President’s Page

It feels like only a matter of weeks since I was writing my first bulletin but a year has passed already and it is nearly time for me to hand over the role of President to Manesha who I have no doubt will excel in the role.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as President and have tried to involve myself and attend as many functions and events as possible. I have to admit that I would have liked to do more but other demands on time and ongoing restrictions caused by the pandemic did limit what I could do. I intend to remain (hopefully) an active member of the DDLS Committee and to continue to promote the Society and would encourage other members to become more actively involved.

I was very pleased to learn that the SRA has announced its intention to keep the Solicitors Indemnity Fund open for a further 12 months albeit whilst considering alternative solutions to its closure. As a Society we did support the National Law Society’s campaign and it is pleasing to note that the SRA has listened. We should not be complacent. This is only a temporary reprieve and moving forward, I would urge you all to support the ongoing campaign.

I still have a couple of events to attend before I hand over the role. I am looking forward to representing the Society at the Nottingham Law Society dinner on the 22nd April 2022 and we do have our own annual dinner on 29th April 2022 at Pride Park. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on 29th April when I am hoping that we can raise money for a well deserving local Derby based charity called Me and Dee which ensures that families going through life changing times are gifted with memories they can treasure forever. I hope that you will all give generously to support this worthy cause.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to hold the role as President and has been an opportunity that I never thought I would have. I would like to convey my congratulations to Manesha Ruparel as she takes over as a very deserving President and to Oliver Maxwell as he steps into the role of Vice President.

Julie Skill

President, 2021-22