4 minute read
CEO Report
CEO Report
WINTER 2025
As the year draws to a close, it is my pleasure to reflect on a remarkable 2024 for the Surrey Law Society and to share our ambitions for the year ahead. This year has been a period of growth, innovation, and collaboration for the Society, and we have much to celebrate.
Our training programme has gone from strength to strength, offering members a diverse range of learning opportunities. We delivered two in-person courses, seven online courses, and ten webinars, attracting over 450 bookings across the programme. This variety ensures we cater to the differing needs of our members, whether they prefer face-to-face engagement or the flexibility of online learning. A particular highlight was the introduction of our CSG Conferences, one tailored for conveyancers and the other for private client practitioners. Delivered in collaboration with Cheshire & North Wales, Devon & Somerset, Kent, Leicestershire, and Newcastle Law Societies, these conferences brought together 100 delegates, showcasing the power of collaboration across county societies.
This year, we were delighted to welcome eight exceptional organisations as our 2024 Patrons: Evelyn Partners, Landmark Information Group, Finders International, Chadwick Nott, Pro Drive IT, ReviewSolicitors, LawSure, and Konsileo. Their support has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with these outstanding companies.
A significant milestone this year was upgrading our membership system to RubiCRM. This investment has already improved how we engage with and support our growing membership, which now exceeds 1,100 individuals, and I was pleased to present a session on our data transformation project at the Local Law Societies Conference, hosted by The Law Society.
Among our social highlights was the inaugural Sailing for a Cure event, held in support of Cancer Research UK. With over 40 attendees, live music, an auction, and a raffle, the event raised an impressive £2,500 for this vital cause. The annual Past President’s Championship Cup in July brought together 16 enthusiastic teams and their supporters, with Gordons Partnership claiming victory. October saw our prestigious SLS Legal Awards at G Live, Guildford, a spectacular evening attended by over 260 guests. The event featured a new President’s Reception, a three-course dinner, an inspiring after-dinner speech by Alex Macqueen, and 12 awards recognising excellence within the legal profession. These events, along with our annual Quiz & Pizza night, exemplify the sense of community and celebration that defines the Surrey Law Society.
Through these events and initiatives, we are proud to have raised over £3,500 for our President’s chosen charity, Cancer Research UK. Thank you to all our sponsors and members who supported these efforts.
This year also marked the continuation of our "Supporting Surrey" series, in collaboration with Surrey Junior Lawyers Division, focusing on financial wellbeing in partnership with Evelyn Partners. Additionally, Evelyn Partners hosted their Managing Partners’ Dinner with the Society, an insightful evening that facilitated important discussions among Surrey Managing Partners. As we look ahead to 2025, our ambitions are set even higher. We will deliver our most extensive training programme yet, with expanded provision for employment lawyers and an increase in inperson sessions. For the first time, we will offer dedicated activities for Practice Managers, HR professionals, and Managing Partners, ensuring our programme supports the full breadth of the legal community.
Our social calendar will also be fuller than ever, including returning favourites such as the go-karting championship and the introduction of some regional socials. We are excited to organise a Westminster visit as part of the County Societies Group and are already planning our biggest and best SLS Legal Awards yet, set for 16 October 2025 at G Live. You can view a full programme of training and events later in the magazine.
This year’s achievements would not have been possible without the exceptional contribution of our 2024 President, Dawn Lawson. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and vision have been inspiring, and it has been a true pleasure to work alongside her. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dawn for her incredible contributions to the Society. I am equally looking forward to working with our 2025 President, James Scozzi, and realising the many exciting plans we have in store.
In closing, I would like to thank all our members, patrons, and supporters for their ongoing commitment to the Surrey Law Society. I wish you all a wonderful festive period and I look forward to another successful year ahead.
Helen Opie
Chief Executive & Magazine Editor
T. 0333 5773830
E. helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk
@SurreyLawSoc
@surreylawsociety
Helen Opie (Chief Executive at Surrey Law Society)
Surrey Law Society
