President’s Review

March 2020

Iam excited to take the helm of Hampshire Law Society for 2020 and hope that I can build on the good work done by the past President.

I must start by thanking my predecessor, Joe Robertson, for his work and efforts this past year and I wish him well in his future endeavours, which include becoming a rising star in the political landscape. Best of luck for all going forward Joe.

I cannot believe that I have already been President for just shy of two months, how time flies. The first couple of months as President have already been busy. Finalising the business plan with the assistance of Mo Aldridge, Vice President, and Ian Robinson, Secretary, was at the top of the agenda and I am pleased to say that the same has been passed to the committee for approval. Once this is signed off then Hampshire Law Society will have a defined path going forward for the next three years which I believe in strongly and I have confidence will be for the benefit of our local profession.

The legal landscape is an ever changing area and so with it Hampshire Law Society also has to change and adapt to be able to meet the needs of our members and remain a relevant and useful tool and aid for those that we represent. Whether it is making sure that any of our educational seminars are relevant and on topics which are important for the profession to holding events which will bring members face-to-face with other professions with whom they wish to connect, there are exciting times ahead. Who can also forget our annual quiz which will be upon us shortly and the annual dinner in June (more on this shortly!).

Steps have been taken as well to engage with the future of the profession in Hampshire. The local Universities have been contacted to see how Hampshire Law Society can facilitate and assist in bringing the young lawyers of the future into the profession. Whether this is by being a central hub for work experience and training contracts to be advertised; to putting on workshops where students will get to ask questions of those in the profession. This is something that I feel is important to ensure that Hampshire retains its brightest young stars of the future and that we give them all the assistance we can for them to enter into an exciting career as best prepared as they can be. We maybe asking our members for their input and assistance in this regard going forward so keep your eyes peeled.

As part of my role I will also have the pleasure of attending some of our neighbouring local law society events and dinners. This in itself is important to maintain relationships within the profession but also to share ideas as to what works in other areas and whether there is anything that other local law societies are doing that we are not and should consider, all for the benefit of our members.

On the topic of dinners, the Hampshire Law Society annual dinner, which is always a fantastic event, is on 4 June. A fantastic speaker has been lined up in Mark “Billie” Billingham who is a former SAS soldier and bodyguard to the stars. Those of you who watch SAS Who Dares Wins will recognise Billie from the show and note his uncompromising ways. I am sure the stories he will have to tell will be captivating for all attending. The awards also make up an important part of the evening and I think it is important to celebrate just how good the legal profession is in Hampshire. I therefore urge everyone to consider whether there is anyone they can nominate for the awards in their firm or nominate the firm they work for. I will leave that there as further information regarding the dinner and awards will be advertised. See pages 24 & 25.

Finally, the year ahead promises to be an interesting one for the legal landscape, not only for Hampshire but nationally as to what the law in England and Wales will look like in a post Brexit world. I am writing this review maybe quite aptly, on the 31 January, the day we leave the EU and embark on a future which we will have to embrace without hesitation and fear. Change is inevitable, it is how you deal with it that will define your future. ■

James Gleisner President, Hampshire Law Society

An interview with the President of Hampshire Law Society – James Gleisner

What prompted you to enter the law as a profession?

My initial career path was going to be in sports physiotherapy. At the age of 16 I really didn’t want to work for the NHS so looked for alternative career paths, of which law won.

What person (if any) inspired you to become a lawyer?

I cannot say I was inspired by any one person, certainly no one famous. I would probably put it down to my tutor at college and my lecturers whilst at University.

What are the biggest professional challenges we are all going to face in the next 12 months?

The law changes year on year in one way or another. One of the biggest challenges however, dare I say it, will be Brexit and how the current EU law that we have been governed by for many years is instilled into English and Welsh law going forward and whether some EU law is just abandoned.

On top of that you have the implementation of the new SQE course for people to qualify as a solicitor that will change the landscape of the legal industry.

What prompted you to become President?

A small amount of peer pressure from those on the committee!! But primarily I would say the desire to try and change the perception and usefulness of the Society.

What is the one main issue you want to tackle during your tenure?

We have a fantastic legal industry in Hampshire that Hampshire Law Society should be able to represent better than we already do. Therefore engagement within the profession in Hampshire, whether individual lawyers or larger law firms to ensure that we work for our members and represent the industry as best as we can.

I am open to suggestions from any members reading this as to anything they would like us to consider as a change!

What are you most looking forward to in your role of President?

Representing the profession in Hampshire to other local law societies and gaining ideas from my peers in neighbouring counties as to what works for them

Which public figure do you most admire and why?

This is a difficult question as there are more than one. However I would have to say someone like Ant Middleton, or anyone in our armed and special forces. To do what they do to keep us safe is always inspirational. Ant specifically because I have read

his book and how he describes what he went through in his life, followed by the adversity he then faced when he left the special forces is truly an eye opener.

He is a local Hampshire guy as well which helps!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Mainly sports, watching or participating. I am a Southampton FC fan and a Houston Texans fan for those interested in American football.

I also go fishing and am captain of the St Cross cricket club men’s fifth team based in Winchester.

Outside of sport reading, films and travelling.

What book did you last read?

I have just finished reading Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch. It is the fourth book in a series of about eight at the moment, a series I would highly recommend.

What is your favourite film?

Top Gun. I am massively looking forward to the second one which is coming out this year!

What football team do you support?

Southampton FC (as above).

What three items would you have on your desert island?

As long as there was power on the island it would be my Xbox, TV (for the Xbox) and probably a good book or two. It might be a nice idea to get away from my phone and social media for a while!

What would you say to a youngster today, who was considering joining the legal profession?

Don’t! I am joking of course, I think the legal profession is a good one to work in, especially if you find the right firm or role in-house for you. I would just say explore all options open to you to get into the profession, I am a Legal Executive myself and this was a route unknown to me before I was in practice. Therefore explore, research and choose the right path and area of law for you. ■

President’s charity of the year

James Gleisner, President, is delighted to announce that the president’s charity for 2020 is the Countess Mountbatten Hospice in West End, Southampton.

Countess Mountbatten Hospice supports people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. They serve the communities of Southampton and large parts of Hampshire including Eastleigh, Romsey, Winchester and the surrounding areas offering a wide range of services, providing physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual support. Their aim is to make sure patients and their families have access to skilled, compassionate and sensitive care in a place of their choice. Each year it costs over £6 million to provide this vital service. They receive a limited amount of NHS funding, so much of the cost of providing services each year is met through donations and voluntary funding.

On the website there are details of some of their fundraising activity for 2020. If you fancy running the Southampton Marathon and don’t have a place contact the hospice. The fundraising target is £250 for the full marathon https://cmhcharity.org.uk/events/ southampton-half-marathon-10k-run/

To learn more you can contact Rachel Rawlings on rachel.rawlings@ mountbatten.org.uk and phone number 023 8254 8805. If you would like to hold an event with the support of Hampshire Law Society to benefit this charity please contact Nicola on administration@hampshirelawsociety.co.uk ■

Law Society Diversity Access Scheme & Committees

The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme re-opened Monday 17 February 2020. The award covers LPC funding, mentoring and work experience in a legal setting. 10 students receive the award. Please see link for further information: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/law-careers/equality-and-diversity/diversity-access-scheme/

If you would like to provide funding, mentoring or work experience for a student, please email diversityaccessscheme@lawsociety.org.uk

Join our divisions

My Law Society Create a free “My Law Society” account here: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/log-in/

1. Once you are in your My Law Society personal homepage click on ‘Special interests’ for Diversity and inclusion. 2. Click on ‘Diversity and Inclusion Divisions’ to select the Women’s Lawyers Division, Ethnic Minority Lawyers Division, LGBT+ Lawyers Division and Lawyers with Disabilities Division.