The Law Society is holding the first Special General Meeting (SGM) over a decade, as a motion of no confidence has been presented to the Council.

Members who are on the Roll of Solicitors (NQ’s to 5 years PQE) can attend, comment, and vote on the motion.

The SGM will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday 17 December 2013. More details are available on the Law Society website. The meeting will consider a motion of no confidence in the Law Society’s leadership. The motion relates to the strategy adopted by the Law Society to influence the government actions regarding proposed cuts to criminal legal aid.

The JLD executive can report that, following consultation with our national representatives, it is apparent that our members agree with the following position:

“The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) firmly opposes the government’s current proposals to cut legal aid and the executive committee of the JLD has previously responded to the government consultations on behalf of JLD members confirming our opposition to previous cuts to legal aid. The JLD also has supported, and continues to support, the Save Legal Aid campaign of the Young Legal Aid Lawyers.

For these reasons, the JLD supports statements made by the Law Society opposing the legislative changes that would make further cuts to legal aid. The JLD also supports proposals of the Law Society to mitigate the impact of changes to legal aid funding.

We, the executive committee of the JLD, call for the legal profession to be united in their opposition to further cuts to legal aid. We believe it is in the interests of both the profession and the public to minimise the damaging effects that the changes proposed by the government will have.”

 
On this basis, the JLD invites members to attend the SGM on 17 December 2013 to support the Law Society. Voting at the SGM is limited to solicitors on the Roll. Accordingly, no trainee solicitor members, students  or paralegals are able to attend the SGM and vote.

For those qualified solicitors who would like to attend, please note that space within the Law Society is limited and so it will assist (and guarantee your place) if you email the Law Society in advance (by 12 December) to reserve a place via SGMattendance@lawsociety.org.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you at the event in full support of the Law Society.

The Bristol and National JLD Committees

We’ve seen the Coca-Cola advert, the countdown on facebook has begun, and YouTube is  flooded with the KFC, John Lewis and Debenhams Christmas Ad’s. So it’s the time you’ve all been waiting for…Spread some Christmas cheer and join the Committee at Totos Wine Bar from 6pm on 11th December 2013, for mulled wine and minced pies.

We hope to see you there!

Bristol JLD and Chadwick Nott invite you to attend the Bristol JLD election drinks on Wednesday 27 November 2013 from 6pm at The Big Chill Bar (map). Join us for drinks and nibbles at an evening to celebrate the last year and vote for your new committee!

 Check out our election page for more information.