Lawyers step up on Armed Forces Day

LAWYERS from Swanage flew the flag for military personnel and veterans with a host of activities for Armed Forces Day.

Staff from Ellis Jones Solicitors joined in a packed programme of events to raise money and learn more about the firm’s links to the military.

The events included a bake sale, a quiz night, a fun-packed ‘E J Olympics’ sport day and a football five-a-side, with proceeds in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA).

Associate solicitor Conor Maher, a commissioned officer in the Army Cadet Force, led one of the firm’s regular ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions to explain more about its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Ellis Jones – with more than 170 staff including 23 partners in offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Wimborne and London – has longstanding links with the armed forces, including private clients and members of its staff.

Managing partner Nigel Smith said: “Armed Forces Day has offered the perfect opportunity to underline our commitment to the military.

“Our events and activities were fun but we were also able to recognise the critical role armed forces personnel play and the valuable contribution they can make when back out on ‘civvy street’ too.”

Ellis Jones held the activities in the build-up to Armed Forces Day on Sunday, June 24, to recognise the service of men and women in the British military.

Conor was commissioned as an officer in the Army Cadet Force in 2018 and is currently an Area Staff Officer with Devon Army Cadet Force in the rank of Lieutenant, having served previously as a NonCommissioned Officer from 2013-18. In 2020, Conor was further appointed as the ACF Regional Diversity & Inclusivity Adviser to Headquarters South-West.

The ‘Lunch & Learn’ session was held at Ellis Jones’ Charminster office in Bournemouth. It also marked the first anniversary of the firm signing the Armed Forces Covenant, which is registered with the Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association.

Ellis Jones has also received the government’s Bronze Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award to mark its commitment.

The firm’s quiz night featured armed forces themed questions peppered throughout, while its ‘E J Olympics’ was held at Winton Recreation Ground in Bournemouth and included such contests as egg-and-spoon races, cricket and a penalty shoot-out.

Last summer, an Ellis Jones team raised £5,500 from a 100km Jurassic Coast Challenge in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

The firm is also a supporter of the Bowra Foundation, founded by former special forces commander Mark Bowra, which helps people living with neurological disorders.