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President's Jottings
President’s Jottings
AUTUMN 2023
The Indian summer is over, and winter will soon be upon us. It’s been a busy autumn for us at Surrey Law Society and I am sure it has been a busy time for many.
Only a few weeks ago we had the incredible SLS Legal Awards 2023 at G Live in Guildford. A new venue for us and the flagship event in the SLS calendar did not disappoint – we had more people in attendance than ever before and it was great to see so many of you, and to celebrate the many achievements of the Surrey legal sector and the vital role that it plays in our community. Many congratulations again to our winners and all those shortlisted.
I thank my Acting Co-President, Kieran Bowe, for the part he played and for co-presenting the SLS Legal Awards trophies and Helen Opie, Elouise Enright and all our supporters for making it such a great evening. Kieran also attended the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Law Society Dinner and Awards in Windsor on behalf of Surrey Law Society on 13th October 2023.
I was privileged to be invited by Nick Emmerson to attend an evening at Chancery Lane for his inauguration as President of the Law Society of England and Wales on 11th October 2023. Nick is the 179th President of the Law Society and he previously served on the Law Society Council. Like me, he served as President of his local law society during the bulk of the pandemic, and he understands the essential role that solicitors play in our economy and society.
The world trusts the stability and quality of our courts and tribunals, our arbitration and mediation centres, English and Welsh law, and our legal professionals. I was pleased to hear Nick’s plans to champion solicitors on the international stage, recognising that the work of solicitors on the ground underpins our reputation as a jurisdiction of choice. With a background in local law societies, it was great to hear that Nick will work closely with local law societies like ours, celebrating the value they add for members, and addressing the issues and challenges we face.
However, it has not all been a time of celebration. It’s been a time of reflection and sadness too. We received news that one of our Past Presidents and stalwart supporters, David Steed, had passed away suddenly on 19th September 2023. David was one of our judges for the SLS Legal Awards, a role he had carried out for us since their inception in 2018. He had intended to be there at G Live and it was right that Kieran paid tribute to him in his welcome speech. David had served as a committee member of Surrey Law Society, he had sat on our Conveyancing committee, and he had served as our President twice. He had also served as a Council Member of The Law Society of England & Wales. He worked locally in Surrey for many years, and our condolences go to his family, his firm, Harold Bell Infields & Co, and all who knew him.
With my very best wishes,
