Introduction
President’s Review March 2020
I
am excited to take the helm of Hampshire Law Society for 2020 and hope that I can build on the good work done by the past President. I must start by thanking my predecessor, Joe Robertson, for his work and efforts this past year and I wish him well in his future endeavours, which include becoming a rising star in the political landscape. Best of luck for all going forward Joe. I cannot believe that I have already been President for just shy of two months, how time flies. The first couple of months as President have already been busy. Finalising the business plan with the assistance of Mo Aldridge, Vice President, and Ian Robinson, Secretary, was at the top of the agenda and I am pleased to say that the same has been passed to the committee for approval. Once this is signed off then Hampshire Law Society will have a defined path going forward for the next three years which I believe in strongly and I have confidence will be for the benefit of our local profession. The legal landscape is an ever changing area and so with it Hampshire Law Society also has to change and adapt to be able to meet the needs of our members and remain a relevant and useful tool and aid for those that we represent. Whether it is making sure that any of our educational seminars are relevant and on topics which are important for the profession to holding events which will bring members face-to-face with other professions with whom they wish to connect, there are exciting times ahead. Who can also forget our annual quiz which will be upon us shortly and the annual dinner in June (more on this shortly!). Steps have been taken as well to engage with the future of the profession in Hampshire. The local Universities have been contacted to see how Hampshire Law Society can facilitate and assist in bringing the young lawyers of the future into the profession. Whether this is by being a central hub for work experience and training contracts to be advertised; to putting on workshops where students will get to ask questions of those in the profession. This is something that I feel is important to ensure that Hampshire retains its brightest young stars of the future and that we give them all the assistance we can for them to enter into an exciting career as best prepared as they can be.
We maybe asking our members for their input and assistance in this regard going forward so keep your eyes peeled. As part of my role I will also have the pleasure of attending some of our neighbouring local law society events and dinners. This in itself is important to maintain relationships within the profession but also to share ideas as to what works in other areas and whether there is anything that other local law societies are doing that we are not and should consider, all for the benefit of our members. On the topic of dinners, the Hampshire Law Society annual dinner, which is always a fantastic event, is on 4 June. A fantastic speaker has been lined up in Mark “Billie” Billingham who is a former SAS soldier and bodyguard to the stars. Those of you who watch SAS Who Dares Wins will recognise Billie from the show and note his uncompromising ways. I am sure the stories he will have to tell will be captivating for all attending. The awards also make up an important part of the evening and I think it is important to celebrate just how good the legal profession is in Hampshire. I therefore urge everyone to consider whether there is anyone they can nominate for the awards in their firm or nominate the firm they work for. I will leave that there as further information regarding the dinner and awards will be advertised. See pages 24 & 25. Finally, the year ahead promises to be an interesting one for the legal landscape, not only for Hampshire but nationally as to what the law in England and Wales will look like in a post Brexit world. I am writing this review maybe quite aptly, on the 31 January, the day we leave the EU and embark on a future which we will have to embrace without hesitation and fear. Change is inevitable, it is how you deal with it that will define your future. ■
James Gleisner
President, Hampshire Law Society
HAMPSHIRE LEGAL 5
