REPORT
Surrey Junior Lawyers Division S
urrey JLD looks back at what the new committee has been up to since our Christmas Quiz, which turns out to have been quite a bit!
website’s Wellness Hub. LawCare is the mental health charity for the entire legal community throughout the UK and Ireland including aspiring lawyers.
Networking We were delighted to see so many of you at our afternoon tea at The Tea Terrace in Guildford for International Women’s Day, held with the Association of Women Solicitors Surrey. Surrey Law Society President Mumtaz Hussain and Chair of Moore Barlow LLP Helen Goatley spoke about their experiences progressing through the profession and the need to continue to strive to equality. £168 was raised for our charity of the year, The Emily Ash Trust, thanks to the sterling work of our Charity Representative Katrina Burrows.
Cocoa With The Committee We started 2022 with an Employment Law Cocoa in January starring private practice solicitor Chantelle de Filippis, in-house solicitor Thomas Haines, consultant solicitor Richard Hiron and corporate solicitor specialising in employee ownership trusts Hannah Bignell. In February we had a Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Cocoa with Sonay Erten talking about acting for claimants, legal assistant Sarah Wilson on acting for defendants, then paralegal now solicitor Will Johnson on keeping doctors out of trouble and in-house solicitor Nezire Turkan on the varied work at the Ministry of Defence.
Career development February commenced with a talk on obtaining a training, newly qualified or senior position with Chadwick Nott’s Penny Heighway and Morr & Co LLP’s Jenny Turner, organised by Social Media & Publications Representative Alexandra Milson. We also conducted a survey of our members with key demand being apparent for career development events beyond qualification including becoming a senior associate or partner, so watch this space. Access to the profession We have been busy in our outreach to aspiring lawyers, with Universities & Colleges Student Representative, Bethany Walker, contacting several local universities and colleges, and having already spoken alongside our Chair Martin Whitehorn to pupils at Epsom College about accessing the legal profession. Also, Social Media & Publications Representative Tabitha Lee discussed her journey into law and trainee life with students at King Edward’s School, while Martin Whitehorn was one of the judges at Guildford’s University of Law Client Interviewing Competition. Well-being In January Sonay Erten hosted the second of our ‘In Conversation With’ series of talks, this time with CEO of LawCare Elizabeth Rimmer, LawCare peer supporter and former Surrey JLD committee member Céline Winham and LawCare Champion Chloe Benton. Sonay has written key takeaways from both this and the executive Junior Lawyers Division’s recent webinar on burnout on the Wellness Blogs section of our
The Surrey JLD’s Networking Event for International Women’s Day, held with the Association of Women Solicitors Surrey. 16 | SURREYLAWYER
Martin Whitehorn’s endeavours to obtain an in-house perspective at these Cocoas hosted by Bethany Walker has proved very valuable for attendees, with lovely feedback received. “Super informative. Loved the insights from the 3 different routes, private, in house and consultancy. Was great to hear how they differ and the advantages and disadvantages. Will definitely be attending more events going forward.” “It was really helpful! All the different perspectives, thorough answers and each with a clear passion for their chosen way of working. Really helpful and reminded me that I should do a seat in employment if possible.” “It was a great session. Particularly the insights into working in-house, which isn't something I'd considered before. Thanks to you and the JLD for organising it!” “I enjoyed the comparison between the in-house solicitor’s perspective and private practice as in house is always something I've considered. Thank you for a very enjoyable event.” We are eager to give active Surrey JLD members looking to stand out in their chosen practice areas the opportunity to be Cocoa speakers to help support their careers, so please do contact us at surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com in order to be considered. ■
