Charity of the Year – 2025

Bristol Junior Lawyers Division is proud to announce that it will be supporting Grief Encounter as its Charity of the Year for 2025.

Grief Encounter's mission is to support children and young people following the death of someone close, such as a parent or sibling.

Grief Encounter work closely with individuals, families, schools, and professionals to offer a way through the anxiety, fear, and isolation caused by grief by offering services such as counselling, group workshops and residential (and much more).

As part of its support for Grief Encounter, Bristol JLD will be organising a range of fundraising and awareness-building events, including fundraising at its Annual Summer Ball and Charity Quiz, and is looking forward to working with Grief Encounter over the course of this year.

To visit Grief Encounter, please click here.

In 2024, Bristol JLD raised and donated a total of £7,000 for SARSAS, a charity that provides specialist support to adults, children and young people of all genders who have been affected by rape, sexual abuse or assault at any time in their lives

Thank you everyone for supporting our Charity of the Year:

Charity of the Year 2023-2024: SARSAS – £7,000
Charity of the Year 2022-2023: Bristol Children’s Help Society – £7,000
Charity of the Year 2021-2022: St Mungos – £3,892
Charity of the Year 2019-2021: Ronald McDonald House – £890*
Charity of the Year 2018-2019: OTR (Off the Record) – £4,390
Charity of the Year 2017-2018: SARSAS – £3,734.30
Charity of the Year 2016-2017: The Sky Project – £2,757
Charity of the Year 2015-2016: Julian Trust Night Shelter – £6,023.55
Charity of the Year 2014-2015: Macmillan Cancer Support – £4,812
Charity of the Year 2013-2014: West of England MS Therapy Centre – £4,271.07
Charity of the Year 2012-2013: Children’s Hospice South West – £4,079.80
Charity of the Year 2011-2012: The Alzheimer’s Society – £4,929.06
Charity of the Year 2010-2011: Jessie May Trust – £4,632.31

In the Press:

Lawyer2b – Bristol Junior Lawyers to focus on Children’s Hospice
Bristol Law Society – Legal Life – Local Junior Lawyers raise impressive amount for the Alzheimer’s Society
Bristol Law Society – Bristol JLD conclude successful fundraising campaign
Bristol Law Society – Bristol JLD raise £4,271.07 for The West of England MS Therapy Centre
Bristol Law Society – Bristol JLD raises £6,023.55 for Julian Trust Night Shelter

*During Covid-19 pandemic.

£58,411.09

raised for charity to date.
675+

members in the Bristol and surrounding areas.
81%

consider the JLD events excellent value for money.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member of Bristol JLD committee. I was able to make valuable connections with some really engaging colleagues. Covid-19 lockdowns achieved overnight changes in the workplace. The chief beneficiaries are often people well established in their careers, rather than those at the start finding their feet. I am particularly proud the efforts we made to vocalise the concerns of junior lawyers during the early stages of the pandemic.
Mamunul Wahid, Senior Associate, Clarke Willmott – former Bristol JLD IT & Comms Co-ordinator and 2023 Bristol Law Society Junior Lawyer of the Year
Your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children is truly inspiring. We've cherished every moment of the events we've shared, from the delightful BBQ gatherings to the glamorous ball nights. Your dedication and enthusiasm have not only made these occasions memorable but have also contributed to a remarkable achievement. The total amount of £7,000 is truly incredible, and it will undoubtedly make a significant difference in our mission. With this support, we can provide enriching camp experiences to a multitude of children, creating lasting memories and fostering personal growth.
Barton Camp (Bristol Children’s Help Society) – Bristol JLD Charity of the Year 2023
It has been an absolute pleasure to partner with Bristol Junior Lawyers Division over the last 15 years. From sponsoring the Annual Charity Ball (which is always a sell-out) to running careers events for junior lawyers, it has been a privilege to support so many of your members over the years and we look forward to continuing this fantastic partnership for many more years to come.
Sheldon Carlisle – National Specialism Director - Legal & Co Sec UK&I, HAYS