Invitation to Book Launch

Wolverhampton Law Society Dinner 2014

This year's Dinner saw the launch of the Wolverhampton Law Society's Annual Awards. Set against a star studded backdrop the event was hosted by President Andrew Wynne.

Wolverhampton University Seeks Support For Mentoring Scheme

The University of Wolverhampton Law School runs a mentoring scheme which seeks to match local practitioners from both local firms and also in house lawyers with LPC, CPE and third year Undergraduate students. The scheme provides the students with an insight into life as a legal professional and also a source for advice about the profession. The University is looking to expand the number of mentors so that it can offer the opportunity to more students. It is looking for legal professionals at all levels of qualification who can spare some time to help its students. If you would like any further information, or would like to become involved with the scheme, please contact Dawn Jones at the University  d.jones6@wlv.ac.uk

 

Wolverhampton Law Society and University of Law join forces to promote Mentoring Scheme

The University of Law, Birmingham, is seeking mentors for its 2014/15 Mentoring Scheme. The Scheme is designed to enable LPC and GDL students who have limited legal experience and contacts to gain advice and an insight into the work of solicitors from their mentor. The Scheme will commence in January 2015, and the University is very keen to hear from trainee solicitors and solicitors at all levels of qualification. There is a particular need for mentors from smaller and non-Commercial firms. Please do not hesitate to contact Paul McConnell at the University of Law (Paul.McConnell@law.ac.uk) if you require any further information about the Scheme. If you wish to sign up to assist as a mentor, please email Careers-Birmingham@law.ac.uk

 

Awards shortlist published

Wolverhampton Law Society Awards 

This year the Annual Dinner will see the launch of a number of awards under the umbrella of Wolverhampton Law Society. Sponsored by well- known local and regional institutions the awards will highlight professional firms and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their respective sectors and professions. In announcing the Shortlist of Nominees President Andrew Wynne said:- 

“The awards ceremony will form part of what is already an incredibly successful Annual Dinner, which is now a permanent fixture in the City’s business calendar”. 

Andrew also thanked both Sponsors and an eminent panel of judges -  the latter comprising Mayor Mike Heap, Rav Hothi from the Law Society, Ninder Johal President of the Black Country Chamber, Dr Paul Sparrow of Wolverhampton University and Kim Gilmour Director at WV One. 

The details of the awards and nominees are as follows:- 

Professional of the Year – Sponsored by Wolverhampton University 

Shortlisted 

Mark Botwood                            Muras Baker Jones

Stephen Carter                           Underhill Langley and Wright

Mark Evans                                  Copia Wealth and Tax

Neil Johnston                               BCRS

 

Junior Professional of the Year – Sponsored by St Philips Chambers 

Laura Gough                                Enoch Evans

Amy Robinson                             Wolverhampton & Black Country JLD

Ben Thorne                                  Thornes

Emma Thompson                        Underhill Langley and Wright

 

Community Champion of the Year – Sponsored by Wesleyan for Lawyers 

FBC Manby Bowdler

Legal Advice Centre – Wolverhampton University

Mike Elphic NatWest

Dudley Building Society

 

Professional Services Firm of the Year – Sponsored by No 5 Chambers 

Select Business Finance

Newell Palmer & Associates

Leonard Curtis

FBC Manby Bowdler

Annual Dinner and Awards 2014

Law Society Quiz a Winner for WINGS

22 teams entered this year’s Wolverhampton Law Society Quiz with a team from Lloyds Bank Commercial coming out on top in a keenly fought contest. Second place went to Griffiths and Pegg with Wolverhampton University in third. The event raised the fantastic sum of £550 for the charity WINGS. A big thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success.

Annual Quiz 2014 - Save the date!

Wolverhampton Law Society in collaboration with Walsall Law Association have announced that they will be holding their Annual Quiz on 9th October.

This year's event is in aid of Wombourne Special Needs Support Group and will be held at the Village Hotel at Junction 10.

The cost is £60 per team of 4 which includes a Buffet and there will also be a raffle.  

Guideline Hourly Rates - Letter from The President

Mitchell clarified

Summer Ball

Andrew Wynne elected President of Wolverhampton Law Society

At its recent AGM members of the Wolverhampton Law Society elected FBC Manby Bowdler Partner Andrew Wynne as President for 2014 - 2015. Congratulations to Andrew and many thanks to outgoing President Tracy Davis.

Tracy congratulates Andrew on his appointment as President

Andrew Wynne looks forward to his term as President

Looking forward to his term as President of Wolverhampton Law Society Andrew Wynne said:-

 

“It is a great honour to be elected President of the Wolverhampton Law Society.

 

The first comment I would like to make is to pay tribute to the outgoing President Tracy Davis. Tracy has devoted much time and energy to the role. She has been heavily involved in the Society for many years and we all owe hear a great debt of gratitude.

 

I am fortunate to have been elected President with a good team of committee members. Together we hope to continue to arrange high quality and popular social events such as the Summer Ball, Annual Dinner and Quiz. 

Wolverhampton Law Society has a long and proud history. Its members have served the local community for over 150 years. The profession  is facing many challenges on several fronts but solicitors in Wolverhampton are adaptable and equipped to meet the challenges ahead”

 

Outgoing President Tracy Davis reflects on her year in office

President’s Report – 2013 to 2014

In her address to the AGM outgoing President Tracy Davis said:-

"I have had a thoroughly enjoyable year as President of the Society. I have presided over regular meetings of the Council through which we have conducted the business of Wolverhampton Law Society. 

 

My thanks to all those responsible at Rees Page Solicitors for their continued work on running and updating the members' blog.

 

The Society continues to be a mainly social one and there have been a number of events this year where there have been valuable opportunities for business networking and socialising with fellow lawyers and other local professionals and business leaders.

 

The Society's first social event of the year was the summer ball which we held in the WV1 suite at the Molineux with a Bond theme.  The Casino gaming tables were again very popular and the room was very imaginatively dressed by our social secretaries with lots of extra props. Guy Birkett again treated us to a taste of his extensive music collection by putting together a mix of tunes and many of us danced into the early hours of the following morning. The event was well supported and I am pleased that a date has been fixed for this year's event and I am sure it will again be a great success.

 

In October 2013 we held a charity quiz night in conjunction with Walsall Law Association.  I thought the evening was a great success (not least because my team won) with more than 20 teams entering.  My thanks to Chris Jones who wrote the questions.  Again, I hope that this will be another successful event later this year. 

 

Also in October the Society hosted a seminar given by the Deputy Vice President of the Law Society - Jonathan Smithers.  The seminar was preceded by a lunch with Jonathan to which the senior and managing partners of local firms had been invited.  The lunch was well attended and it was an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the profession with Jonathan and our some of our local legal colleagues.  I very much hope that this may become a regular event in future. 

 

Our annual dinner, Putting on the Christmas Ritz, was a great success.  The event was well attended and the Speaker was well received by most of the audience.  I am sure that this year's annual dinner will be supported with similar enthusiasm.

 

In November I attended the Birmingham Law Society's annual dinner but was unable to attend the Walsall Law Association's dinner due to other commitments. My vice-president, Andrew and other of our Members attended in my stead.  Given the reports received after the evening I am sure that Andrew will not be booking the same Speaker from that evening to any of our events in future!

 

My year as President has co-incided with the 21st Anniversary of Wolverhampton Polytechnic becoming a University.  I have been privileged to be invited by the University to attend a number of events to mark this special year including a Business Awards Ceremony and the Chancellors Graduation  Dinner at the University.  I very much hope that the Society's links with the University will be strengthened further in the coming years.

 

It was my great pleasure to attend the Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court School mooting competition recently.  It was very encouraging to see so many talented youngsters taking part and the winning team from Wolverhampton Girls' High School now head on to compete in the national finals.

 

 I would like to express my sincere thanks to our two Social Secretaries, Laura Jones and Charlotte Clode who have again worked tirelessly throughout the year and organised a number of very impressive events.  You really are both a credit to the Society and I very much hope that you will continue in your roles for a good many years to come.  You have certainly played a major role in raising the profile of the Society in recent years.  

 

My thanks also to Richard Ennis who has worked for a number of years as Secretary, Gareth Ruddock who has done likewise in his role as Treasurer, and Andrew Wynne for his support of me and the Society over the last year.  I am sure that Andrew will make an excellent President for the coming year."

 

TMD

Invitation to Accountants Quiz

Wolverhampton Society of Chartered Accountants

? Annual Quiz ?

Quiz master “Bostin” Bob Cole is all set to bamboozle once again Monday 10^th March 2014, at 7:15 for 7:30 start.

WHERE ?

 

Penn Golf Club

Penn Common

Penn

Wolverhampton

WV4 5JN

 

Come along as an individual or a pair and make up a team on the night.

Better still, enter your office team(s) of up to 4 members and pit your wits against other accountants, lawyers and their guests.

 

£10 per team (or £2.50 per person)

Prizes to be won!!!

 

To reserve your place please register by following this link to the event by e-mail to any of the following:

robhill@metallisation.com

shaun@sfors.co.uk

 

Notice of AGM

WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SOCIETY

     (Founded 1847  Incorporated 1889)

 

 

Mr R J Ennis

Rees Page Solicitors

8/12 Waterloo Road

Wolverhampton

WV1 4BL  

Tel: 01902 577714 

19^th February 2014 

Dear Member

 

Wolverhampton Law Society Annual General Meeting  - Friday 11^th April 2014 at 2.00 p.m.  

Please attend the Annual General Meeting Wolverhampton Law Society to be held at FBC Manby Bowdler LLP George House, St John's Square, Wolverhampton WV2 4BZ at 2.00 p.m. on Friday 11^th of April 2014.

 

                                      AGENDA 

1. Present

2. Apologies

3. Approval of Minutes of the 166^th Annual General Meeting on 26^th April 2013 

4. Annual Report 

5. Presentation of the Accounts to 31^st December 2013  

6. Collection of Membership Fees  

7. President’s Remarks 

8. Election of Officers 

9. Election of Members to the Wolverhampton Law Society Council  

10. Election of Two Representatives of the Society to the West Midlands Association of Law Societies

11. Reappointment of Daw White Murrall as auditors and approval of their remuneration. 

12.  Donation to the Solicitors’ Benevolent Association. 

13.  Discussion of the role of the Society.  

14. Any other business      

Yours sincerely  

Richard Ennis

SECRETARY, WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SOCIETY

Minutes of AGM 2013

WOLVERHAMPTON LAW SOCIETY MINUTES

FOR THE 166th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

HELD AT FBC MANBY BOWDLER LLP, GEORGE STREET, WOLVERHAMPTON

ON FRIDAY 26TH OF APRIL 2013

 

1. Present

 

Alex Thompson, Peter Caddick, Nick Wynn-Williams, Richard Ennis, Andrew Lund, Andrew Wynne, Tracy Davis, Alison Westwood, Guy Birkett, Gareth Ruddock, Kim Carr, Jonathan Taylor and Richard Glover. 

Non-Members who were also in attendance Laura Jones and Michelle Knight.

2. Apologies  

Chris Clark, Shirley Thompson, Lynn Leighton-Johnson. 

3. Approval of the Minutes of the 165th Annual General Meeting on 27th April 2012 

Minutes approved as a true record. No matters arising.  

4. Annual Report 

This was received and approved.

5. Accounts  

The Treasurer, Gareth Ruddock, presented the accounts, which showed a very small deficit of £93.00 for the year to 31^st December 2012.  There are only 2 members who have not paid and if that money is collected the deficit will be reduced. A very small loss was made on the Annual Dinner. 

Gareth reported that further progress has been made towards closing the Birmingham Midshires Account.  The Account has been brought up to date and there is £1477.00 in it. He is working on getting the second signature required to close the account. 

It was agreed that the current level of insurance (which includes events cover but not the regalia) should be maintained on the basis that there is not expected to be any/any significant premium increase. There was no necessity for any extension in the scope of the cover. 

Gareth indicated that on the basis that James Sage remained a signatory on the Bank Account it was convenient for him to remain a Director and Company Secretary notwithstanding that he is no longer on the Council.  

The accounts were approved. 

6. Collection of Membership Fees 

It was agreed that as the Society’s finances remained healthy the subscription should remain at £37.00 and the concessionary rate for trainees and retired members remain at £10.00.  

The “imponderables” are always the levels of sponsorship and the number of members.  

7. President’s Remarks  

A note was circulated. 

8. Election of Officers 

President: Tracy Davis was the only candidate and was nominated by Guy Birkett and Richard Ennis and duly approved.  

Vice-President: Andrew Wynne was the only candidate and was nominated by Guy Birkett and seconded by Nick Wynn-Williams and duly approved.  

Secretary: Richard Ennis was happy to continue in the absence of any other nominations. He was nominated by Guy Birkett and seconded by Nick Wynn-Williams and duly approved

Treasurer: Gareth Ruddock was happy to continue and was nominated by Guy Birkett and seconded by Nick Wynn-Williams and duly approved. 

Andrew Lund confirmed that he was happy to continue as Press Officer, Andrew Wynne was happy to continue as Parliamentary Liaison Officer and Laura Jones and Charlotte Clode are happy to continue as Social Secretaries.

9. Election of Members to the Wolverhampton Law Society Council  

Jonathan Taylor and Claire Hawke were co-opted onto the Council as Junior Lawyers’ Division Representatives. 

10. Election of Two Representatives of the Society to the West Midlands Association of Law Societies      

The President and the Secretary were duly elected.

11.  Appointment of Auditors and Remuneration 

It was agreed that Messrs Daw White Murral were re-appointed as auditors and their remuneration agreed at £810.00 inclusive of VAT.

12. Donation to the Solicitors’ Benevolent Association 

It was agreed that a donation of £500.00 should be made to the Solicitors’ Benevolent Association as is customary and Gareth was authorised to organise this.

13. Discussion of the role of the Society 

Nothing to report. 

14. Any Other Business 

There being no other business the meeting was duly closed.

Invitation to attend WMLS Regional Meeting

West Midlands Law Society is holding a regional meeting on 27th February at 4.00pm

The venue is the Wesleyan Building Colmore Circus Queensway Birmingham B4 6AR

Members of Wolverhampton Law Society are cordially invited to attend the meeting.

The main Speaker at the event will be Jonathan Smithers Deputy Vice President of The Law Society of England & Wales. There will also be a short presentation by Wesleyan - Services to Lawyers.