The Society’s Annual General Meeting took place this year at Linden House Wolverhampton. It was preceded by a free seminar presented by Gary Christianson who gave an insight into the workings of the SRA. Gary focused in particular upon how to approach SRA regulatory visits and gave some insight into what the SRA is looking for in relation to compliance issues. A total of 20 local practitioners attended the free seminar which also qualified for cpd points.
At the AGM the President reported upon the Society’s activities over the preceding year including:-
October Inaugural Senior Partners event
November Annual Dinner
February 2010 Annual Quiz Night
He also outlined a number of Presidential engagements such as:-
Attending Mock Trials at the Wolverhampton Magistrates Court
Representing Wolverhampton Law Society members at Lex 21 Board Meetings
Dinner with Robert Heslett – President of The Law Society (including discussion about ABS, regulation and threats from outside the profession)
Other initiatives included raising the profile of the Society through the local press (with articles published in the Express and Star about topics including the crisis in child care cases and the growing use of conditional cautions) and the setting up of the electronic “blog” version of the newsletter.
In his closing remarks the President said:
“It has been an honour to serve as your President this year. I am grateful for the support of my fellow Council members and, in particular, Tracy and Alison who put in so much effort to make the annual dinner such a success. I hope that in the ensuing year we will encourage more local practitioners not only to become members but also to seek a position on the Council. I would also hope to see someone come forward for the position of President!”
Following the AGM the up to date list of Officers is as follows:-
Nicholas Wynn-Williams President
Gareth Ruddock Honorary Treasurer
Richard Ennis Honorary Secretary
Tracy Davies &
Alison Westwood Joint Social Secretaries
Guy Burkitt County Court users group
Charlotte Clode Junior Lawyer Division
Andrew Lund Press Liaison
Saturday 5 June 2010
35th Annual Wolverhampton Professions Golf Competition
Enville Golf Course hosted this popular event on the 18th May which saw teams comprising solicitors, doctors, surgeons, accountants, estate agents, architects and dentists compete to uphold the honour of their respective vocations. The 3 pairs comprising the Wolverhampton Law Society team were Guy Birkett and Richard Alderson, Gareth Ruddock and David Robinson, along with Frank Callea partnered by Phil Cowell.
On a glorious day for golf it was the Accountants who won the day with a combined score of 199 (the second lowest in history). Second were the Estate Agents, third were the Doctors and the Law Society came in fourth. For the first time for some years the Bankers did not turn up having to scratch for lack of interest (there was a rumour that they had been confined to the bunkers for some months!)
“I have to say that the accountants destroyed the field”conceded Gareth Ruddock.
As a consolation to the legal team David Robinson won a challenge for the closest to the pin on the 3 par 17th hole.
If you’re interested in playing in next year’s event or maybe just turning up to lend some support why not contact the Wolverhampton Law Society Golfing Captain Richard Alderson at Underhills.
On a glorious day for golf it was the Accountants who won the day with a combined score of 199 (the second lowest in history). Second were the Estate Agents, third were the Doctors and the Law Society came in fourth. For the first time for some years the Bankers did not turn up having to scratch for lack of interest (there was a rumour that they had been confined to the bunkers for some months!)
“I have to say that the accountants destroyed the field”conceded Gareth Ruddock.
As a consolation to the legal team David Robinson won a challenge for the closest to the pin on the 3 par 17th hole.
If you’re interested in playing in next year’s event or maybe just turning up to lend some support why not contact the Wolverhampton Law Society Golfing Captain Richard Alderson at Underhills.
Wolverhampton Law Society Survey of the rates of interest paid on Solicitors Client Accounts by Banks
Whilst there is considerable transparency in relation to interest rates paid by Banks and Building Societies to private individuals the same cannot be said for their dealings with Solicitors Client Accounts. With financial institutions continuing to increase the spread between the rates that they pay on deposit and those they charge for credit there is an increasing suspicion that some law firms and their clients are losing out. This is particularly the case when financial institutions are increasingly reliant upon deposits to fund their lending operations and in the context of a funding gap that is likely to arise as and when the Bank of England special support is withdrawn for mortgage funding.
In an attempt to shed some light on this topic Wolverhampton Law Society is inviting members to supply details of the rates they are being paid on Client deposits. The information required is as follows:-
Firm name Rate earned on general client monies and name of bank/building society Rate earned on designated deposit accounts and name of bank/building society
A jpeg copy return appears below.
Any details received will be treated in confidence, anonymised and then tabulated prior to circulation. This will be limited to those firms which have taken part. It is hoped that the results will give members a rough idea of what rates are achievable and possibly assist them in discussions with their bank. We have already called several of the larger firms who have indicated a willingness to participate.
The Council Member responsible for the survey is Andrew Lund who used to collate the “Expense of time” calculations used in negotiations with local District Judges over guideline rates. Please send details by post / DX in an envelope marked private and confidential and for his attention to arrive by 18th June.
We are also trying to interest The Law Society in Chancery Lane in carrying out a national survey.
In an attempt to shed some light on this topic Wolverhampton Law Society is inviting members to supply details of the rates they are being paid on Client deposits. The information required is as follows:-
Firm name Rate earned on general client monies and name of bank/building society Rate earned on designated deposit accounts and name of bank/building society
A jpeg copy return appears below.
Any details received will be treated in confidence, anonymised and then tabulated prior to circulation. This will be limited to those firms which have taken part. It is hoped that the results will give members a rough idea of what rates are achievable and possibly assist them in discussions with their bank. We have already called several of the larger firms who have indicated a willingness to participate.
The Council Member responsible for the survey is Andrew Lund who used to collate the “Expense of time” calculations used in negotiations with local District Judges over guideline rates. Please send details by post / DX in an envelope marked private and confidential and for his attention to arrive by 18th June.
We are also trying to interest The Law Society in Chancery Lane in carrying out a national survey.
Click image to enlarge
Supporting Solicitors - the Law Society’s free helplines
Did you know that The Law Society offers a wide range of helplines which provide advice and support for solicitors and members of their staff? Barbara Mackintosh a solicitor at the Law Society Practice Advice Service provides details.
About the Practice Advice Service
The Practice Advice Service is a dedicated support line staffed by eight experienced solicitors who answer questions from practitioners on all areas of legal practice, policy and procedure. Common queries relate to anti-money laundering, conveyancing, solicitors’ costs and probate, though assistance can be provided in most areas. In the event that a complex issue is raised, the team holds a weekly meeting where it draws on the experience in practice of the solicitors who work in the team and other sources of information within the Law Society. Practice Advice cannot provide legal advice.
The service is free and confidential. The majority of enquiries are received by telephone and are answered immediately. When enquiries are received by email, we aim to acknowledge and provide a verbal response within 24 hours. Here are some examples of the where we can help.
Money laundering
Practice Advice provides assistance in navigating the Law Society’s practice note on the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and related legislation. In light of the legislative changes and the potential criminal sanctions against solicitors for breaching such rules, the Practice Advice team is a useful starting point for providing clear and concise guidance to enable practitioners to focus on their duties and responsibilities. The sheer volume and diversity of calls received on this matter may well provide practitioners with reassurance that this minefield need not be crossed alone. Indeed, without discussing details, the team may refer to other similar cases and discuss principles on that basis to provide guidance.
Conveyancing
Practice Advice provides guidance and assistance on all stages of the transaction, including enquiries relating to current issues such as Land Registry requirements. If a policy issue is raised, this can be referred to a policy adviser for further guidance. Matters potentially affecting the profession as a whole may be referred to the Conveyancing and Land Law Committee for consideration.
Costs
Practice Advice has published a series of booklets that provide general information on costs. ‘Payment by results’ covers the often controversial and evolving areas involving contingency fees and conditional fee agreements. Our other booklets include ‘Contentious costs’ and ‘Non contentious costs’ Common queries relate to solicitors’ bills and potential challenges, and the team can assist by providing advice on the current guidelines regarding the various charging regimes.
Probate
Specialist cost-related queries relating to the administration of estates are common, as are queries on foreign assets in addition to general queries on practice and procedure. We also receive questions relating to tracing beneficiaries and the information which a solicitor should provide in relation to a disputed will.
Multi-party actions and group litigation orders
Practice Advice maintains a database of group litigation orders and is the first port of call for practitioners’ queries on details of potential and actual multi-party actions, and on firms who have registered their involvement with us. It is a requirement of the Civil Procedure Rules that all group litigaton orders are registered with Practice Advice.
Call Practice Advice on 0870 606 2522 or
email practiceadvice@lawsociety.org.uk
Lawyerline
Lawyerline is another solicitor staffed service which provides specific, bespoke advice on areas relating to client care and complaints handling. We provide advice to solicitors who may be developing or implementing their own internal complaints handling procedures in compliance with their professional obligations as set out in the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007.
Lawyerline is also able to provide guidance on the practice and procedure of the Legal Complaints Service. We can provide updates on the proposed reform and widening of the complaints handling system that is likely to occur with the opening of the Legal Ombudsman scheme in late 2010. Lawyerline promotes the message that if a complaint does arise, adopting good practice in complaints management can have a real benefit in changing a negative perception about the way a client may view your firm.
Call Lawyerline on 0870 606 2588 or email lawyerline@lawsociety.org.uk
Pastoral care
Practice Advice acts as a referral service, guiding solicitors, their staff or relatives to the relevant helpline for assistance with personal, professional, financial or employment difficulties.
Call Pastoral care on 020 7320 5795
About the Practice Advice Service
The Practice Advice Service is a dedicated support line staffed by eight experienced solicitors who answer questions from practitioners on all areas of legal practice, policy and procedure. Common queries relate to anti-money laundering, conveyancing, solicitors’ costs and probate, though assistance can be provided in most areas. In the event that a complex issue is raised, the team holds a weekly meeting where it draws on the experience in practice of the solicitors who work in the team and other sources of information within the Law Society. Practice Advice cannot provide legal advice.
The service is free and confidential. The majority of enquiries are received by telephone and are answered immediately. When enquiries are received by email, we aim to acknowledge and provide a verbal response within 24 hours. Here are some examples of the where we can help.
Money laundering
Practice Advice provides assistance in navigating the Law Society’s practice note on the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and related legislation. In light of the legislative changes and the potential criminal sanctions against solicitors for breaching such rules, the Practice Advice team is a useful starting point for providing clear and concise guidance to enable practitioners to focus on their duties and responsibilities. The sheer volume and diversity of calls received on this matter may well provide practitioners with reassurance that this minefield need not be crossed alone. Indeed, without discussing details, the team may refer to other similar cases and discuss principles on that basis to provide guidance.
Conveyancing
Practice Advice provides guidance and assistance on all stages of the transaction, including enquiries relating to current issues such as Land Registry requirements. If a policy issue is raised, this can be referred to a policy adviser for further guidance. Matters potentially affecting the profession as a whole may be referred to the Conveyancing and Land Law Committee for consideration.
Costs
Practice Advice has published a series of booklets that provide general information on costs. ‘Payment by results’ covers the often controversial and evolving areas involving contingency fees and conditional fee agreements. Our other booklets include ‘Contentious costs’ and ‘Non contentious costs’ Common queries relate to solicitors’ bills and potential challenges, and the team can assist by providing advice on the current guidelines regarding the various charging regimes.
Probate
Specialist cost-related queries relating to the administration of estates are common, as are queries on foreign assets in addition to general queries on practice and procedure. We also receive questions relating to tracing beneficiaries and the information which a solicitor should provide in relation to a disputed will.
Multi-party actions and group litigation orders
Practice Advice maintains a database of group litigation orders and is the first port of call for practitioners’ queries on details of potential and actual multi-party actions, and on firms who have registered their involvement with us. It is a requirement of the Civil Procedure Rules that all group litigaton orders are registered with Practice Advice.
Call Practice Advice on 0870 606 2522 or
email practiceadvice@lawsociety.org.uk
Lawyerline
Lawyerline is another solicitor staffed service which provides specific, bespoke advice on areas relating to client care and complaints handling. We provide advice to solicitors who may be developing or implementing their own internal complaints handling procedures in compliance with their professional obligations as set out in the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007.
Lawyerline is also able to provide guidance on the practice and procedure of the Legal Complaints Service. We can provide updates on the proposed reform and widening of the complaints handling system that is likely to occur with the opening of the Legal Ombudsman scheme in late 2010. Lawyerline promotes the message that if a complaint does arise, adopting good practice in complaints management can have a real benefit in changing a negative perception about the way a client may view your firm.
Call Lawyerline on 0870 606 2588 or email lawyerline@lawsociety.org.uk
Pastoral care
Practice Advice acts as a referral service, guiding solicitors, their staff or relatives to the relevant helpline for assistance with personal, professional, financial or employment difficulties.
Call Pastoral care on 020 7320 5795
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