The Presidentʼs Column

Mark Proctor

I am delighted to write my first column as President of the Bournemouth and District Law Society. Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of attending the Dorset Law Society, the Herefordshire Law Society the Hampshire Law Society and the Isle of Wight Law Society dinners, the Southern Area of Law Societies quarterly meeting and, of course, our own Bournemouth and District Law Society AGM. These events have offered a wonderful reminder of the strength, diversity and camaraderie that exists within the legal profession—both here at home and in our neighbouring regions.

The Dorset Law Society dinner was a fantastic evening: full of lively conversation, great food, magic and a real sense of shared purpose across the profession. Herefordshire, Hampshire and the Ise of Wight gave us the warmest of welcomes along with more magic ,comedy, music and sunshine— but this is proof, if any were needed, that legal communities, wherever they are, share the same core values of service, resilience and integrity.

The Southern Area of Law Societies meeting is a chance for a number of law societies from across the south to come together and share our thoughts and views on topical matters which are of issue for the profession and enhances the power of our voice in making representations to organisations such as the national law society and the SRA and, to that end, it was great we were joined for the afternoon session of the meeting by the Vice President of The Law Society of England and Wales, Mark Evans.

Our own AGM, meanwhile, gave me an appreciation for the history and vibrancy of our Society. Seeing so many familiar and new faces in the room - members from so many different firms reaffirmed my belief that we are stronger when we work together. Once again, the weather played its part with attendees following the meeting being able to enjoy the sunshine on the riverside terrace at the Captains Club. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who attended.

As I start my presidential year, I do so with a simple aim: to continue to promote and build on the work of those who have gone before me be it as President or committee member in championing the work that our local law Society does for its members and our engagement with the national law society so that we continue to have our members voices heard at the highest level. There is much to look forward to in the year ahead - from training and mentoring initiatives to social events. I hope you will get involved, share your ideas and help shape the future of our Society. You can find details of our upcoming lectures and social events on the pages within this magazine but also on our website and, of course, you can become a member to sign up to our mailing lists to ensure you remain update on what is going on – contact office@bournemouthlaw. com for further details.

I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the next year. 

Mark Proctor

BDLS President