The President Writes... My journey as President to date

My predecessor, Jabeer Miah, did an excellent job in his two years in the presidential seat. I must admit that my journey so far has been eventful and fun since taking over as President in August last year. There are a lot of interesting things you get to see and experience as President.

I have enjoyed my role which has its demands and challenges but I’m doing my best to meet them head-on. I know that I can’t perform my role effectively without the dedicated assistance of Carolyn Coles, our Society Manager, as well as having the continued support of all the Council members.

I would like to thank all our Patrons, namely University of Northampton (UON), Landmark, Hawsons, Marsh, and our headline Sponsors- Review Solicitors.

Here are a few of my highlights since taking over the Presidency: -

• The Haemophilia Society, my Charity of the Year, was announced at the Gala Dinner.

• Attending the High Sheriff’s Procession on 8th November 2023.

• Presiding over our Annual Gala Dinner held at Northampton Cricket Club on 10th November 2023.

• a Zoom meeting with our Patron Landmark Information regarding patronage and what the Society can do for their continued support.

• We’ve held two Pro Bono Law Clinics so far at the Doddridge Community Centre and provided free legal advice in areas of Employment and Landlord & Tenanct Law. The clinic was opened by my predecessor in partnership with Law Works, CA, NCF, UON and Community Law Service.

• Attending Marsh’s presentation on partner oversight and loss of independence on 14th November 2023.

• Attending the UON Law Graduation Ceremony at Franklins Gardens on 16th November 2023

• Attending the Northamptonshire Community Foundation (NCF) Awards at the Royal Derngate on 29th November 2023.

• Zoom meetings with Review Solicitors at the end of 2023 leading to them becoming our new Headline Sponsor.

• Attending the High Sheriff’s Lecture at University of Northampton (UON) on 16th January 2024.

• Attending the Northants & Bucks Juniors Lawyers Division re-launch at EMW Law in Milton Keynes on 24th January 2024.

• Attending the Law Careers Fair at UON on 6th February 2024.

• We’ve also had four Council Meetings since my Presidency started.

• Teams meeting with the Legal Walk Committee regarding raising funds for Access to Justice on 15th February 2024

• Attending a networking event at Leicester Football Club on Saturday 17th February 2024 with other Local Law Societies in attendance.

I have also accepted invitations to a number of other neighbouring local Law Society dinners in the coming months, which I am looking forward to attending in our spirit of collaboration.

I still have a lot to achieve but I am confident that the road ahead looks very promising, especially in terms of making new connections whilst also preserving and developing our existing ones.

Many thanks

Maurice Muchinda President, Northamptonshire Law Society 02.2024