The Outgoing President's Letter

As they say in show business it is now officially a “wrap”! Last night I presided over the 203rd AGM which saw my successor Tony McDaid installed as the new President of Birmingham Law Society.

It has been my absolute honour and privilege to be President of Birmingham Law Society, something that I never thought would be possible for someone like me. When I embarked on a career in law over 30 years ago it was an uphill struggle from the start, I was the first in my family to go to university, I only knew two lawyers who I had done work experience for and I was a woman! But I persevered and have enjoyed a long career in the law, embracing many changes along the way.

My journey as President was not all plain sailing, there were many challenges during the year, including the ongoing challenges of the pandemic during the first part of

my year, staffing issues and latterly adapting to the “new normal” working environment we all find ourselves facing on a daily basis.

My objectives were simple, to re-engage and re-connect the whole of our legal community following a turbulent 2 years. We organised and hosted events both in person and online, including the ever popular quizzes, lunch clubs with Preet Kaur Gill MP and Jude Jennison, a highly competitive football tournament with no fewer than 46 penalties, celebrated International Women’s Day, and finally completed the books for schools project. I hosted roundtables on Social Mobility and the environment and of course I attended more lunches and formal dinners than I dare to count.

The Newly Qualified event brought together over 100 newly qualified Solicitors and Barristers, some for

the very first time which really highlighted the need for us to host more networking events which we did with the help of our local barristers chambers.

The Legal Awards was the first large, in person, event that the Society had hosted for nearly two years. It was a great success, gathering everyone together in style to celebrate the achievements of our very talented lawyers and firms that make up the membership of Birmingham Law Society. I don’t need to remind you what a wealth of talent we have here in Birmingham, from Jayne Willetts the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, to the first recipient of the In House Award, Cleo Stewart, and to Trowers and Hamlins who won the first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award. The judges commented on how many difficult decisions they had to make.

The first BLS “Alternative Dinner” took place in June and gave all lawyers an opportunity, to attend a formal dinner, many for the very first time. Our speakers shared some words of wisdom, it was a great success and one that I hope the Officers will continue next year.

Wellbeing, is important to me both from a physical and mental standpoint and something that I wanted to highlight during the year. I am delighted, therefore, that we successfully hosted the first Birmingham Law Society Wellbeing Conference in July, supported by the Joint V and attended by over 60 members. We have also recently launched a dedicated page on the BLS website to support the Wellbeing of our members.

In July, Birmingham was host to the Commonwealth Games, it was an event that made me extremely proud to be a Brummie. We marked the occasion with a Conference for Commonwealth Lawyers and members entitled “Race to the Commonwealth and Beyond”. As host City we were asked by the organising Committee to operate a free 24/7 legal clinic for athletes and their entourage, during the games, I was so proud that our members jumped at the chance to get involved.

Our Committees continue to work hard on behalf of the Society, in particular the Consultation

Committee who have produced 11 excellent and thought provoking responses to the many Consultations. And yes, I read them all!

And finally, as we emerged from the pandemic, it was clear that we needed to review the Governance of the Society to ensure that it continued to be fit for purpose in 2022 and beyond. I am extremely grateful to the working party and the implementation Committee for their work to date and, whilst I am disappointed that we were not able to finalise the changes at the AGM, I have every faith that the work will be completed and put to members very soon. As part of that review, the Board and Council identified the need for a CEO, that person has been identified and an announcement will be made shortly. It is hoped that they will hit the ground running, concentrate on “getting change done”, and review the Strategy of the Society.

Members have generously supported my chosen Charities throughout the year, Walk the Walk

and Sifa Fireside with kind donations, not just in cash but also of essential items and time.

And finally I could not have survived the year without the support of:-

• Council whose support and guidance throughout has been invaluable.

• The Past Presidents, many of whom I have called upon for advice.

• The Board in particular, the Interim Chair, and finance director Ben Henry, Steven Jonas and Andrew Beedham without whose support the “job” would not have been possible.

• The Office, in Becky Lynch, Jess Uppal, Janet Abe and Shona Betts.

• And of course my fellow Officers, Tony McDaid, Alice Kinder, Mariyam Harunah and Peter Wiseman.

Thank you.

I am proud of the achievements and advances we have made as a Society during 2021/2022 and hope

that the Society is in a more robust position to face the future.

And, of course, I look forward to seeing you all at the President’s Dinner in November, when in a break from tradition, Tony McDaid and I will be hosting a joint dinner.

Stephanie Perraton September 2022