Law Society launches Junior Solicitors Network
The Law Society of England and Wales is today launching its Junior Solicitors Network (JSN) to positively engage and support junior solicitors, talk about the pressing issues they face and provide easy access to information and resources in order to support their careers.
“I am delighted to launch our Junior Solicitors Network, which will allow junior solicitors the time and space to tell us about the issues facing them and what more the Law Society can do to support them as they forge their career in the profession,” said Law Society vice president Nick Emmerson.
“The Law Society’s varied programme of activities and resources throughout the year will address the pressing issues for junior solicitors and help them develop in their legal careers.
“To help the Law Society formulate plans and deliver effectively against the priorities and issues of junior solicitors, we have established the JSN advisory committee.
“The committee will also be able to help the Law Society as it refines content for a flagship conference on the Future of Work, suggest speakers for webinars looking at workplace culture and help shape in-person topical seminars and networking held in London, Wales and the regions.
“More widely, the committee will work with the Law Society as it influences on legal aid, wellbeing, accessibility of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and our flagship initiative on 21st century justice.”
Time to change
Our Junior Solicitors hub, which also launched today, will provide easy access to member news, information and upcoming events.
It also has a wide range of resources to support career and personal development, working practices and wellbeing.
On why the Law Society is making this transition now, Nick Emmerson said: “This change is within the wider context of the Law Society working closely and collaboratively with regional and local grouping such as local JLDs and local law societies and shifting from operating siloed ‘divisions’ to establishing inclusive and joined up working via Law Society ‘networks’ in order to encourage greater collaboration and exchange of ideas and perspectives.
“We look forward to working with the JSN advisory committee, National Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) committee and local JLDs throughout the next year and beyond,” concluded Nick Emmerson.
The Law Society will continue to support and collaborate with the National JLD Committee – which is fully independent from the Law Society, with its own independent voice and programme of work.
The current vice chair of the Junior Lawyers Division, Darja Cernobrivec, will become the JSN advisory committee’s first chair. She will hold this role until October 2023.
JSN chair Darja Cernobrivec said: “I am delighted to launch our new Junior Solicitors Network today.
“Speaking to junior solicitors across the country, one major need emerged above all others, the need for increased engagement and support for junior and aspiring solicitors.
“We will play our part to ensure that junior solicitors don’t feel alone, but rather a part of one inclusive profession with common vision and determination to excel in their careers and promote the rule of law.”
If you are interested in getting involved with the JSN, email juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk.
Notes to editors
Find out more about our Junior Solicitors hub
About the Law Society
The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
Press office contact: Naomi Jeffreys | 020 8049 3928