who work outside the U.K.. And every year, of the newly qualified solicitors, 10 – 15% of those are requalifying from other jurisdictions because of the standing of our qualification.

The E.U. was our largest foreign market and Brexit has not been helpful. Since leaving, rather than dealing with one set of rules, now each European country applies its own set of regulations on the terms we can practice there. The Law Society’s International Section has been at the forefront of helping to navigate the problems that have arisen.

Government proposals to review of the human rights legislation is now also causing further uncertainty.

At the same time, the Law Society are strongly involved in negotiating the opening of new markets elsewhere in the world. We are an open market in England & Wales – meaning foreign lawyers can set up branches here – but the reverse is often not the case. Delegations from the Law Society, often headed by our President, fly around the world to encourage legal markets to be opened. Visits to Japan and India are underway, as are approaches to Commonwealth countries. The task is to re-assure countries that rather than being detrimental, the opening of their legal market usually brings many benefits.

The Law Society is also active in many other ways. We are still involved with the CBBE (the Council of Bars and Law

Societies of Europe) as, despite Brexit, we still share many of the same problems and issues with our colleagues in Europe.

And when our President attends and speaks at the annual International Bar Association, she is carefully listened to and is well respected.

The Law Society is also active in promoting the rule of law internationally. We are heavily involved in supporting the Lawyers at Risk programme and are at the forefront of work in helping identify those judges and lawyers at risk in Afghanistan.

In a nutshell, English law is still respected around the world and the Law Society’s work is much appreciated by those who have an international practice.

The shape of the profession

Some recent statistics that might interest:

 53% of the profession are female

 25% of the profession work in-house (with 18% in the private sector and 7% in the public/third sector)

 Of the remaining 75% in private practice, there is now an equal split between those working in the largest 200 firms and those working in medium size and small firms

 51% of solicitors work in London and the South East (22% in the City itself) – the South West has 6% of Solicitors

 20% of Solicitors are less than 5 years qualified; 31% have been qualified between 6 to 15 years and the remaining 48% over 16 years.

Legal heroes

Keep an eye out for the launch of the Law Society’s new Legal Hero award.

Replacing the old Excellence Awards aimed at celebrating excellent legal service, this new award is seeking out individual Solicitors who have carried out exceptional work that can be shown to have made a real difference to the lives of others.

We are looking to highlight real life stories of Solicitors who have really made an impact on helping others – be it probono or through their day to day work. I suspect many of us will know of colleagues who go that extra mile to help clients or local communities.

When you see the launch, do put them forward. 

BDLS Mental First Aid Team Become a Mental Health First Aider

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. In the same way as learning physical first aid, MHFA teaches people how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health and feel confident to guide someone to appropriate support.

Embedding MHFA training within any organisation or community also encourages people to talk more freely about mental health, reducing stigma and creating a more positive culture.

To become a Mental Health First Aider requires completion of the MHFA course. This is a comprehensive awareness and skills course, which includes a mix of presentations, discussions and group work activities.

BDLS are delighted to confirm that we will be running the MHFA course over 4 x 4 hour sessions on 18, 20, 25 & 27 April. Delegates are required to attend all 4 sessions in order to pass. Places are limited to 16.

Full details are on our website www.bournemouthlaw.com/bournemouth-district-law-society-lectures or please email mandy@bournemouthlaw.com to book. 

The following at BDLS are available to talk through any worries you may have. All information will be treated confidentially and without judgement.

Edward Holmes

egholmes@meesonsspurlingssolicitors.co.uk

Tel: 01425 484420

Sally Crawford

Sallycrawf@gmail.com

Tel: 07973 148264

Mandy Heath

mandyjheath@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 07763 833256

Maddy Longland

ml@mjplaw.co.uk

Tel: 01202 842929

Mark Kiteley

Mark.kiteley@rawlinsdavy.com

Tel: 01202 558844

Lauren Annicchiarico

lauren@frenchlawmatters.co.uk

Tel: 07764 582128

Maria Evans

Maria.evans@ellisjones.co.uk

Tel: 01202 057718

Sarah Unsworth

Bacchante2012@gmail.com

Tel: 01590 676933

Alan Turle

a.turle@ntlworld.com

Tel: 07720 406962

Nicola Lowe

Nicolalowe@hgwalker.co.uk

Tel: 01202 881454 or 07854 787358 (outside office hours)

Nigel turns 30 at Ellis Jones Solicitors

When Nigel Smith became a Partner at Ellis Jones Solicitors in 1992 the average house price was £53,213, interest rates stood at 6.88% and inflation was 3.74%. Now Nigel is celebrating his 30th anniversary of becoming a Partner at the law firm, which has more than 170 staff including 21 Partners in six offices across the South and London.

Nigel said: “I first started at the firm in 1986 as a Trainee Solicitor, known as an Articled Clerk back then! I was keen to progress and was given the opportunity to do so. At the tender age of 28, I became one of the youngest Equity Partners in the country and from day one I was very much part of the management of the firm. I assumed the role of Managing Partner in 1999 and have been allowed to develop into that role. I am committed to creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve personal excellence and to giving everyone in the firm the opportunity to further their careers in the same way in which I was. That philosophy is reflected in the fact that more than a third of the Partners and half of the Associates in the firm started here as Trainees. Long may that continue! I feel privileged to have reached this milestone and look forward to more years ahead leading the firm’s team of talented and dedicated lawyers, including many who have also given long and distinguished service.

Nigel, who is married with three grown up sons, two step-daughters and a grandson, qualified as a solicitor in 1988 after joining the firm in 1986. He is a former President of the Bournemouth & District Law Society and a professional trustee for numerous trusts. Nigel won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dorset Legal Awards in 2018. 

Promotions at Ellis Jones Solicitors

Aregional law firm has strengthened its senior team and rewarded rising stars in a ‘super six’ promotions boost. Ellis Jones Solicitors has announced the promotions for Andy Kirby to Partner, Jennie Hedges to Senior Associate and Associate positions Conor Maher, Georgina Emmerson, Rosemary Drew and Tim McMahon.

Andy Kirby, who specialises in Wills, Trust and Probate, has become the first non-lawyer Partner in Ellis Jones’ history after six years with the firm and 25 years in the legal sector overall. An accountant by profession, he is a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). The appointment comes as Ellis Jones was licensed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as an Alternative Business Structure.

Jennie Hedges, who has more than 20 years’ conveyancing experience with particular expertise in shared ownership and Help to Buy, has become a Senior Associate. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX).

Conor, Georgina and Rosemary all trained at Ellis Jones, while Tim joined in 2021. Conor specialises in dispute resolution, Georgina in Family law and Tim in litigation. Rosemary qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in May 2020 and works in Ellis Jones’ Wills, Trust and Probate team. 

L:R Andy Kirby, Georgina Emmerson, Nigel Smith, Rosemary Drew, Tim McMahon and Conor Maher.

Amy Langlois joins Woodstock Legal Services

Amy Langlois has joined Woodstock Legal Services as a consultant solicitor in the area of family law, she has over 6 years of experience and deals with all aspects of family law. 

Preston Redman are scaling the three peaks

Ateam from Preston Redman LLP are scaling the ‘three peaks’ in 24 hours later this year in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden are in their sights… Earlier this month some of the team (pictured) carried out a 14 mile practice walk from Corfe to Old Harry’s Rocks. Everyone is in fine fettle and ready to go! Preston Redman going the extra mile for others as always!

The people involved are (from the left): Mark Lello (Partner), Fiona Powell (Legal Secretary), Natalie French (Paralegal), Liz Coubrough (Paralegal), Paul (Honorary Member), Dan Gardner (Partner), Lucy Howlett (Legal Secretary), Liam Fennessy (Trainee Solicitor) and Matt Trim (Legal Secretary).

Also in the squad but not pictured are Adrian Falck (Managing Partner), Kate McLaughlin (Practice Manager), Amy Edgson (Trainee Solicitor), Outi Kallunki-Stevens (Trainee Solicitor), Pooja Jhugroo (Trainee Solicitor), Lauryn Thurlow (Trainee Solicitor), Hugo Haub (Associate) and Jodie Lillington (Solicitor), Victoria Purdey (Compliance Executive) and Oliver Turner (Solicitor). 

Poppy’s second chance at love

Poppy’s owner first contacted her local rehoming centre and said she needed to hand Poppy, a four year old Chihuahua cross, over to us as she had sadly recently been given a diagnosis that she had a terminal illness. She was advised to apply for a free Canine Care Card and nominate a Dog Guardian; someone she trusts to sign over the care of Poppy to Dogs Trust should she need it. She’d then be able to spend the most time possible with Poppy and feel reassured that she’d be given the best possible care at Dogs Trust when they could no longer be together.

When Poppy’s Dog Guardian contacted us to advise that her owner was now receiving palliative care and that they needed to activate her Canine Care Card, Poppy was collected by Dogs Trust the very next day. After a vet and behavioural assessment we decided the best place for Poppy would be a loving foster home. We were able to advise the foster carers of all the information we’d been given by Poppy’s owner regarding her life, diet and routine to enable us to make this transitional period as stress-free as possible for Poppy.

Within almost no time, we were able to find very affectionate Poppy a lovely new home for her second chance at love.

Poppy’s story is one of many we come across at Dogs Trust.

Many owners are growing increasingly worried about gradually losing their independence or their health deteriorating. Dogs Trust want to offer owners peace of mind that we will be there at this difficult time to care for and rehome their four legged friends should the worst happen.

Therefore we’re pleased to announce that we have extended our Canine Care Card service. Dogs Trust will care for your dog should you move into a care home, become seriously ill or pass away.

For more information on our Canine Care Card service and how to register your dog please type in this link www.dogstrust.org.uk/ccc where you will find our online application form and more information on our free service.

If you have any queries regarding the Canine Care Card please email CCC@dogstrust.org.uk or call 020 7837 0006 and we will be happy to help. ■