Birmingham Law Society Bulletin- March 2018 by Fraser Urquhart Media

BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY

BULLETIN ONE PROFESSION

Your monthly update from the

ONE REGION

Birmingham Law Society.

ONE VOICE

MARCH 2018 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 1

COVER IMAGE by Jas Sansi

THIS ISSUE

4. 6. 14. 19.

YOUR PRESIDENT Bi Centenary celebrations along with a look at upcoming seminars and events for your diary.

Law Society News, What’s happening at West Midlands’ Practices, industry news and appointments.

Best Practice. The changing face of conveyancing, the role of Social Media for lawyers and achieving the optimum work / life balance. Out of Hours. Must see theatre at The REP, dining with dinosaurs, Birmingham Wine Weekend, taking time out on the slopes, investing in your appearance and the five design classics everyone should have.

Welcome to the new look Bulletin produced by our new media Partner, Fraser Urquhart Media, under the able editorship of Jason Hadden MBE. We are seeking to change the direction of the magazine. We want to use the magazine to show how Birmingham is changing. How proud we all are of the fact that we are part of an amazing city and that our legal community is second to none. This magazine will aim to show our partnerships within the local community; be it commercial, restaurants or local charities. Birmingham lawyers have shaped this community for 200 years and we are the heart of the changes going on today. It will also, for the first time, be available electronically, so that you can read it wherever you might be in Birmingham – or the world. By the time you read this we should be only a few days from the Legal Awards Dinner at the ICC on 8th March with final preparations now well underway. The awards shortlist has been announced and, as I write this, interviews are taking place with the shortlisted candidates.

Speaking to some of the judges they tell me that the quality of the interviewees is outstanding this year, which makes their judging task ever harder, but shows the quality and depth of the legal talent in our region. It’s particularly heartening to hear that the new awards categories that we introduced this year have proved a success. I look forward to greeting all the winners and hearing from our speaker, Lord David Blunkett, on what should be a very special evening. My thanks to all involved including those who have taken the time to apply for awards and in particular to the judges who give up their time and bring their wisdom and experience to the difficult job of selecting the shortlist and the winners. Looking further ahead I am delighted to report that Lady Hale, Head of the Supreme Court, has kindly agreed to present a Bicentenary Commemorative Lecture in November in conjunction with Birmingham University. In 1968 Lord Denning came to Birmingham to give a speech to commemorate our 150th anniversary and we have the transcript of that remarkable presentation in our archive. So, it’s great to be able to continue the tradition this year. Finally, an advance notice of our AGM which is to be held on 24th April. We have vacancies for Council members so if you might be interested in standing for Council please do contact either the office or any of the officers (myself, James Turner or Linden Thomas) and we will happily provide information about the role.

Andrew Beedham

info@birminghamlawsociety.co.uk www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk @birminghamlawsociety

Officers April 2017 - April 2018 President: Andrew Beedham Vice President: James Turner Deputy Vice President: Linden Thomas Joint Honorary Secretaries: Inez Brown and Chaitali Desai Board of Directors 2017 - 2018 Chairman: Eileen Schofield Ex-Officio: Andrew Beedham Vice Chairman & Director: Prof.

Bernardette Griffin Finance Director: Dean Parnell  Director: Dee Kundi Director: Tony McDaid Director: Laura Daly Director: Catherine Edwards Director: Ben Henry Director: Regan Peggs Director: Victoria Duddles Ex-Officio: John Hughes Contact c/o Birmingham Law Society

ADVERTISE HERE Bulletin is published by Fraser Urquhart Media. To advertise your business to Birmingham Law Society members call Fraser Urquhart Media on 0116 2533445 or email kevin@ fu-media.co.uk Editorial enquiries to jason.hadden@stiveschambers.co.uk

Disclaimer: Copyright Fraser Urquhart Media. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements. The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. © Fraser Urquhart Media 2018 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 3

SOCIETY EVENTS BI CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS BEGIN Andrew Beedham, President of BLS, shares the organisation’s plans for its bicentenary and examines the legacy of one of the UK’s oldest law societies. When Birmingham Law Society (BLS) was established in 1818 ‘mad’ King George was on the throne, a stage coach journey from Birmingham to London took in excess of 15 hours and the death penalty had just been lifted for shoplifting (though transportation was still an option!). Founded by 19 original members, BLS now boasts more than 4,000, drawn from law firms and barristers’ chambers across the West Midlands. The bicentenary is not only an opportunity to celebrate this landmark anniversary, but also to reflect on the achievements, contribution and legacy of the largest legal community outside London. We kick-started our celebrations in early January with a special service at St Philip’s Cathedral. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant and 12 fully robed High Court judges paraded Colmore Row - which runs through the heart of the city’s business district - with the procession ending at the Cathedral. The service included a performance by the profession’s own choir, Advocati, and an address by the Right Honourable Sir Andrew McFarlane. It was followed by a cocktail party, attended by local dignitaries, at the Council House. We will continue to mark the anniversary throughout the year at events including a special Legal Awards and a gala President’s Dinner. But perhaps most significant is our 4 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

commissioning of a book to chart the history of the Society, the rise of the profession and the influence that lawyers have had on the business and civic life of the city of Birmingham. The book has been written and edited by Dr Sally Hoban and Dr Malcolm Dick from the School of History and Cultures at the University of Birmingham. The publication will take its place alongside BLS’s existing centennial history published in 1918, and the 150th anniversary publication in 1968. Its contents are drawn from BLS’s extensive archive (chiefly its Minute Books), now housed in the Library of Birmingham. These are supplemented by other BLS records, newspaper cuttings and journals, and interviews with past and present members, giving a unique and fresh perspective on our history. Both Sally and Malcolm confirm that their research and findings are of national significance, shedding new light on the history of law and law societies in the provinces in the 19th and 20thcenturies. The hardback book will be around 20,000 words long and will be accompanied by photographs and other images, some of which have never been published before. Its major themes will include the foundation and development of BLS and its influential law library; how technology has changed the legal profession; diversity; the social life of BLS; the changing face of legal education; the service of BLS members in the First and Second World Wars; BLS and the arts and our impact on policy, legislation and life in the city of Birmingham. I have been privileged to see early drafts of

the book and it makes fascinating reading. We think we are living in a time of rapid technological change, so imagine debating as the minutes from an 1883 BLS committee record - whether telephones would be useful to the profession. The first telephone was installed in the County Court in December of that year. The ‘instrument’ had its own room and a dedicated clerk paid £20 per annum to mind it. What a world away from today’s exponentially developing communications technology! Think too of how diverse the legal profession now is. Yet it was not until 1923 – more than a century after we were founded – that BLS enrolled its first female member. The book is an absorbing account of BLS’s journey over the last two centuries, and the influence lawyers and the legal professional had as Birmingham grew to become a great industrial city, reinventing itself as the professional services and cultural hub it is now. Which brings me on to BLS today, and our efforts to remain relevant to our members and, indeed, the wider community. The BLS member base is a broad church. We were the first regional law society to open up our membership to barristers, for example. Bringing together solicitors, barristers, law students, paralegals and legal executives outside the tribal boundaries of their firms or chambers has been resoundingly successful and allows us to act as the ‘voice’ of the legal community. To that end, we have 16 committees that not only allow our lawyers to share best practice but to work on consultation papers, ensuring

UPCOMING EVENTS 1 March 2018 12pm - 1:30pm Lunch Club with... Lord Lieutenant. Hotel du Vin 25 Church Street Birmingham, B3 2NR United Kingdom

we have a say in emerging legislation. We have submitted more than 100 consultation papers in the last five years. Brexit will have a huge impact on our laws and regulation so this work will continue to be a vital part of our role.

8 March 2018 7pm - 11:3pm Legal Awards 2018. International Convention Centre Broad Street Birmingham, B1 2EA United Kingdom

Working with the Law Society we regularly involve senior leaders from local firms so we can share best practice on a wide range of issues, including diversity, the use of artificial intelligence, GDPR and talent retention.

21 March 2018 6pm – 8pm Debating Competition. Squire Patton Boggs 22 March 2018 12:30PM - 4pm Advocacy Training. No5 Chambers Fountain Court Steelhouse Lane Birmingham, B4 6DR United Kingdom

Raising the profile of the legal community, locally, nationally and internationally, is important to us. Through our media relations activity, our own publication, ‘Bulletin’ and web site, we communicate and share the views of our members, from the smallest sole practitioner to the largest international firm. As the Midlands Engine becomes a powerful force for growth in the region we want to ensure we have a seat at the top table so we can contribute our expertise and share in the benefits.

29 March 2018 12pm - 2pm Bicentenary Easter Egg Hunt. No5 Chambers and around City Centre. 27 March 2018 9am – 12pm GDPR Breakfast seminar with Oosha. Location TBC.

As part of our mission to help educate our members we have delivered more than 260 courses in the last five years, with more than 5270 members taking part.

6 April 2018 12pm - 1.30pm Lunch Club with...TBC. Hotel du Vin 25 Church Street Birmingham, B3 2NR United Kingdom

Our social calendar is just as busy, ensuring our members have the opportunity to network with peers not just in their own industry but with others working in the city and the wider region. We are also particularly proud to have raised more than £100,000 for local charities in the last five years. In the last decade in particular we have seen massive changes in our profession. Throughout these challenging times BLS has striven to provide a service and voice for its members. As many of our members have, we too have had to reinvent ourselves to ensure we remain relevant. That we have been around for 200 years says a lot. Here’s to the next 200! The Bicentenary Cathedral Service event was sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors; Yorkshire Bank (powered by B); Irwin Mitchell Solicitors; No5 Chambers; Schofield & Associates; Shakespeare Martineau and Unoccupied Direct.

18 April 2018 1:30pm– 5:15pm Criminal Law Update with Anthony Edwards. BPP University 22 April 2018 9am - 12pm Activity Day at Ackers Trust. Ackers Trust Birmingham Law Society are proud to work in partnership with our sponsors:

24 April 2018 5pm-7pm Annual General Meeting followed by special Bicentenary drinks reception celebrate changeover of Bicentenary Presidents. (including book Launch) 10 May 2018 12:30PM - 4pm Advocacy Training. No5 Chambers Fountain Court Steelhouse Lane Birmingham, B4 6DR United Kingdom www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 5

SOCIETY NEWS

FIRST DATES’ FRED GIVES FIRM SERVICE MASTERCLASS relationship it allows them to build with their customers, that creates loyalty and means customers come back to them rather than go to a competitor. I look forward to helping you to inspire people to the best possible client service.” Paul Hunt, Managing Partner at Higgs & Sons, said it was a hugely exciting new relationship for Higgs. “Fred Siriex is the epitome of excellent customer care, a quality on which we pride ourselves here at Higgs as it is integral to all that we do. Putting our clients at the heart of everything is extremely important to us, and we hope that Fred’s insight and experience will help us maintain our reputation for first class standards of customer care.

Britain’s best-loved maître d’, Fred Sirieix, is sharing his experience and passion for customer service excellence in a new collaboration with Black Country law firm Higgs & Sons. Instantly recognisable from his role on the Channel 4 show First Dates, the suave Frenchman is renowned for his commitment to customer care and the importance of service to every business, not just the hospitality industry. Fred, General Manager of the Michelin

Star restaurant Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton Park Lane, and author of the book, Secret Service, an expose of the restaurant world, joined 230 Higgs & Sons colleagues at their annual Winter Party held at Molineux, where he told them he was looking forward to sharing his service experiences. He said: “The organisations out there that are achieving and sustaining growth year after year are those that have placed customer service at the heart of their strategic plans. It is service, and the

“Never a firm to simply stand still and always seeking a point of difference, we also hope that working with Fred shows Higgs & Sons for the firm we are: individual, independent, trendsetting.” During the evening, Fred announced the launch of the Higgs Service Awards, a celebration of excellence that will see the winner dine at the Michelen-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows as well as a service masterclass at Higgs’ Waterfront Business Park headquarters in the heart of the Black Country, entitled ‘What does good service look like?’

DRESS CODES = LAWYER STRESS Employees within the law sector across the UK have called for an end to the work ‘stress code’ as research shows that workers are being put through heightened stress due to a lack of clarity around what they are expected to wear at work. According to a survey of 500 male and female law workers, commissioned by leading jobs board totaljobs, the average worker also spends an average of £47 per month on clothes to wear for work. This is equivalent to £564 a year, or a phenomenal £26,508 over the span of their career. Two thirds of employees (67%) find it difficult choosing what to wear for work, with 29% saying that the lack of a dress code leads to stressful decisions. Surprisingly, 17% of workers feel pressure to dress a certain way because of company culture and a further 17% have also expressed that they have felt pressure coming from their managers. A fifth (21%) of workers say they have been subject to unwanted comments about their appearance at work, 13% of which have been from the opposite sex. But overall, 11% of those polled believe there is a lack of clarity in the workplace about company dress code, and 7% have absolutely no sense of what management wants them to wear. The research also indicated that both men and women ‘dress down’ for work in the UK at their peril. A fifth (17%) of workers have been told they look ‘tired’ when they have dressed casually, with a further 9% saying they have been asked if they were sick. Whilst it appears that workers endure a high pressure with their work wear, it’s agreed on the attire that is unsuitable to wear at work, with shorts deemed as the most unacceptable. 6 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

LAW SCHOOL COLLABORATES WITH ASPIRING SOLICITORS BPP University Law School is set to work with leading legal diversity and inclusion organisation, ‘Aspiring Solicitors’. Aspiring Solicitors offers its members coaching, mentoring, skills workshops, recruitment-focused training, careers support and legal work experience with law firms and in-house legal teams. Its focus is to change the legal profession by increasing diversity and inclusion for all underrepresented groups, most notably BAME candidates, those from low income families and educated at state comprehensive secondary schools, students with a disability or long term health conditions, as well as candidates from the LGBT+ community. BPP University Law School will give members of Aspiring Solicitors exclusive access to ‘BPP Aspiring Solicitors Scholarships’. The majority of these scholarships will be awarded to students who are looking to practise in the public, pro bono, voluntary or charities sectors or a local community law firm. BPP will also be hosting 17 events in the current academic year for Aspiring Solicitors as part of their new “HeadStart programme”, which helps candidates to apply and prepare for vacation schemes and training contracts.

EXPERIENCED LAW LIBRARIAN

S E E K I N G

FREELANCE

WO R K My name is Lillian Stevenson. I am seeking freelance work such as legal research, law library support and loose-leaf filing.

I have a degree in Law and a postgraduate diploma in librarianship. Law librarianship has been part of my job throughout my career, most recently as Academic Services Manager and Law Librarian at Aberystwyth University. In this role I received the award of Law Librarian of the Year 2014 from the British and Irish Association of Law Librarians and in 2015 the University acknowledged that my exceptional performance had made a substantial contribution to its key goals. Occasional work is welcome. To find out more including my full CV and refernce details please contact chinarosetea@gmail.com or call 07967796430

Visit headstart.bppuniversity.ac.uk to find out more.

S I G N AT U R E AWARDS WIN Leading Employment Lawyers Schofield & Associates’ Eileen Schofield has won the Excellence in Law (individual) award at The 2018 Signature Awards. The Signature awards, which was attended by 500 business around the West Midlands with presentations given by Ninder Johal, the event organiser and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, is considered as one of the key business awards in the West Midlands calendar. Nominees were judged not only on their contribution to their industry but also on how they have contributed to their local community. The other nominees in the category of Excellence in Law included Trowers and Hamlins, Resolve Legal, Continuum Solicitors, Stone King and Emms Gilmore Liberson. Judges included Louise Brook- Smith from Arcadis, Paul Brown from EY, Neil Lloyd from FBC Manby Bowdler Safaraz Ali from the Pathway Group and Jaspaul Bains from Rational FX who were also sponsors of the event. www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 7

SOCIETY NEWS

CITY LAW FIRM RAISES FUNDS FOR BIRMINGHAM DOGS HOME Kang & Co Solicitors, a Birmingham City Centre law firm, has teamed up with Birmingham Dogs Home to raise funds and awareness for the local charity.

The law firm specialising in driving offences and debt collection is based at 1 Victoria Square and has chosen Birmingham Dogs Home as their charity of the year. Manjinder Singh Kang said “As we are a Birmingham solicitors firm, the consensus throughout the firm was to support a local Birmingham charity. We recently had a tour of the dog’s home and we are pleased to help this worthy cause. Our aim throughout 2018 is for our team to be involved in a number of charity events, so that we can raise funds and awareness for Birmingham Dogs Home”. In 2017 over 2,700 stray dogs were rescued and 545 dogs were safely reunited with their worried owners. The dogs home has a mission to rescue, reunite and rehome all stray and abandoned dogs in the West Midlands and South Staffordshire. The cost to continue running the dogs home is over £2 million and the charity survives solely from donations received from businesses and individuals. Rachel Frost, Community Fundraiser from BDH Said: “It is great to have the team from Kang & Co Solicitors on board during 2018.We look forward to working with them on their events and helping them raise much needed awareness and funds for the dogs in our care.” Online charity donations can be made to Birmingham Dogs Home via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kang-cosolicitors

MORE TIME & MORE PEACE OF MIND Phil Whitehead – GM Alliances, Infotrack On Integrating ThirdParty Systems Into Your Case Management System

Lately integration has become somewhat of a buzzword for legal service suppliers when discussing a link between their services and the existing software. The importance of integration is obvious and the benefits many and varied, but it has become clear that there is some confusion around what a proper integration looks like. In my years as a legal IT Director and visiting clients in my current role, I have seen ‘integration’ used as a loose term. Many integrations offered are typically one-way solutions whereby you click a link or button, and details are pulled through. However, this is often as far as the integration goes, leaving a gap where the information and disbursement should be sent back. The primary issues of not having proper twoway integration are the leakage of disbursements, leading to revenue loss, and the possibility of information being missed or entered in error, in effect, making the integration more of a hindrance than a help. At InfoTrack, we see integration differently. The concept that both systems talk to one another is vital. Integration should always involve two way communication. While InfoTrack can be used as a standalone website also, it has been an integrated system since its inception, meaning years of experience ensuring clients receive an optimal integration experience. Our integration draws information from your CMS to populate the relevant fields in InfoTrack. Your results, and all documents and disbursements are then tied back to the matter in your 8 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

CMS. The sharing of information between the two systems eliminates keying errors and maintains consistency across all platforms, from your matter through to your accounting ledger. So the next time a supplier mentions that their offering is integrated, ask these three questions: 1. Does it send line items back to the ledger and update the matter history? 2. Does it prevent leakage from written off disbursements? 3. Is the change in time/productivity measurable? The key to successful integration, is linking together the various activities and systems required during a matter, and making this as seamless as possible. A wise man once said they believed that the future lay in integrated software. People don’t want to access multiple systems, rekeying logins, information, and manually entering disbursements. It is all well and good to have an ‘integrated system’ but unless it is actually saving significant time, eliminating missed disbursements and updating the matter history every time – where is the point?

It’s ‘all-in’ the name.

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www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 9

APPOINTMENTS

ANDREW MCMANUS

GEMMA FENTON

JON STEVENS

After graduating with an LLB in Law from the University of Hull, Andrew has worked for over 13 years in the legal profession specialising in contentious probate matters and property disputes.

Gemma joined Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth from boutique family law firm Mercy Messenger Solicitors, where she regularly handled high-value matrimonial finance matters for high-net-worth clients as well as a full range of family law matters including children cases.

Jon joined the Birmingham office in 2013 in order to create an externally-focused, consulting tax practice at DWF. His appointment gave DWF a presence in the tax sector in the Midlands for the first time. Prior to 2013 DWF had around 40 staff based in Birmingham, this has now grown to around 150 staff.

A Senior Solicitor who specialises in Civil Litigation, Andrew McManus is latest new addition to join Enoch Evans LLP, a well-respected Solicitors firm in Walsall.

Andrew will join the Civil Litigation Department and will assist the team with disputes relating to Wills, Inheritance Act claims by disappointed beneficiaries and Trust disputes – as well as boundary disputes, issues relating to rights of way, residential Landlord and Tenant and more.

National law firm Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth has welcomed Gemma Fenton, a qualified solicitor-advocate to the highly rated Birmingham family law team.

The Birmingham team is well-regarded in the family law sector; recent individual accolades include senior associate Sarah Balfour being named a Next Generation Lawyer in the latest edition of The Legal 500.

International legal business DWF has appointed Jon Stevens, a partner in the business’s tax team, in the role of executive partner for the Birmingham office at One Snowhill.

Jon has over 17 years’ experience of advising on tax and in his role as executive partner will be responsible for driving forward DWF’s strategic business objectives.

ANDREW TUBBS

Andrew Tubbs has joined VWV’s Commercial Property team in Birmingham as a Partner. Andrew has 30 years’ experience in property finance as well as residential and commercial development and joins from Shoosmiths. His expertise focuses on advising on property finance and commercial as well as residential development projects. Clients include clearing banks, UK and European financial intuitions as well as property developers. Andrew joins a national Commercial Property team of 82 lawyers based across VWV’s four offices in London, Watford, Bristol and Birmingham.

FULL TIME CONVEYANCING SOLICITOR/LICENSED CONVEYANCER/ LEGAL EXECUTIVE Required for busy High Street Solicitors Practice in South Birmingham. The applicant should have a minimum of 5 years PQE and be able to handle a large caseload of residential conveyancing. The applicant must be able to work unsupervised and be familiar with the Law Society CQS protocol. Salary negotiable.

Please apply in writing with full CV to: R Gibbins, Howell & Co, 1341 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9HW or email rgibbins@howell-solicitors.co.uk 10 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

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SOCIETY NEWS

SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED FOR BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY LEGAL AWARDS

The Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards have been showcasing the very best of the region’s legal talent since the inaugural event in 2002. Now in their 17th year, the Awards have become a permanent fixture in the legal and business calendar, with the event attracting a capacity crowd year-on-year to celebrate the success and achievement of both individuals and firms over the last 12 months. This year’s awards will take place on the 8th March at the ICC, Birmingham. Firms and individuals practicing in the West Midlands are invited to submit nominations in one of the 13 award categories. In a change to previous years, the law society have refreshed some of the categories to make the awards more inclusive and more accurately reflect the legal sector. THIS YEAR’S SHORTLIST ARE: TRAINEE SOLICITOR OF THE YEAR

BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Martin Brown Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Greg Fearn Mills & Reeve LLP Alice Kinder Pinsent Masons LLP Sian Marks Higgs & Sons Hannah Short Shoosmiths LLP PARALEGAL OF THE YEAR

Gary Carney St Philips Chambers Amardeep Singh Gill Trowers & Hamlins LLP James Turner Tuckers Solicitors LLP Sandra Wallace DLA Piper UK LLP BUSINESS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Letitia Ait-Tales Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Hannah Hogarth Gateley Plc Kayleigh Kennedy Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP Rebecca Kennedy Pinsent Masons LLP Sara Wright Gateley Plc BARRISTER OF THE YEAR Gemma Bowes Jason Hadden Nageena Khalique QC Elizabeth McGrath QC Henry Pitchers Jeremy Weston QC PARTNER OF THE YEAR

St Ives Chambers St Ives Chambers No5 Chambers 3PB Barristers No5 Chambers St Ives Chambers

Ahmed Aydeed Duncan Lewis Solicitors Ltd Yetunde Dania Trowers & Hamlins LLP Trevor Ivory DLA Piper UK LLP Dee Kundi Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP Kashmir Uppal Access Legal Solicitors, trading name of Shoosmiths LLP BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY INNOVATION AWARD Steve Allen Mills & Reeve Kid Harwood Wildings Amanda Mobbs MBC Lorna Ward Harper James Solicitors Christina Wolfe Irwin Mitchell LLP BIRMINGHAM LAW SOCIETY PRO BONO AWARD Rosie Nina Victoria Linden

Banks Irwin Mitchell LLP Pindham No5 Chambers Steele DLA Piper UK LLP Thomas The University of Birmingham

12 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP DLA Piper UK LLP Enoch Evans LLP St Philips Chambers PRIVATE CLIENT TEAM OF THE YEAR Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Enoch Evans LLP Irwin Mitchell LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (SOLE PRACTITIONERS UP TO 4 PARTNERS) Addison Aaron (Birmingham) Ltd Fountain Solicitors Gordon Jones & Co JM Wilson Solicitors Ltd Neil Davies & Partners LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (5-15 PARTNERS) Enoch Evans LLP Glover Priest Solicitors Sydney Mitchell LLP Thomas Flavell & Sons LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR (16+ PARTNERS) Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP Gateley Plc Irwin Mitchell LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Shoosmiths LLP Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE, PLEASE BOOK ONLINE AT: WWW.BIRMINGHAMLAWSOCIETY.CO.UK

Crown Prosecutors and Senior Crown Prosecutors Opportunities across the West Midlands Ref: 1573559 Starting salary for Crown Prosecutor - £32,958 Starting salary for Senior Crown Prosecutor - £43,155 To deliver the best possible service for the public, we can’t be swayed by our instincts. Instead, no matter what our individual roles, we must stay objective in even the most emotionally-charged of situations. In the West Midlands, we deal with some of the most complex and challenging cases in the country, from prosecuting organised crime gangs to hate crime, murders and violence against women. And here, you will be a pivotal member in a team of talented lawyers, working with key partners at the heart of the criminal justice system and creating a safer society. It’s a challenging role. But if you have the integrity, honesty and independence of thought necessary, we’ll offer you a meaningful career with scope and flexibility to make decisions that are in the public interest. Help us deliver justice by applying via our National Lawyer campaign and indicating a location choice of West Midlands at cps.gov.uk/careers Closing date: Wednesday 14th March 2018

Cyber crime Money laundering Modern slavery Can you deliver justice?

BEST PRACTICE

THE CHANGING FACE OF CONVEYANCING TONY ROLLASON, REGIONAL MANAGER (LEGAL), LANDMARK INFORMATION Having hosted a series of regional roundtable discussion forums with Modern Law Magazine in December, we had the opportunity to meet at least 60 property lawyers to really get under the skin of the current issues and opportunities facing legal conveyancing professionals. While there were varying issues affecting property lawyers in different parts of the country, there were some consistent themes raised by all. A key theme focused on the need for greater consumer education, so homebuyers and sellers have a more thorough understanding not only of what is involved in the legal conveyancing process but, as such, understand the true value delivered by solicitors. With today’s digitally-enabled world, the property lawyers we met felt that consumers have become accustomed to ‘googling’ to self-serve for information and receive answers ‘on demand’. In addition, the use of price comparison sites is increasingly common to find what they need for the cheapest price – whether that’s a hotel room or insurance services – and many of those around the table felt that clients believe this too should be applied to legal services. Likewise, with the purchase of products and services now possible with one click (and delivered the very next day), is there now an expectation that this too should be the applied when buying a property? This thirst for immediacy and low prices is creating a pressure for property lawyers. It was discussed that the value provided by property solicitors needs to be demonstrated, and consumers shouldn’t view conveyancing as an obstacle between them and the home of their dreams, but it is a legal process which is there to ultimately help protect their purchase. Perhaps by providing greater clarity on what is involved would benefit everyone: clients will understand the complexities involved in the process, which will help towards setting realistic expectations of both the time and fees involved at the outset. In a bid to streamline the process, to create efficiencies (combined with time & cost savings), many solicitors are adopting more technology to automate elements of their operations where possible, to free-up time to handle more complex requirements. Innovations continue with case management tools, automated client update services and intelligent search ordering platforms – all designed to support solicitors conducting their day to day conveyancing operations. When it comes to undertaking property due diligence as part of any transaction, irrespective of whether it’s residential or commercial, it is important to ensure that the right level of analysis is undertaken, without compromise. From a buyers’ perspective, they rely on their lawyer for insight and guidance. A raft of environmental risks have the potential to create expensive problems for 14 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

homebuyers – such as ground instability or subsidence, flooding or land contamination, and clients expect their solicitor to be their ‘eyes and ears’ in flagging such risks before the transaction completes. The good news for conveyancers is that you’re not expected to become environmental specialists overnight: a new type of interactive ‘all in one’ environmental report is available that presents a number of risks in one single order, saving time and costs from having to access and assess multiple reports. This report is different from other all-in-one reports on the market as it is consultant-led, meaning that it includes a series of ‘next steps’ directly from a team of qualified environmental specialists. They make it clear what the results mean and offer professional guidance that clients can rely on. Lawyers are not left high and dry wondering what to do next. With additional interactive features these reports present environmental risks in an easy to understand, visual format, making them more consumer-friendly than ever before. Clients can view the risks for themselves in greater detail via web links through to digital maps in order to understand the findings in greater depth. As a result, far more reports will be passed first time as any ‘at risk’ areas of concern will be manually assessed by expert consultants at no additional cost, and without delay. In my view, it not only simplifies the search process but provides confidence to clients that every detail has been thoroughly checked. Being able to combine the best environmental data with expert consultancy ultimately enables conveyancers to provide the most thorough guidance to client to deliver the insight they expect from their conveyancer, while increasing passes and ensuring clients are reliably informed and confident of the information being presented. It also maximises the chances of progressing a transaction in an efficient and compliant manner, without delay, which will be music to clients ears in today’s fast paced world. www.landmark.co.uk/landmark-legal/riskview

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BEST PRACTICE

posts, you are likely to lose followers as quickly as you gained them. Posting once a day at roughly the same time is a pretty reliable tactic and if that sounds like a lot of hassle, downloading the Hootsuite app for scheduling your posts across several platforms in advance can save you a lot of time. On the flip side, if you love a good detailed analysis, using the business profile settings across your professional accounts will allow you to analyse your posts and see when your followers are most active and what content they are enjoying the most so you can post accordingly. STRATEGIZE Think about what you want to post and where you want to post it. Not all social networks are the same and some content will be inherently more suited to, and better received by, one platform compared to another. For example, Facebook and Instagram are often used for a mixture of business and pleasure but Linkedin tends to be more focussed on the former and posting too many pictures of your favourite cheese is likely to result in people losing interest in you and unfollowing or just not paying as much attention to your content.

TWEETS, HOOTS AND MEMES: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR LAWYERS Between Trump’s trash-talking tweets and Zoella’s zillion dollar fortune, there’s a lot to be said for the power of social media and now that Smartphones have made this platform even more accessible to the mass market, lawyers need to be keeping up with the trends of their clients in order to capture them writes Chrissie Wolfe of Youtube Channel Law And Broader. In an increasingly challenging climate, hampered by imminent law reforms and relentless competition from new businesses, identifying, connecting and engaging with your clients is more important than ever; and where are your potential clients congregating in their masses? On social media. In 2017 Facebook and Youtube had over a billion monthly active users worldwide with Twitter and LinkedIn close behind in the hundreds of millions*. That’s kind of a big deal. Whilst Facebook may have started as a glorified dating site for college kids, the reality is that social networks are now used for much more than just menial classroom exchanges which is why 90% of large businesses in the UK have a social media presence**. So how can we lawyers sensibly use this platform to maximise engagement with, and retention of, potential clients to the best of our ability? Here are a few tips that I’ve picked up from some of the savviest social networkers in the legal industry: BE A CREATIVE GENIUS On social media, content is key. The style and quality of your posts will determine who and how many people you reach so be creative with your wording and invite engagement by asking questions and “tagging in” others who feature or might be interested in your post. Posting articles about your subject area, accompanied by an insightful quote from you often results in multiple shares and retweets which is how you ultimately grow your network 16 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

and attract more potential clients or work referrals. According to a survey by Hubspot, visual content is 40x more likely to be shared on social media than other types of content*** so make sure that you pack in plenty of pictures, videos and memes (just for fun) to help maximise your reach. KEEP IT REAL It’s important that your posts reflect what you do in your day job so that it’s clear what you can offer potential clients. However, one of the benefits of social media is that you can get across your personality as well which is what differentiates you from your competitors. Lawyers, in particular, aren’t always regarded for being the most exciting people on the planet but your professional profile can go a long way towards changing that perception. Clients want someone who they can identify with and who shares their values. Posting pictures of yourself at work events and socials is a great way to show that you actually are human and can have a good time with friends or colleagues, just like your clients. It’s good to mix up your content as well and talk about some of your personal interests like sports or current affairs occasionally to keep your profile interesting.

OPINE BUT BE PROFESSIONAL Last but not least, keep it professional at all times. Be mindful of confidentiality if you’re tweeting about your day-to-day life as a lawyer and be careful about expressing strong opinions which may inadvertently damage your or your firm’s reputation. Spectacular fails include Barrister David Harris who was struck off in 2012 for referring to opposing lawyers as “slimebags” and tweeted “let the whoring and drinking commence” following completion of a case. More recently, Barrister Ian Millard who was likewise struck off in 2016 for a series of anti-semitic tweets. Another issue to be aware of is clients asking for legal advice via social media. Having obvious signposts to your professional contact details on your profile can help direct queries through the proper channels which is altogether more favourable and less risky when it comes to your SRA obligations. If you think you could get into this but you need a bit of #inspo to start you off, here are some shining examples of social media excellence in the legal industry: Shearman and Sterling’s Facebook Page @ShearmanandSterlingUKGraduates The Secret Barristers’ twitter @BarristerSecret Miriam Gonzalez’s Instagram @miriamgonzalezdurantez Baby Barista’s twitter - @babybarista

LOVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS Social platforms are a great place to broadcast significant achievements in your career such as major milestones in cases or media articles that you have featured in to help boost your image. However, constant trumpet blowing is likely to put people off but congratulating your colleagues and fellow professionals in their achievements not only helps to raise their profile but it also shows that you are compassionate and caring and not just engaging for your own personal gain.

Adam Wagner’s twitter - @adamwagner1

BE CONSISTENT Followers are a fickle beast sadly and if you are sporadic and unpredictable with your

**https://www.marketingtechnews.net/news/2018/jan/04/only60-uk-businesses-using-social-media/

Although I am not suggesting that all lawyers become the “social media influencers” of the future, there are clearly a lot of benefits of being present where your clients are and with the catalogue of tools that are required to excel in the legal industry ever expanding, knowing your way around the principal platforms is certainly an attractive string to have to your bow. *https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-socialnetworks-ranked-by-number-of-users/

***https://www.hubspot.com/marketing-statistics

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OUT OF HOURS

“you have to be aware of what matters most to you in life and there needs to be a sense of fluidity in your approach, as your life and circumstances change”

WORK LIFE BALANCE KIRSTY RICHARDS, DIRECTOR DUNCAN LEWIS & CO Work-life balance is the concept of achieving a harmony between your career and home-life. Is this a concept that can be realistically achieved for lawyers and what are some of the common issues faced in trying to achieve it? Whilst my legal work now largely involves legal aid matters, I had started out in a West End practice that saw me working (as a then paralegal) all around the clock and I most certainly did not have any sort of life at all, let along any sense of balance in any aspect of my life at that time. We were expected to be at the office by 7am and had lunch provided for us on site (which was just a way to keep you in the office as you weren’t really allowed to leave) . By 7pm, one would have thought it would have been okay to head home but no, that was not the expectation. The expectation and the screams from the principal solicitor were that you would stay at the office until 9pm or until you were discharged formally from your duties. There were also times when the principal demanded that the paralegals would have to stay at the office overnight. If you were able to head home at 4/5am, you were lucky. Needless to say, the only way to deal with that total imbalance in work-life was to get the hell out. For some, that experience marked the end of their budding legal careers, as they were

completely turned off by a possibility of entering into a lifetime career of law if it was to look anything like that. For me, I did continue my legal career but only due to the sheer persistence of my interviewer at the time who convinced me not to give up on a career in law. One thing is for sure though, that first encounter of law in practice was not a happy one and there was no resemblance of any work-life balance whatsoever. Thankfully, as I have moved on in my career, I have had much better experiences and whilst I would say that it is not entirely realistic to expect you can achieve a true harmony between work and home, it is possible to find your own happy balance. By that I mean you have to be aware of what matters most to you in life and there needs to be a sense of fluidity in your approach, as your life and circumstances change. There have been times when I have been able to throw all my spare hours into my career and as I wanted to, it felt that I did have a work-life balance because I was doing what made me happy at the time. More recently, I have spent the last 5 years striking a balance between my career and home-life which has seen me coming home from the office at 6pm, tending to my little people all evening (and often through the night) and working on my cases in-between nursing and nappy

changes. Inevitably that has meant that I have not been able to turn off the computer until 2-3am if I have had urgent court applications to deal with but has that made be upset or feel disillusioned with my chosen career in law all over again? No, it hasn’t. The way I deal with things these days is I work relentlessly, efficiently and extremely fast during the “normal” working hours and I try to avoid bringing work home with me. On the nights that I do have to work at home, I am doing it because I want to do it (for the client) and because the stakes are so high in my area of law (child protection). I get a real sense of achievement when, even if I turn my computer off in the twilight hours, I have two happy, sleeping babies at home and I have dealt with all the work tasks I had set out to do. I believe that in these modern times when ( for example) legal aid has been slashed so harshly and there is such a terrible squeeze on the entire child protection sector, for lawyers working in that area of law you have to set yourself your own limits and boundaries and do what works for you. What I see as a healthy work-life balance may not be the same ideal for someone else but as long as you are true to yourself about what down-time you need to maintain a healthy mind and body then you will achieve a sense of work-life balance.

LAWCARE HELPLINE ON HAND TO HELP LawCare supports and promote good mental health and wellbeing in the legal community throughout the UK. Their mission is to help the legal community with personal or professional concerns that may be affecting their mental health and wellbeing, and to 18 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

promote understanding of how and when to seek help, without fear or stigma. They help all branches of the legal profession: solicitors, barristers, barrister’s clerks, judges, legal executives, paralegals, trade mark attorneys, patent agents, costs lawyers

and their staff and families and their support spans the legal life from student to training to practice and retirement. For high quality, free, independent and confidential advice that’s tailored to your circumstances call the helpline on 0800 279 6888 or visit www.lawcare.org.uk

BIRMINGHAM REP’S SPRING SEASON REFLECTS TURBULENT TIMES The REP’s new season starts the year with a variety of dramatic highs that will live on in the minds of audiences long after the applause has settled down. The Theatre’s Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert, tells us how stories told across The REP’s three stages, mirror and examine the stormy age in which we live. Roxana said:“This season we are reflecting the increasingly turbulent times we live in with stories that explore this extraordinary era – James Graham’s This House is a searing look at British politics; Truth by Helen Chadwick and Steven Hoggett, looks at the once simple notion of truth in a messy modern age; The Kite Runner highlights a friendship on the verge of war, and Terrence Rattigan’s masterpiece, The Winslow Boy, offers a compelling investigation of the fallout on one family of a very different war in a very different time. “New times call for new ways of presenting stories and I am pleased to welcome back one of Europe’s most exciting directors, Calixto Bieito, with an ambitious new work, The String Quartet’s Guide To Sex and Anxiety, featuring live music from The Heath Quartet. To book tickets now simply visit The REP’s website or call our box office, The BOX, on 0121 236 4455.

DINE WITH DIPPY THE DIPLODOCUS AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY table of 10 people). The shared dinner parties include arrival drinks and canapes with impressive dry ice tray service, a delicious four course dinner, half bottle of wine per person, unlimited still and sparkling mineral water, table decoration and an individual Dippy-themed gift for each guest. For those looking for a more exclusive occasion, why not host your very own private dinosaur dinner party? With a capacity of 50 – 100, the full room hire is £1800 and then you can choose between two exquisite drinks and dinner packages to delight your guests. The first option is the Jurassic 1 hour Reception Package, at £35 per head. Your evening can be started memorably with the choice of prosecco, prehistoric punch and non-alcoholic punch all arriving with dry ice tray service, and a choice of canapes, including Roquefort and cranberry endives and wild mushroom choux buns.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is offering a dining experience like no other – the chance to dine with a dinosaur! Dippy the Diplodocus comes to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from 26th May – 9th September, as part of a tour which sees the Natural History Museum’s iconic Diplodocus cast taking a natural history adventure across the UK. As excitement builds for Dippy’s arrival, exclusive drinks and dining packages are available to pre-book in advance for the perfect evening with colleagues, clients or employees. You will dine in the museum’s spectacular Gas Hall where you will be joined by the perfect dinner guest – a 70-foot long dinosaur cast!

Alternatively, the Cretaceous Reception and Dinner Package allows diners to keep Dippy company well into the evening, at £55 per head. After the welcoming drinks reception, diners are treated to an exquisite three course meal, with a choice of dishes including pan seared breast of chicken, Mediterranean vegetable and parmesan Wellington, and more. Finish off the evening with tea, coffee and handmade truffles, all under Dippy’s grand presence. Don’t miss this exclusive chance to spend the evening in a dinosaur’s company. For full details of the menus and dining packages, visit: birminghammuseums. org.uk/bmag/venue-hire/venue-hire/drink-dine-with-dippy-the-dinosaur To book a dining experience with Dippy, call 0121 348 8082 or email events@ birminghammuseums.org.uk

Take a table at one of the shared Dine with Dippy dinner parties taking place on Thursday 7th and 14th June. Available for £70 per head (minimum booking 1 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 19

OUT OF HOURS

CITY WINE WEEKEND SET TO BE A CORKER A brand- new wine festival is coming to Birmingham from the people that brought you Birmingham Cocktail Weekend. Taking place from 23rd – 25th March 2018, Birmingham Wine Weekend will give oenophiles the chance to explore new wines for just £4 a glass, as well as attend special events across the city’s leading bars, hotels and restaurants. The three-day festival will showcase the best of the Birmingham bar scene, with hand-picked venues offering two specially selected wines that will give festival goers the chance to discover something new. Aimed at enthusiastic beginners through to connoisseurs, Birmingham Wine Weekend festival goers will be able to purchase a £10 wristband that gives them access to the £4 taster glasses on offer, as well as a host of events. Wine lovers will be able to collect their wristbands from the Birmingham Wine Weekend Hub, which will be taking up residence at Hotel Du Vin, before setting off to explore the city. To keep up to date with all the latest news, follow Birmingham Wine Weekend on Facebook and Twitter. To find out more information or to purchase a wristband, visit birminghamwineweekend.co.uk.

WORKING LUNCH: HOTEL DU VIN The bistro is at the heart of Hotel du Vin Birmingham. The former Eye Hospital for the city, this architectural gem in the heart of Birmingham’s business district offers an elegant and informal setting for lunch and dinner – with the classic, French-styled bistro offering multiple discrete corners for quiet, client conversations or larger areas for working lunches with the team. The menu is inspired by French home-style cooking with robust earthy dishes and slow-cooked foods; there’s an undeniably French/ British flavour combination. Chef Director, Matt Powell, continually travels the country to source the selected artisan produce and working with his key suppliers, he incorporates these fine ingredients into the menus. The restaurant’s philosophy is to serve dishes that are a celebration of fresh and seasonal produce. It’s about enjoying fairly-priced à la carte dining in a warm and relaxing setting. Diners can choose from a selection of their new a la carte starters like chipirones and courgette flower fritos and Severn and Wye smoked salmon classic, the signature smoked salmon served with soft boiled quails eggs, shallots, capers and cornichons served under a whisky smoked cloche. Mains include the classic chateaubriand, best served between two, Devon crab cake served with a lemon butter sauce and ratatouille baked Burford brown eggs. What better way to finish off the perfect meal with an classic baked cheesecake, always offered with a seasonal twist, or comforting baked chocolate and pear pudding served with a honey crème fraiche. All this served by attentive and exceptionally knowledgeable waiting staff, happy to explain the dishes, the ingredients, and how the talented Chefs create them. And, of course, in a hotel that’s designed in honour of all things wine there’s an award winning Sommelier always ready to advise, guide, match or recommend the perfect wine. To book a table head to Hotelduvin.com or call them on 0121 794 3005. Hotel Du Vin Birmingham, Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2NR. 20 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

THE MAILBOX AT HOME

Homewares has launched at The Mailbox and features some of the world’s most luxurious brands including the flagship stores, MADE.COM and Heal’s. Joined by Danish brand BoConcept, Italian design experts Calligaris, bespoke furniture brand Wesley Barrell and lighting designer, iLite - the arrival of homewares to Level One of The Mailbox follows the recent opening of The Wedding Club and high-end skincare brand Flint + Flint.

SPORTING SLOPES With the Winter Olympics fresh in our minds now is the time to turn your attention to planning your next ski break from Birmingham Airport. With breaks available in France, Austria and Slovenia to name just a few, pick your favourite resort and fly from your local airport this season. Ski getaways can be enjoyed by all, so whether you’re going away with friends, family or just the two of you, there’s a holiday for everyone. Feel invigorated by the fresh mountain air as you sail down the side of beautiful mountains. Relax, let your hair down and get your body moving, it’s what skiing is all about. For the groups of friends… The resorts of Mayrhofen and Saalbach in Austria are renowned for not only their nightlife but also their incredible off-piste through the trees, so perfect for intermediate skiers. Saalbach also boasts a new lift and gondola system making it super easy to get up the mountain and between the areas of Leogang and Hinterglemm. For the couples… Zermatt is regarded as one of the most romantic and picturesque ski resorts. The chalets are full of character, dotted along narrow streets; and if you’re into music, we recommend visiting during April to enjoy the resort’s annual music festival – Zermatt Unplugged. To really impress your other half make it a romantic getaway by booking a hotel with a ski in, ski out location and a private balcony with a hot tub and breath-taking views. Hotel Julen in Zermatt has been open since 1937 and offers a cosy setting for a special romantic break or if you’re willing to splash out a little, the five-star Riffelalp Resort offers the ultimate relaxing break with panoramic views of the mountains. For the families… Meribel is the perfect resort for your first family ski holiday, located in the world’s biggest interlinked ski area, Three Valleys. The resort has a friendly, village atmosphere and Glaciers comes highly recommended as the best bakery to take the kids for some sweet treats. For the non-skiers… If you like the idea of skiing more than the reality, then enjoy a white winter without having to hit the slopes in Arctic Lapland. The landscape is blanketed by snow from November and the Northern Lights can be seen dancing overhead. With unspoiled landscapes as far as the eye can see, explore the twinkling, snow tipped forests in a snowmobile or aboard a husky sled. Getting there With Inghams, Crystal Ski, Esprit, Transun and Neilson all offering great ski holidays from Birmingham Airport, there is so much choice available. Book your getaway now to avoid disappointment and take advantage of the best breaks. www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 21

OUT OF HOURS

GAIN COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THE COSMETIC WAY Being in the public eye and under scrutiny, a confident, healthy appearance can help give the competitive edge when it comes to court, so details matter. And nowhere more so than at YUGEN, which is taking Edgbaston’s burgeoning cosmetic surgery industry and shaking it up by bringing a more holistic, but highly qualified GP-led approach to nonsurgical cosmetics and wellness. In a time-poor sector such as ours, this could be just the prescription you’re looking for… Who is Dr Jane Holloran? Well firstly I’m a highly qualified GP, with over 20 years’ experience. I’m also a working mother of 5 children so used to a hectic schedule! Much of my career has been spent focused on working in areas of deprivation; after qualifying as a GP, I worked as a prison GP and got a great deal of experience dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, trauma and emergency response, psychiatry and a high volume of undiagnosed and untreated medical problems due to the erratic lifestyle of many of my patients. Skin disorders and scarring were very common problems and with restricted access to outside hospital services, I developed an interest in dermatology and scar management. It was invaluable training as I was exposed to so much and, in Aesthetics, you need to have good observational skills and understand the anatomy of each individual face and body. Like an artist, you need a natural ability to be a good Aesthetic doctor. What made you get into Aesthetics? I’m always on the go and full of new ideas. I decided to utilise my skills in the Aesthetic field, as I realised that I was very passionate about this arena and I was talented in improving the appearance of facial defects and scarring using simple, nonsurgical techniques. I still work as a GP, but have also launched YUGEN, a dedicated clinic that incorporates my skills with some of the most innovative treatments, products and machines within the Aesthetic and medical industry such as Coolsculpting®, Laser and non-surgical aesthetic treatments. What do you love about working in Aesthetics? I love to see people leaving my clinic with a smile because the treatment has made them feel so good about themselves. A simple, non-surgical rhinoplasty or a chin enhancement in a person who has hated their features throughout life can fundamentally change the life and outlook of such a person. What is the most challenging part of working in Aesthetics? Like most professionals, I want perfection in my work and I can get stressed living up to my own expectations. I want everybody to leave my clinic feeling happy and positive. As with anything in life that is a huge challenge. Tell us about YUGEN, how would you describe the clinic/ services? YUGEN is an important concept of Japanese aesthetics. The exact translation of the word depends on the context, but in this case, it means an ‘awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and mysterious for words’. Our aim is to make you feel beautiful from the inside out and feel comfortable in your own skin. Our approach is not about beauty, but about confidence in your own skin. Confidence is the key to beauty and we actively encourage patients to make the best of their own features rather than slavishly follow any celebrity trends. It’s about dealing with those areas that make you feel insecure and helping you become the best you. We also offer a private GP service with health screening, same day GP appointments, counselling and psychology services. The Edgbaston clinic is situated in a very convenient location within the Medical district of Birmingham and just minutes from the city 22 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

“I love to see people leaving my clinic with a smile because the treatment has made them feel so good about themselves” centre. We appreciate that everyone has busy schedules, so we are really flexible offering late evenings, weekend and out of hour appointments by special arrangement. What advice would you give someone considering cosmetic work? Well, at YUGEN, we are different because we try to understand the patient before embarking on a treatment plan. The first thing to do is get in touch for a consultation. I may be a doctor, but I’m human too and have my own insecurities about my body, face, skin and the ageing process. I know what it’s like to have a ‘fat’ or ‘bad hair’ day, so I know how important it is not to make drastic decisions on a day when the world appears to be falling apart. Together, we can go through your requirements and what can and cannot be achieved, so that we build a complete treatment plan for you. The journey to being the best you starts here. YUGEN, Highfield House, 2 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B15 3ED. Tel 0121 455 6974 or visit them online at yugen-clinic.co.uk

FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR APPEARANCE T: 0121 455 6974 or 0121 270 6085 M: 07885 752 638 E: info@yugen-clinic.co.uk W: www.yugen-clinic.co.uk

FREEZE AWAY UNWANTED FAT

Do you want amazing results – fast? With this quick and effective treatment you can target those stubborn problem areas and then just carry on with your busy life while your fat continues to disappear. Plus, the good news is that it has gone – never to return! BEFORE

12 WEEKS AFTER Second CoolSculpting® Session Photos courtesy of A. Jay Burns, MD

BEFORE

10 WEEKS AFTER CoolSculpting® Session Photos courtesy of Jeffrey C. Dawes MD, FRCSC

BEFORE

13 WEEKS AFTER CoolSculpting® Session Photos courtesy of Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery

THE ONLY GENUINE AND CLINICALLY PROVEN FAT FREEZING TECHNOLOGY NUMBER 1 FDA APPROVED TREATMENT IN THE USA TARGETS STUBBORN HARD TO SHIFT FAT NON-SURGICAL AND NON-INVASIVE FAST AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT UP TO 40% FAT LOSS SMOOTH RESULTS AND NO SCARS SUITABLE FOR BOTH MALE AND FEMALE PROBLEM AREAS

NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES Non-surgical rhinoplasty is just one of many procedures Dr Holloran specialises in to tackle those areas which have always bothered you and to give you the confidence to feel amazing.

BEFORE

• A flat nasal bridge • Slight crookedness • Widening of a small nose • Correction of mild to moderate bumps on the bridge of the nose

AFTER

*Results will vary patient to patient

DR JANE HOLLORAN Dr Holloran MBCHB MRCGP is a highly experienced GP who has been practicing medicine for over 20 years since qualifying in 1995 at University of Wales College of Medicine.

OUT OF HOURS

DESIGN CLASSICS TO INVEST IN

With regards to the Birkin bag, yes they are a fortune but luxury online retail platform Baghunter claims that they make a better investment than gold! Unlike stocks and shares the value of the Birkin handbags has never decreased, even during times of recession and economic difficulty. The Birkin bag is the safest and least volatile investment market. If the bag is still way out of your reach then opt for the Hermes classic “H” buckle belt. I have had my black and tan reversible one for over 8 years, I wear it so much and could sell it now for pretty much what I paid for it even in a used condition.

With the growth of fast fashion, many of us have found it difficult to justify paying out thousands on designer items however there are certain items that make sense to save up for and keep in your wardrobe forever writes stylist Cleo Lacey. Here’s her five picks of designer pieces that will never go out of style. Best get spending…

4. A Quilted Chanel Bag, like the Birkin, will only ever increase in value and if you take good care of them you’ll be able to resell them for a good price. I would personally go for the classic quilted 2.55 with a gold chain in black or cream. Breakfast at Tiffany’s eat your heart out!

1. The Burberry Trench Coat will last for years. Got for Camel as it goes with everything and will never go out of style. The amount I find in clients’ closets that they’ve literally had for years, and I mean years! Try discount outlets such as Bicester Village to try and get a saving. 2. Louis Vuitton Classic Monogram. Go for an iconic style such as the speedy or Neverfull as they are the perfect tote for work, travel or daily use. Louis Vuitton luggage is also a fail safe investment and an incredibly chic and stylish way to travel with vintage pieces selling for more than brand new ones.

5. Cartier Love Bangle is definitely on my wish list. You can’t get much better than a red and gold box! A timeless tribute to a passionate romance (it is fastened only by your love using a special screwdriver) designed to be worn for the rest of your life. It will age gracefully with you and become an heirloom for future generations. If you so happen to part with the man with the screwdriver, then you can still sell them at extremely good prices.!

3. A Hermes Scarf, Birkin Bag or Belt. Three fail safe classical investments that every dream wardrobe should have. Go for the silk Hermes scarf in their signature orange colour to add a little pop of luxury to any outfit.

MEN’S TREND IN TEN: CASUAL LUXE 1

Gents, it’s time to up your weekend game as we see a renewed emphasis on smart casual, elevating those core wardrobe basics to a more fashion-forward stance. Luxe fabrics and chic styling are very much key: sportswear shakes off its street connotations as sweats get tailored; while knitwear and jersey are given an upmarket edge at Harvey Nichols.

3 5

1: Jimmy Choo trainers, £430. 2: Philipp Plein jeans, £435 3:Polo Ralph Lauren jogging trousers, £90. 4: Acne Studios bomber jacket, £500 5: Stone Island backpack, £275 6:Stone Island wool blend coat, £650. 7: Balmain embroidered top, £465. 8: John Smedley merino wool jumper, £160. 9: Moncler wool and quilted jacket, £770. All available at Harvey Nichols 24 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

COME TO THE HOME OF COMPELLING DRAMA THIS SPRING 6 - 10 MAR Unity Theatre and Riksteater in association with Young Vic present

NINA A STORY ABOUT ME

AND NINA SIMONE

Devised by Dritëro Kasapi & Josette Bushell-Mingo

10 - 14 APR Pilot Theatre and York Theatre Royal, by special arrangement with STUDIOCANAL present

BRIGHTON ROCK

By Graham Greene Adapted by Bryony Lavery An unmissable version of the gripping noir thriller

17 – 21 APR Jonathan Church Productions and Headlong present the National Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre production of

THIS HOUSE

By James Graham A timely, moving and often amusing insight into the workings of British politics

12 - 19 MAY Birmingham Repertory Theatre, in association with Brighton Dome & Festival and Holland Festival, presents

THE STRING QUARTET’S GUIDE TO SEX AND ANXIETY The tempestuous relationship between sex, anxiety and music comes to a head in this remarkable new production

23 AUG - 8 SEP Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence, in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, present a Mischief Theatre Production

A COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY Ocean’s Eleven meets the Marx Brothers in this dynamite new comedy direct from the West End!

Box Office 0121 236 4455 BIRMINGHAM-REP.CO.UK Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660

www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk 25

MODERN PERFORMANCE&™ ESTATE AGENCY

IN THE OFTEN-SEEN DEBATE BETWEEN HIGH STREET VERSUS ONLINE, IS THERE REALLY A NEED TO CHOOSE A SIDE, ASKS BOBBY SINGH OF LOVEYOURPOSTCODE.COM?

With the introduction of online agencies and the ever-increasing innovation within the smart-technologies we use every day, there has been much debate on the impact this will have on High Street agents who have subsequently been labelled as outdated and archaic by many. As the average house price in the West Midlands has seen a marked increase, local agents have needed to focus and remain vigilant in a saturated market. Looking at the comparison of High Street agents to online, there have been many thoughts on what these differences truly are and how consumers are now choosing to buy and sell their homes. It can be difficult for the consumer to be in possession of all the salient facts to make an informed decision. There are pros and cons to both platforms and it is important to look closely, as with any purchase, to ensure you find the right decision for you. Online agencies tend to focus on lower fees; instead of the traditional percentage commission of 1-2%, online agency fees typically range between a flat-fee figure of £395 - £895. Marketing is keenly geared towards convenience of use and easy to understand packages with the choice of extra options and further cost-savings for those wishing to carry out their own viewings etc. The downside appears to be a lack in a wide range of services: a “one size fits all” model cannot be tailored to individual needs. The outsourcing to call centres can also create a disembodied and impersonal touch along with the risk payment upfront whether the property sells or not. High Street agents are seen to have local knowledge and experience meaning an accurate value of what is arguably a person’s most valuable asset. Understanding the current market along with the ability to meet face to face with a dedicated team from beginning to end is another advantage of the traditional estate agent. On the other hand, it is believed that such agents rely on outmoded marketing methods and appear inflexible, unable to catch up with the fast-paced technologies and social media. Birmingham has been named among one of the “hot spots” where investment and growth is prevalent. For sellers and purchasers alike, it is a prosperous market with many

26 www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

looking to obtain a foothold in an area which forecasts further progression. With such a high level of investment and business development currently taking place, it’s not hard to see why those from London in particular are keen to claim a stake here. Whilst it is impossible to a make an accurate prediction of future trends, the Midlands’ house prices remain strong with no immediate indication of slowing down. Whilst many talk of survival for agencies due to the fast growth of online, the stake which they currently hold stands at 5.4 percent of property purchases and rental transactions as at December 2017. It may be too quick to write off High Street agencies completely. It is evident that waves have been made and there certainly needs to be a level of flexibility within the industry. Perhaps this is why High Street agents are seen, by some, as “Dinosaurs”, as there appears to have been a feeling of inflexibility and rigidity of old methods. This is not about survival, there is a shared goal and a room for all in the industry. This is embracing the new, listening to the change and employing innovation to create a new modern approach. Only strong brands will survive, creating a level of trust and security in the name. Traditional standards cannot slip with five-star customer service being at the centre of any successful transaction. This comes from not only the high level of professionalism and courtesy at every stage, but the security and knowledge in choosing a modern agent that will work towards getting the best possible price. A modern agent that uses technology and a waiting list policy to enhance the brand further and brings a refreshing approach. The ability to negotiate must not be underestimated, this is a skill that can take years to hone. Choose an agent that is world-class in this area, have them in your corner with the knowledge and understanding to see 100% of transactions complete. Agreeing a sale is not the end of the process but the start and a modern, performance led agency will do just that – the drive and ambition to achieve the very best service and price. loveyourpostcode.com® is a multi-award-winning property Group. Our teams are available seven days a week on 0800 862 0870 should you wish to enquire about our much talked about Performance&™ product for sales, lettings or investment.

YOU DESERVE BETTER. ONLY WEAK ESTATE AGENTS NEGOTIATE. OUR GROUP AVERAGES 99.1% OF THE ORIGINAL PRICE. EkongkarASKING Singh Lopez

Property

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