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Find out moreAugust 2017
Following the recent Law Society Council elections I am pleased to introduce the two new Council members for the JLD, Laura McKoy and Prisca Wharton, who will represent solicitors up to five years qualified and LPC student and trainee members respectively. We wish them well in their roles. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing JLD Council members, Beth Forrester and Matthew Allan, for their support on the Law Society Council and for raising awareness of the issues affecting junior lawyers.
We have recently submitted a response to the latest SRA consultation on the solicitors qualifying exam (SQE) proposals. We have continued to express our concern at the lack of information on the likely cost of sitting the exams and also our concerns that the proposed regulations, which will be necessary to implement the SQE, do not provide for prospective candidates to undertake any time in a contentious area of law. If you have any views about the SQE we would like to hear from you. Please email us at juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk
In the autumn we are holding another two free career development forums – one aimed at trainees and junior solicitors on 16 September and the other for LPC students and LPC graduates on 7 October. We will also be co-hosting the annual International Weekend at the end of September and look forward to welcoming our international colleagues for another full programme of seminars and activities, culminating in a gala dinner at the Law Society on Saturday 30 September. All (including non-member guests) are welcome to attend and we hope to see many of you there!
Bryan Scant
Chair, Junior Lawyers Division
juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk
Meet the JLD committee
If you are an LPC student, LPC graduate or trainee solicitor, consider entering the JLD annual essay competition. The question this year is, 'Where is the line between legitimate accountability and calling judges “enemies of the people?"' The deadline is 30 November and the winner will receive £500.
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Nominations are now open for the annual LawWorks pro bono awards, including a specific category supported by the Junior Lawyers Division for trainees and solicitors up to five years qualified. The deadline for nominations is 9 October.
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If you are thinking of qualifying as a solicitor via the equivalent means route, check out the JLD’s recently updated equivalent means FAQs.
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A new route to qualification - new regulations (SQE) - The Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The JLD is holding a free one-day skills event to equip those at the start of their careers with the skills necessary for life in practice.
Book now - 16 September, London
This event provides junior lawyers from around the world with practical career development skills, alongside the opportunity to experience the best of legal London. The event aims to facilitate the creation of lasting connections with peers from other jurisdictions.
Book now - 28 September - 1 October, London
Join us for our International Weekend gala dinner at the Law Society. This event is aimed at all members of the legal profession in the UK (including LPC and BPTC students, trainee solicitors, pupil barristers, junior solicitors, junior barristers, as well as those undertaking the CILEx route), and overseas. The gala dinner is your chance to network with lawyers, from the UK and abroad, over an elegant and fun formal dinner.
Book now - 30 September, London
This one-day forum will help LPC students and LPC graduates in their search for a training position and give them an opportunity to discuss the issues they face.
Book now - 7 October, London
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