Keeping close:…
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Local JLD groups support junior lawyers across England and Wales through events and opportunities to socialise with other junior lawyers who work and live in your area.
The groups also help you connect and build your professional networks. Many have contacts with other groups representing young or newly qualified professionals in their area.
The groups also feed into the work of the JLD at a national level, including our policy campaigns. Each group can nominate a representative to sit on the JLD national committee, which meets three times a year.
The local groups are organised and run by junior lawyers in the area. They are independent of the JLD and independent of each other. Some are called trainee solicitors or young solicitors groups, and may have different membership criteria from the national JLD – some local groups charge a membership fee.
For further information about local JLD groups, including amendments to current listings, email juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk.
If you’re on a local JLD group committee and your local group is not listed below or your details have changed, let us know.
If you’re in an area that does not have a local JLD group, you might want to set one up yourself. We’ve published a JLD local group handbook to help.
Region: Cambridgeshire
Catchment area: Cambridge (and surrounding areas)
The Cambridgeshire Junior Lawyers Division (CJLD) is an organisation consisting of trainee solicitors, paralegals, newly qualified solicitors and law students across the whole of Cambridgeshire.
We aim to foster links with the local business community and to provide an opportunity for young legal professionals to network with each other and with numerous local organisations.
The CJLD committee also organises various social events for its members throughout the year such as punting, gin tasting and outdoor theatre productions.
The highlight of the social calendar is the annual ball, which takes place at a Cambridge college in conjunction with the Cambridge Young Professionals Group.
The activities and events that we run are partly or wholly funded by membership fees and sponsorship, and members are kept informed of activities through regular email updates.
Details of upcoming events can be found on the CJLD website.
Get in touch by emailing the committee at cambsjld@gmail.com, or see below for individual contact details.
Our committee term runs from January to December following elections held in the autumn/winter months each year.
Committee:
Membership fee: £45
Contact: cambsjld@gmail.com
Website: https://www.cambsjld.org
Follow us on Twitter: @CambsJLD
Follow us on Instagram: @CambsJLD
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Hertfordshire
Catchment area: Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire JLD organise and hold charity events, pub quizzes, sporting events, social evenings and educational seminars.
Committee:
Follow us on Twitter: @HertsJLD
Join the Facebook group page: Hertfordshire Junior Lawyers
Membership fee: None
Email: mail@hertsjld.com
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire
Catchment area: Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire
We represent junior lawyers, from trainees to five years’ qualified solicitors, in Northampton and Milton Keynes. We are a very inclusive group and our members also include Legal Practice Course (LPC) students, legal secretaries, legal executives, and paralegals.
We’re all about bringing together local junior lawyers to promote their interests and provide a facility to share common experiences and concerns. We also aim to provide networking opportunities for our members to meet other junior professionals and business people locally. We organise regular social and careers events, and we’re free to join.
Our committee:
Contact us via email: northantsbucksjld@outlook.com
Website: www.nbjld.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Norfolk
Catchment area: Norfolk
Norfolk and Norwich Junior Lawyers Division is an organisation that provides support to its members across Norfolk. Membership is free and open to all qualified solicitors (up to five years’ post-qualified experience), trainee solicitors, and paralegals.
Details of upcoming events can be found on the Norfolk and Norwich JLD website at www.nnjld.co.uk.
Get in touch by emailing the committee on norwichandnorfolkjld@gmail.com, or see below for individual contact details.
The Norwich and Norfolk JLD committee are:
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Cambridgeshire
Catchment area: Peterborough
Peterborough Young Lawyers Group (PYLG) is run by a group of trainees from the Peterborough region and is a subsidiary group of the Peterborough and District Law Society. The group is aimed at trainees solicitors, paralegals, newly-qualified solicitors, young barristers and law students in the Peterborough region.
They aim to create a social environment for like-minded young lawyers, and provide a support network for those in the early stages of their career. PYLG also intends to provide accredited courses to groups of young lawyers within Peterborough in order to reduce travel times and costs for young lawyers and firms.
Membership of PYLG is free and it organises a wide variety of social events that have been backed by the Peterborough and District Law Society, including go-karting, sports days and cocktail classes.
Contact: Jonathan Mumby
Telephone: 01733 887691
Email: ksowter@greenwoods.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Essex
Catchment area: South Essex
We hold a number of events throughout the year, with a mixture of formal and informal themes.
Membership is a one-off fee of £5 which can be paid direct to our treasurer.
We communicate with our members through our Facebook and LinkedIn pages, so please join these to hear about upcoming events, networking and career development opportunities.
Our flagship event is our annual boat party, usually held in London in late July or early August. Check out our social media pages for more information.
If anyone has any queries or wishes to join as a member please contact this year’s committee at southessexjld@outlook.com, or see below for individual contact details.
The South Essex JLD committee are:
Our committee term runs from March to February in each year, with elections taking place during the preceding February. If you wish to be considered for a committee position, please get in touch in advance of these dates.
Telephone: 01245 211359 (Charlotte Nayler)
Membership fee: A one-off £5 fee
Membership: students, trainees, NQs and solicitors up to five years' post-qualified experience
Region: Essex, Suffolk
Catchment area: Suffolk, North Essex
Suffolk and North Essex Junior Lawyers Division holds a number of social/networking events over the year and invites guest speakers to address members on matters of legal interest and importance.
The group is strongly supported by the Suffolk and North Essex Law Society and holds joint meetings and events.
Updates about upcoming events and news are available via email.
Contact: Juliet Gordon (chair)
Email: juliet.gordon@gotelee.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
The London City Island Junior Lawyers Division is open to LPC students, graduates, paralegals with an LPC, bar students, trainee solicitors, barristers and qualified solicitors with up to 5 years PQE.
Membership is £20 per annum and will offer access to careers development, advice, and ongoing support, LPC and the Solicitors exam updates, social events, conferences, black tie events, law seminars with guest speakers and a whole lot more. To join, please email Treasurer@LCIjuniorlawyers.co.uk with your name, the name of your firm or organisation and your role.
This is the committee for the London City Island JLD:
Contact: Treasurer@LCIjuniorlawyers.co.uk
Region: Greater London
London Young Lawyers Group (LYLG) is a London-based group run by junior lawyers for lawyers junior in their career. LYLG organises a range of events throughout the year including seminars, recreational activities, networking events, balls and international events aimed at involving and offering opportunities to junior lawyers across all practice areas, working in all types of private practice and in-house legal departments.
Members enjoy access to events (free/discounted) and a social and business network of likeminded individuals. There’s an annual fee of £20 and applications are accepted all year.
Monthly emails keep members updated and in touch and invitations on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram are used to promote upcoming events.
Contact: Nicola Rubbert (chair), Oliver Haddock and Michal Gorski
Email: committee@lylg.org.uk
Website: http://www.lylg.org.uk
Membership: solicitors 0–7 post-qualified experience, trainee solicitors, paralegals, solicitor apprentices and law students
The South London Law Society Junior Lawyers Division were set up in 2011 to compliment and work with the SLLS in representing, supporting and assisting lawyers at the junior end of the profession. Our objective is to bring together junior lawyers practicing in South London to share experiences, gain training and discuss any concerns about the profession. We also want to give an opportunity to students studying the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or law to meet members of the profession to discuss their future career.
If you are a solicitor with less than five years' post-qualified experience, trainee solicitor, paralegal or LPC and third year law students working or studying in South London, then you are eligible to be a member of the South London JLD and membership is free.
Region: Greater London
The Westminster and Holborn Law Society (WHLS) Junior Lawyers Division represents the interests of junior lawyers across Holborn and Westminster. The group aims to represent all law students, trainee solicitors, pupils, and qualified solicitors and barristers up to five years' post-qualified experience. The JLD are dedicated to creating a network of these junior lawyers within WHLS to provide a wide range of educational and social benefits
Contact: Suzanna Eames
Email: suzanna.eames@farrer.co.uk
Website: http://www.cwhls.org.uk/jld.html
Region: West Midlands
Catchment area: Birmingham and West Midlands
Birmingham Trainee Solicitors’ Society (BTSS) is an organisation made up of over 400 junior lawyers and law students from across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Originally an off-shoot of the Birmingham Law Society, BTSS has been operating for 173 years and remains as active as ever.
BTSS takes responsibility for providing members with networking and social opportunities, in addition to facilitating training to enhance professional skills.
Each month, BTSS hosts a range of social, sporting, cultural and charitable events with the aim of bringing young lawyers together and raising their profile across the city and beyond.
BTSS is proud to be able to present members with a breadth of opportunities, access and support to build a diverse range of professional and social networks that will serve them well as they seek to establish themselves in a flourishing and competitive legal market.
BTSS members can develop and cultivate contacts within both the legal and wider professional communities in the Midlands, forging links with the Birmingham Law Society and BSG, Junior Lawyers Division, Birmingham Futures, RCIS and BCASS, to name a few.
BTSS is also keen to undertake corporate social responsibility efforts so that members may make a positive and lasting impact in the local community.
Last but not least, it wants members to enjoy more social and informal networking opportunities to meet like-minded young professionals who are finding their way in the profession in the same manner.
It regularly arranges exciting and varied events to celebrate and reward members for successes and achievements throughout the year.
BTSS members benefit from:
Membership fee: trainee solicitors – £50, newly qualified solicitors – £35, paralegals / students – £25.
Contact: Katy Boyce (chair) – Katy.Boyce@higgsandsons.co.uk
Email: enquiries@btss.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Derbyshire
Catchment area: Derbyshire and surrounding area
The group organises events throughout the year for members in order to provide social, networking and training opportunities for junior lawyers in Derby and the surrounding area.
The group is part of the Derby and District Law Society and through that organisation seeks to represent the concerns and issues of junior lawyers to the profession generally.
The committee consists of:
Communication is primarily through a mailing list, although the group is accessible via our active Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Anyone interested should register their interest by emailing derbyjuniorlawyers@outlook.com in order to be added to the mailing list, and join our social media groups in order to be kept up to date.
Membership fee: full: £25, full (if currently a member of the Derby and District Law Society): £5, associate: £20
Telephone: 01332 378353
Email: derbyjuniorlawyers@outlook.com
Membership: legal assistants, paralegals, trainee solicitors, legal executives, patent and trademark attorneys and qualified solicitors with up to five years of post-qualification experience are eligible for full membership. Associate memberships are also available to law students and professionals in the area.
Region: West Midlands
Catchment area: Herefordshire
Herefordshire Junior Lawyers Division is a growing JLD based out of Hereford and covering the surrounding area. We arrange a variety of events for our members, including continuing professional development events and socials.
Our aim is to help Junior Lawyers in Herefordshire connect and to provide a support network, which is especially important in our county.
The Herefordshire Junior Lawyers Division works closely with the Herefordshire Breconshire and Radnorshire Incorporated Law Society (HBRILS), and members of our committee regularly attend directors’ meetings for HBRILS.
We communicate mostly by email, however are looking into setting up social media accounts in the near future. To be added to our mailing list, contact Louise Price, our secretary: lprice@hcrlaw.com
Elections are in September.
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Membership fee: Free
Email: CFinch@hcrlaw.com
Region: Leicestershire
Catchment area: Leicestershire and Rutland
Leicestershire Junior Lawyers Division (LJLD) forms a part of the National Junior Lawyers Division and represents young lawyers of all backgrounds from students through to those with five years’ post-qualified experience (PQE).
LJLD was founded in January 2008 as a result of the amalgamation of Leicestershire Young Solicitors Group and Leicestershire Trainee Solicitors Group. It helps junior members of the profession to network, socialise and share all kinds of experiences with other individuals at similar stages of their careers.
We hold regular events for our members including networking drinks, social events such as cocktail making, and careers talks from local recruiters.
More information about LJLD is available on its website. You can also follow LJLD on Twitter (@leicesterjld) or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Elections for new committee members are held in December each year, with the formal handover taking place in January.
All members are encouraged to apply for vacant positons, so sign up and get involved!
We hold two flagship events each year – a charity quiz around April in aid of a local cause, and our legendary annual ball towards the end of November.
We are always on the lookout for sponsors for these and other events. If you would be interested in a sponsorship package, contact Kathryn Harvey at Kathryn.Harvey@shma.co.uk
Membership of the LJLD is free.
Membership is open to:
More information about LJLD is available on our website. You can also follow LJLD on Twitter (@leicesterjld) or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Email: membership@ljld.co.uk (for all membership enquiries)
Website: http://www.ljld.co.uk/
Follow us on Twitter: @LeicesterJLD
Region: Lincolnshire
Catchment area: Lincolnshire
The Lincolnshire JLD creates opportunities for networking and socialising for its members by way of a varied calendar of events. We aim to support and promote the interests of junior lawyers and develop relationships across the legal community.
Our social calendar begins each year with an event in September to welcome new trainee solicitors to the area. We also hold an annual boat trip every summer in Lincoln.
Solicitors (one to five years’ post-qualified experience), FCILEx (one to five years’ fellowship), trainee solicitors, trainee legal executives, and paralegals are all eligible for membership of the Lincolnshire JLD.
We send out regular emails to our members to keep them informed about our events.
If you are interested in joining, contact Shannon Brennan at shannon.brennan@ringroselaw.co.uk or Frances Aitchison at frances.aitchison@ringroselaw.co.uk.
If you wish to attend one of our events, contact the Lincolnshire JLD committee via the vice president Hannah Loft at hannah.loft@wilkinchapman.co.uk.
Membership fee: free
Contact: Chanel Clarney (president), Hannah Loft (vice president)
Email: chanel.clarney@langleys.com, hannah.loft@wilkinchapman.co.uk
Membership: trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Nottinghamshire
There are many benefits to being a member of Nottinghamshire JLD. The group represents the interests of recently qualified solicitors, trainees and Legal Practice Course students. We organise a wide range of events for our members throughout the year.
These include:
Many of our events run in conjunction with other local groups, including the RICS Matrics (surveyors) and NCASS (accountants), in order to create stronger relationships and networking opportunities with other professionals.
Above all, being part of the NJLD gives you a great opportunity to meet new people, including lawyers and other young professionals. You can make new friends and develop future contacts who may help you in your future career.
As a member of the NJLD, you also get the advantage of meeting people who are either at the same stage in their career or have recently been in it and can therefore help give you advice and guidance.
There are also other benefits to joining the NJLD, which we have secured for our members. These include discounts with local businesses and non-accredited continuing professional development points for most of the seminars which the NJLD organises.
Follow NJLD on Twitter: @NottinghamJLD
Follow NJLD on Facebook: search ‘NJLD’
Connect with us on LinkedIn: search ‘Nottinghamshire Junior Lawyers Division’
Membership fee: membership fee is £20 for solicitors/trainees and paralegals and there is a reduced membership fee of £15 for student members
Contact: Rick Thomas (chair) Mark Benton (membership secretary)
Email: rick.thomas@shoosmiths.co.uk, mark.benton@cartwrightking.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, solicitors
Region: Shropshire
The Shropshire JLD is run by four committee members, and junior lawyers in Shropshire are encouraged to become members of the group to benefit from networking and social events, as well as educational talks and workshops.
Membership to the group is free and you can be added to the mailing list by emailing us.
The committee members:
Contact: Sarah Sharpe (chair)
Email: sarah.sharpe@clarkeslaw.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Warwickshire
Catchment area: Coventry and Warwickshire including Rugby
The Warwickshire Junior Lawyers Division provides support to young lawyers within Coventry and Warwickshire.
We aim to advance and promote legal training, professional and personal skills by way of holding seminars and workshops. We also hold social events to encourage and maintain good relations between members. The group is part of the Warwickshire Law Society (WLS).
The group hosts educational events and seminars as well as social activities. All events are aimed at improving relations between young lawyers and to offer support for their careers.
Contact: Laura Stuart (chair), Patrick McCallum (vice chair), Hannah Bates (immediate past chair), Sarabjit Nijjar (national representative)
Telephone: 01788 557571
Email: Warkjld@gmail.com
Facebook: Warwickshire Junior Lawyers Division
Twitter: @WarkJLD
LinkedIn: Warwickshire Junior Lawyers Division Group
Membership: trainee solicitors, paralegals, trainee legal executives, solicitors (up to seven years’ PQE) and legal executives (up to five years’ PQE)
Region: West Midlands
Catchment area: Wolverhampton and the Black Country
There are many benefits to becoming a member of the Wolverhampton and Black Country JLD including:
The membership year runs 1 October to 31 September and group elections are held in September.
Follow us on Twitter: @wolvesjld
Join our LinkedIn group: search for Wolverhampton and Black Country JLD
Membership fee: Membership year runs 1 October to 31 September and the fee is currently £20 per year
Contact: Amy Robinson (chair)
Telephone: 01902 578010
Email: a.robinson@fbcmb.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Worcestershire
Catchment area: Worcestershire
The WJLD was formed to support the interests of solicitors (one to five years’ post-qualified experience (PQE)), FCILEx (one to five years’ fellowship), trainee solicitors, trainee legal executives, and paralegals across Worcestershire.
Our aim is simple - to create opportunities to network and socialise with other legal professionals and members of the local business community.
We aim to support and promote the interests of junior lawyers and develop relationships across the legal community. We also work closely with the Worcestershire Law Society.
We run a variety of different events throughout the year. These vary from seminars with chambers, informative nights, social drinks evenings and a quiz!
Elections take place in November each year.
Region: Tyne and Wear
We are a friendly community of junior lawyers based in the North East of England. We regularly organise social and educational events, networking opportunities, recruitment talks, and provide support to our members.
Events are often sponsored by local organisations and are often free, or at a reduced cost, for members to attend. Events are always relaxed, fun and well attended by a board range of down-to-earth, like minded people, navigating their way through different stages of their careers.
We send out regular emails to our members to keep them informed about our upcoming events, opportunities and important issues.
Committee:
Membership fee: £10 (students and apprentices), £15 (paralegals), £20 (trainees and pupils), £25 (solicitors and barristers)
Membership: students (law & non-law), solicitor apprentices, paralegals, trainee solicitors, pupils, solicitors and barristers (0-5PQE)
Contact: info.jldnortheast@gmail.com
Region: Tees Valley and surrounding areas
The Tees Valley JLD is aimed at junior lawyers in the Tees Valley and surrounding areas. The JLD is dedicated to meeting the needs of law students, Legal Practice Course graduates, paralegals, trainee solicitors and solicitors with up to five years’ post qualification experience.
Our aim is to build a platform for junior lawyers to meet, share their experiences and be part of a wider support network. We hold both social and educational events, ranging from lectures to social events and provide an opportunity to socialise with other junior lawyers in the Tees Valley region.
Membership is free for trainee solicitors and students and once you join you will have exclusive access to upcoming social events and training seminars.
The Tees Valley JLD is part of the Tees Valley Law Society (TVLS) and is currently being led by trainee representatives, Khudeza Miah, trainee solicitor at Freers Askew Bunting in Middlesbrough and Mary Foster, trainee solicitor at Archers law in Stockton.
For the latest updates, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Membership fee: free for trainee solicitors and students.
Email address: tvjld@tvls.org.uk
Membership: students, apprentices, paralegals, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Greater Manchester, Lancashire
The Bolton JLD provides a social and support network for trainees and young solicitors. We hold monthly events including quizzes and days out, and there is an annual ball.
Membership fee: £10 per year (free to members of Bolton Law Society)
Contact: Tazim Ahmedabadi
Telephone: 01204 368060
Email: tazima@joeegansolicitors.co.uk
Membership: trainees, NQs
Region: Cheshire, Wales
Catchment area: Cheshire and North Wales
Contact: Sarah Roberts, Sarah Loan
Email: cnwjld@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cnwjld.org/
Region: Cumbria
The Cumbria JLD provides a social and support network for legal professionals, trainees and young solicitors. We hold monthly events including quizzes and days out, and there is an annual ball.
Presidents:
Social media and marketing
Membership fee: £5 per year
Email: cumbriajld@gmail.com
Membership: legal professionals, trainees, NQs
Region: Greater Manchester
Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group (MTSG) looks after the interests of trainee solicitors, newly qualifieds (NQs), legal apprentices, law students and paralegals in Greater Manchester and provides assistance with socialising, networking, jobs and education.
There are opportunities to join in education, networking and social events throughout the year.
MTSG has over 500 members from firms and businesses of all types and sizes throughout Greater Manchester.
Highlights of the calendar include the Christmas and summer balls, monthly networking events at city centre venues, mentoring opportunities, education workshops and various careers evenings for students and trainees.
When you join, you’ll be added to a mailing list to receive details of upcoming events, and you can also find further information on the MTSG website.
Committee elections take place in June each year.
Membership: aspiring lawyers, solicitor apprentices, paralegals, future trainees, trainees, pupil barristers, NQs
Membership fee: £55 for trainees (two years), £35 for trainees (one year), £40 for NQs (one year), £20 for paralegals (one year) and solicitor apprentices (one year)
Contact: Alex Streeter (chair), Savanna Nolan (JLD national representative)
Connect with us on LinkedIn – search for ‘Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group’
Follow us on Twitter (@mcrtsg)
Follow us on Instagram (@mcrtsg)
Region: Greater Manchester
Catchment area: Greater Manchester
The Manchester Young Solicitors Group (MYSG) is a free membership organisation for solicitors of up to 10 years’ post-qualified experience in the Greater Manchester area, providing social, networking, training and corporate responsibility opportunities for its members through its links across legal, financial, accountancy and other professional sectors.
With the kind help of sponsors, MYSG organise drinks evenings, seminars and other events, giving members a chance to expand both their social and professional horizons.
The MYSG does not have yearly elections. The chairman is elected from and by the Committee, and vacancies appear on an ad hoc basis with candidates considered by the Committee based on their contribution to the society. If you are interested in joining the Committee, please attend one of our events and speak to one of our Committee members.
A full list of the Committee is available on the MYSG website.
Contact:
Email: admin@mysg.co.uk
Website: www.manchesterysg.co.uk
Membership: NQs and solicitors
Membership fee: free
Region: Merseyside
The Merseyside JLD is an independent association affiliated to the national JLD. It strives to provide an educational and professional support network for young lawyers in the Merseyside region and is equipped to represent the views and opinions of its members on a national level.
As a committee, the Merseyside JLD provides a wide range of services, including networking opportunities through its social and sporting events, educational talks and seminars, work experience, charity fundraising and an annual ball.
With the help of sponsors many of the Merseyside JLD events are free of charge and provide a fantastic opportunity for junior lawyers to become involved in the wider Merseyside legal community. The Merseyside JLD encourages members, irrespective of age or qualification status, to participate in all that it has to offer.
Visit the website to see a full list of committee members.
Membership fee: None
Contact: Andrew Ball – national representative
Email: Andrew.Ball@weightmans.com
Website: http://www.merseysidejld.org.uk/
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors, third year law students, up to five years’ PQE solicitors and three years’ post-tenancy barristers
Region: Preston, Lancashire
The Preston JLD creates opportunities for socialising and networking for students, trainees and young solicitors. It aims to help support young lawyers in Preston and grow relationships in our legal community.
The group is run by four committee members and junior lawyers benefit from networking, continuing professional development events and skills workshops.
Membership to the group is free and you join by emailing.
Membership fee: None
Membership: students, trainees, NQs and solicitors up to five years’ post-qualified experience
Contact: Ummeya Zaka – president, Charlotte Hurst – vice president
Email: uzaka2@uclan.ac.uk, charlotte.hurst@harrison-drury.com
Region and catchment area: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire
We host a variety of social events throughout the year together with seminars and lectures on a variety of topics relevant to young lawyers. Find out more on our website.
Membership: Free
We are open to:
To join, please email us at juniorlawyersdivisionbbo@gmail.com with your name, the name of your firm or organisation, and your role.
Social media: You can also keep up to date with us via Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
The executive committee members are:
If you would like to join the committee, please get in touch with us via email to discuss.
Region: Kent
Catchment area: Kent
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors, legal executives/paralegals
Membership fee: free
Our aim is to offer our members a range of events that we hope will be of interest to junior members of the legal profession, whether you have only recently embarked on a path of legal study or are a solicitor with up to five years’ post-qualification experience. Membership is free and automatic for these junior members of the profession.
During the course of the year we will be holding a number of events designed to assist the professional development of our members in a sociable and enjoyable way. Our events will also provide the perfect platform for networking between young professionals. We also invite guest speakers to address members on matters of legal interest and importance.
The objectives of the JLD are to promote and facilitate the educational and professional development of its members, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas concerning the legal profession, and to represent the concerns and opinions of its members to the Law Society of England and Wales and to the local law societies in Kent. We welcome suggestions from members which serve to enhance and promote these objectives.
Details of forthcoming events will be announced through regular emails and on our LinkedIn page. General updates will be posted on the JLD website. Please fill out our form to sign up to the Kent JLD mailing list.
If you would like to get in touch with the Kent JLD committee, please email kentjld@outlook.com.
The executive is represented on the Council of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society and on the National JLD Committee.
The executive committee members are:
Region: Hampshire
Catchment area: Southampton, Fareham, Portsmouth, Winchester and surrounding areas
The South Hampshire Junior Lawyers Division (SHJLD) runs regular social, networking and personal development events and skills workshops. It also runs various joint events with similar non-lawyer junior professional groups.
Annual membership fee: £40 (membership year runs from September)
Membership: paralegals and legal assistants, trainee solicitors and trainee legal executives, NQ solicitors and solicitors up to five years' post-qualified experience, chartered legal executives, pupil barristers and barristers up to two years’ call
Committee contact details: The committee term runs from September to August, with elections held in early August.
Please email committee.shjld@gmail.com if you would like to be notified about future SHJLD events or have any further queries.
Region: Sussex
Catchment area: East and West Sussex
Sussex JLD exists as a forum for those new to the legal profession to network and socialise and provide opportunities for those at similar stages in their careers to share experiences.
Membership of the group is open to anyone who works or lives in the Sussex area and has an interest in the legal profession. So, students (studying for the Legal Practice Course/BVC/Graduate Diploma in Law ), paralegals, trainees, legal execs, solicitors and barristers (up to five years’ post-qualified experience) are all welcome.
The Sussex JLD’s committee is newly appointed and aims to get the group’s presence firmly established in the Sussex area. There are regular social events held in and around the Sussex area and in addition, the group is connected with the Universities, local law firms, local chambers, recruitment agencies and provides its members with training and professional development opportunities, career and recruitment advice. Please see the group’s website for full details of all its events.
You can find further information about Sussex JLD on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Membership fee: £5
Contact: Katherine Stockwell (chair), Jade Golesworthy (national representative)
Telephone: 01273 327272
Email: sussexjld@gmail.com
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Surrey
Catchment area: Surrey
Membership: Legal Practice Course students and graduates, paralegals, legal executives, trainee solicitors, solicitor apprentices, solicitors of up to 10 years’ post-qualified experience, pupil barristers and junior barristers of up to 10 years’ practice
Membership fee: Free
We are a support network for junior and aspiring lawyers, hosting social and educational events throughout the year. Our mandate includes:
Surrey JLD is affiliated with both the JLD and Surrey Law Society. We advertise our events via email and social media. To subscribe to our emails, send one to: surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com
Committee:
The Committee is now as follows:
Email: surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com
Instagram: @surrey_jld
Follow us on Twitter: @Surrey_JLD
Join our LinkedIn groups: Surrey Junior Lawyers Division
Catchment area: Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding area
Membership: Legal Practice Course students, paralegals, trainee solicitors, NQ solicitors, solicitors up to five years' post-qualified experience (PQE), pupil barristers, CILEX up to five years' PQE
Membership fee: £30 per person, capped at £240 for firms with more than eight members
Group elections: October
Email: Laura.Stone@Trethowans.com, Hayley.Stack@Trethowans.com
Facebook: Bournemouth JLD
Twitter: @bournemouthJLD
Instagram: @bournemouthjld
The Bournemouth JLD represents young lawyers across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding area. We hold monthly social events and networking/mentoring events in conjunction with recruiters to assist our members.
The committee is made up of people from across our membership group and has various posts, including a national representative who represents the interests of our members at the national JLD meetings.
We hold an annual summer ball in June and a winter party every November. We hold charity raffles with the proceeds going to local organisations.
Region: Bristol
Catchment area: Bristol and the surrounding area
Bristol JLD promotes the interests of junior lawyers in and around the Bristol region by organising social, networking and educational events. It aims to provide a forum for young lawyers to interact, socialise and support each other as well as encouraging sporting and charitable ventures, interaction with other professionals to improve business links and enhancing the young professional social scene.
The group has ties with Bristol Law Society and Bristol ILEX and is looking to organise more joint events in the future. You can find out more about Bristol JLD and sign up for free regular e-newsletters by visiting their website.
Membership is free, although the group writes to local firms (once a year) asking for a donation based on the number of eligible fee-earners at that firm. The group welcomes applications from any sponsors seeking opportunities to sponsor local activities. Elections are held in November each year.
Membership fee: Free
Email:
general – info@bristoljld.co.uk
social events – social@bristoljld.co.uk
careers events – careers@bristoljld.co.uk
newsletter and website – webmaster@bristoljld.co.uk
Website: http://www.BristolJLD.co.uk
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Gloucestershire
Catchment area: Areas within Gloucestershire
The Cheltenham and Gloucester JLD represent junior lawyers across Gloucestershire. We promote the interests of junior lawyers by organising social and networking events. We aim to provide a forum for junior lawyers to interact, socialise, and support each other as well as encouraging interaction with other professionals to improve business links.
We organise regular social and networking events throughout the year, which include the annual JLD Christmas Meal in December and a Cheese & Wine night. We hold career talks with local recruiters to provide our members with useful hints and tips on how to progress their legal career. We also put on events to assist our members with their personal development – recent events have been related to dealing with stress and tips to manage your personal finances.
Membership is free, just subscribe to our mailing list at jld.cheltenham.gloucester@outlook.com and follow our LinkedIn page to find out more.
Cheltenham and Gloucester JLD Committee:
Chair – Kathryn King
Committee Member – Leah Vincent
Committee Member – Louisa Jones
Committee Member – Nicole Boon
Membership fee: Free
Email: jld.cheltenham.gloucester@outlook.com
Membership: Solicitor apprentices, paralegals, students, trainee solicitors, trainee legal executives, NQs, solicitors
Region: Devon and Somerset
Catchment area: Devon and Somerset
The Devon and Somerset JLD promotes the interests of junior lawyers by providing a forum for young lawyers to socialise and support each other. We enjoy coming together for sporting and charitable ventures and regularly organise social events (previous activities include bowling, wine-tasting and kayaking), careers talks from local recruiters, and educational events.
This year, we are supporting the Wave Project, an award-winning surf therapy charity to help young people feel more positive and increase confidence.
We work closely with the Devon and Somerset Law Society and facilitate joint events to present members with a breadth of opportunities and support to build a diverse range of professional and social networks.
Our flagship event is our summer ball in June where we celebrate among 100 other junior lawyers and raise money for our chosen charity.
Our committee term runs from November to October with elections held in November. Look out for an email closer to the time if you are interested in joining the committee.
Communication is primarily through our mailing list and our group is accessible via our active Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Full membership is £25, and associate membership is £15.
Our committee members are easily identified on LinkedIn and would love to hear from you about ways in which you can get involved with JLD events.
Email: dsjld17@gmail.com
Website: https://www.dasls.com/page/junior-lawyers-division.html
Membership: Legal Practice Course students, trainees, NQs, and solicitors up to
Region: Devon
Catchment area: Plymouth and surrounding areas of Devon
The Plymouth Junior Lawyers Division (PJLD) aims to be the group through which all junior legal practitioners in the Plymouth area can meet, network and socialise. The PJLD is designed for students (studying the Legal Practice Course, BVC, Graduate Diploma in Law or LLB Law), paralegals, ILEX members, legal administrators, trainee solicitors, junior qualified solicitors, pupils, and junior barristers.
We organise regular social events throughout the year, the highlight of which is the May Ball. Other events have included a charity quiz night, cream teas in the summer, a harbour cruise and skiing. This year the PJLD is also keen to encourage and support its student members and to continue our charity work in the local area.
As well as social events, the PJLD provides its members with training opportunities and useful hints and tips on how to progress their legal career. We aim to use connections with the university, local law firms, local chambers and businesses to offer our members access to further networking opportunities.
Keep up to date with forthcoming events by visiting our Facebook page, ‘Plymouth Junior Lawyers Division’, or contacting us at plymouthjuniorlawyers@gmail.com
General committee members:
Membership fee:
Contact:
Telephone: 01752 292388
Email: plymouthjuniorlawyers@gmail.com
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Region: Cheshire, Wales
Catchment area: Cheshire and North Wales
Contact: Sarah Roberts, Sarah Loan
Email: cnwjld@gmail.com
Website: http://www.cnwjld.org/
Region: Wales
Catchment area: Cardiff and south east Wales
The group works concurrently but independently of the national JLD and represents all student members of the Law Society enrolled through the SRA, paralegals, trainees and solicitors with up to five years’ active post-qualified experience in the Cardiff and district area.
The organisation is not only involved with social events but also issues that affect young lawyers across the board. The committee, chaired by Adam McGlynn, an employment solicitor at Acuity Law, has in the past contributed to the SRA’s consultation on the abolition of the trainee solicitor minimum wage and the Welsh Government’s proposals for a separate Welsh legal jurisdiction. They also organise professional events designed to assist junior lawyers in securing a training contract/NQ position, with the most recent event held at the Law Society’s Wales Office a resounding success.
As membership numbers continue to grow, the committee promotes the interests of its members via social media. Please follow us using the details below.
Email them if you would like to be added to their mailing list for more information, and visit their website.
Follow us on Twitter: @JLDCandSEWales
Follow us on Instagram: @jldcsew
Membership fee: Free
Contact: Adam McGlynn (chair)
Email: csewjld@gmail.com
Membership: students, paralegals, legal secretaries, legal apprentices, trainees, pupils, and barristers and solicitors up to five years PQE
Region: Wales
Catchment area: Swansea and District
The Swansea & District JLD aims to bring together the junior legal profession in Swansea to create networking opportunities and maximise opportunities for all. We do not charge a membership fee and offer substantial discounts to students and trainees when organising events.
We hold many events throughout the year; including networking dinners, career workshops, charity quizzes, sponsored walks and sports events. We maintain a very close link with the Swansea Law Society and Swansea University Law School. Join us for an enjoyable time and invaluable career enhancing experiences!
Contact: Kathy Jenkins
Email: swanseajld@gmail.com
Membership: students, paralegals, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Catchment area: Hull and the surrounding areas in East Yorkshire
Our group aims to bring together and promote the interests of junior lawyers and barristers in Hull. Our committee members are from a diverse range of firms but we are always looking for new members. We also welcome local Legal Practice Course students and graduates.
We aim to provide professional development, training, networking and social events to our members.
We have a Facebook page which keeps our members up to date on upcoming events. We are also available on Twitter and LinkedIn.
We are also closely linked with the Hull Incorporated Law Society and our chair is invited along to committee meetings each month.
Committee:
Our chosen charity for the year is HEY Mind.
Follow our social media below to keep updated as to our activities and upcoming events.
Membership fee: Free to eligible members
Follow us on Twitter: @HeyJLD
Email: Charlotte Bontoft or Loren Little
Telephone: Abbie 01482 324252 or Ruth 01482 316704
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors, barristers
Region: Yorkshire
Catchment area: Leeds
The Leeds JLD provides social, educational, professional development, training and networking events to junior and aspiring lawyers and barristers in and around Leeds. Social and careers events are organised for members on a regular basis.
There is a membership fee payable, which entitles members to free or reduced entrance to events. It also allows members access to updates, newsletters and information about the Committee’s plans during the year.
Leeds JLD communicates with its members through monthly newsletters, regular event emails, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and the regional legal press.
The group is part of the National JLD. One dedicated Committee member sits on the National Committee.
Leeds JLD is closely linked with Leeds Law Society, with a dedicated Committee member responsible for LLS liaison and close collaboration between the two organisations in terms of event-planning and use of shared resources.
The group has a Committee made up of 14 individuals with current positions including chair, vice chair, treasurer, secretary, sponsorship officer, events, media and social, sports, in-house/ FELT representative, national representative, barrister representative, and Leeds Law Society liaison officer.
The Committee term runs across an academic year, from September to August. Nominations for elections to the Committee usually commence late July / early August, with the new Committee announced at the end of August.
Find us on Twitter: @LeedsJLD
You can contact the group by email on info@leedsjld.com
Membership fee: £40 – with special rates for student associate members (£22) and paralegals (£32).
Chair: Caroline Deathe
National representative: Catherine Jarmola
Website: http://www.leedsjld.com
Membership: trainees, paralegals (including future trainees), apprentices, trainee legal executives, legal executives, NQ solicitors, solicitors (up to five years' post-qualified experience), pupils, barristers (up to five years' call), and students (final year law, Graduate Diploma in Law, Legal Practice Course and BPTC) as associate members.
Region: Yorkshire
Catchment area: South Yorkshire
Sheffield and District JLD promotes the interests of junior lawyers in the Sheffield region and provides members with a forum to develop relationships within the legal community. This year’s committee aims to widen the scope of the group by attracting and encouraging the involvement of other professionals.
We hosted Sheffield’s first Interprofessional Ball last year and are looking to do the same again this year but to make it even bigger and better! We are arranging new and exciting events, seminars and workshops aimed at developing skills, offering support/advice and a place for like-minded individuals to share experiences. We are particularly interested in increasing our FELT membership.
This year’s chosen charity is Sheffield Mind and we are proud to be supporting such an amazing local charity who do such fabulous work in our local area - mental health is just as important as physical health. We hope to raise lots of funds at our events over the next year!
Please visit our social networking sites to stay abreast of legal updates and events we are hosting. Our committee terms run from March to February following elections held in March.
Membership fee: Free to eligible members
Contact: Lauren Unsworth
Email: lauren.unsworth@switalskis.com
Membership: students, paralegals, trainees, solicitors up to five years’ post-qualified experience, pupils.
Region: Yorkshire
Catchment area: York and surroundings areas including Selby, Malton and Pocklington
Membership fee: Free to eligible members
Contact: Ryan Bell (national representative)
Telephone number: 01759 371634
Email: enquiries@yorkjld.co.uk, ryan.bell@york.gov.uk
Website: http://www.yorkjld.co.uk
Group email: doncasterjuniorlawyers@gmail.com
Emma Baker: ebaker@malcolmcfoy.co.uk
Haroon Bashir: hbashir@malcolmcfoy.co.uk
Nick Pashley: npashley@malcolmcfoy.co.uk
Racheal Harrison: rharrison@malcolmcfoy.co.uk
Fazia Hussain: F.Hussain@athertongodfrey.co.uk