Local junior lawyers divisions and groups
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 independent National JLD. 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 Junior Solicitors Network, the National 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 more information about local JLD groups, including amendments to current listings, email juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk.
Find your local junior lawyers group
If you’re on a local junior lawyers 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 junior lawyers group, you might want to set one up yourself. Explore our handbook for local junior lawyer groups
Eastern
Catchment area: Cambridge and surrounding areas
Cambridgeshire Junior Lawyers Division (CJLD) aims to foster links with the local business community and provide opportunities for young legal professionals to network with each other and with 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.
Activities and events are partly or wholly funded by membership fees and sponsorship, and members are kept informed of activities through regular email updates.
The committee members are:
- Alice Hall, president
- Jonathan Dattani, vice president
- Phoebe Fortune, treasurer
- Megan Reckless, social secretary
- Lauren Woosey, social secretary
- Abbie Melloy, social secretary
- Caitlin Mayers, social secretary
- Nicola Warren, publicity representative
- Olivia Atkinson, publicity representative
- Kate Cibrowski, education representatives
- Beth Farrer, charity representative
The committee term runs from January to December following elections held in autumn/winter each year.
Email: cambsjld@gmail.com
Website: https://www.cambsjld.org
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
Membership: students, paralegals, trainees and newly qualified solicitors
Membership cost: £45
Catchment area: Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Junior Lawyers Division organises and holds charity events, pub quizzes, sporting events, social evenings and educational seminars.
The committee chair is Blessing Skolodova
Email: hertfordshirejuniorlawyersdivision@hotmail.com
Social media: Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
Membership: students, trainees, newly qualified solicitors, solicitors
Membership cost: free
Catchment area: Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire
The Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire Junior Lawyers Division represents junior lawyers in Northampton and Milton Keynes.
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.
The committee members are:
- Jess Leech – Chair
- Jordan Pace – Vice Chair
- Emily Dickinson – Events Officer
- Noemi Stepan-Sarkissian – Career and Education Officer and Student Representative
- Amy Lee – Social Media Representative
- Mishma Maumbe – Events Officer
- Imran Ilias – National Representative
- Megan Smyth – Secretary
Email: northantsbucksjld@outlook.com
Social media: Twitter and LinkedIn
Membership: students (LPC, GDL, CPE, CILEx, LLB, bar), legal secretaries, legal executives, paralegals, trainees, pupil barristers, NQs, solicitors and barristers (up to five years' post-qualification experience), other junior professionals (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: free
Catchment area: Norfolk
Norfolk and Norwich Junior Lawyers Division provides support to its members across Norfolk.
The committee members are:
- Serena Djiakouris, president
- Chloe Edwards, vice president
- Maddie Taylor, social secretary
- Lauren Farthing, publicity secretary
- William Roach, treasurer
- Joseph Thompson, national representative
Email norwichandnorfolkjld@gmail.com
Membership: students, trainees, paralegals, NQs, solicitors (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: free
Catchment area: Peterborough
The Peterborough JLD is currently inactive.
Should you plan to reinstate this, email juniorlawyers@lawsociety.org.uk.
Catchment area: South Essex
South Essex Junior Lawyers Division holds formal and informal events throughout the year and shares information about networking and career development opportunities.
Our flagship event is our annual boat party, usually held in London in late July or early August.
The committee members are:
- Sigourney Rutkowski, chair (Leonard Gray LLP) (01245 504895)
- Iona Cummings, vice chair (Birketts LLP)
- Eleanor Bullen-Bell, national representative (Birketts LLP)
- Megan Overall, student representative (Leonard Gray LLP)
- Harrison Barber, treasurer and secretary (Birketts LLP)
- Megan Overall, social secretary (Leonard Gray LLP)
The committee term runs from March to February in each year, with elections taking place in February.
If you wish to be considered for a committee position, please get in touch in advance of these dates.
Email: southessexjld@outlook.com
Social media: Facebook and LinkedIn
Membership: students, trainees, NQs and solicitors (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: £5 (one-off fee)
Catchment area: Suffolk and North Essex
Suffolk and North Essex Junior Lawyers Division holds a number of social and 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.
Join the Suffolk and North Essex Junior Lawyers Division on LinkedIn
Membership: students, trainees, NQs and solicitors
Greater London
London City Island Law Society and Junior Lawyers Division supports Black, disadvantaged and other ethnic junior lawyers.
Membership offers access to:
- changes of benefit to the profession that affect Black, disadvantaged and other ethnic delegates
- jobs fair
- careers development
- advice and ongoing support
- LPC and SQE exam updates
- social events and CPD-accredited seminars
- conferences
- moots and other local JLD activities
- black tie events
- law seminars with guest speakers
- bi-monthly newsletter
- how to become a junior lawyer
The London City Island JLD committee is:
- Avion Headley, chair
- Patrick Opurum, secretary
- Claire-Isabel Headley, treasurer
- Ikechi Okere, international rep
To join, email treasurer@LCIjuniorlawyers.co.uk with your name, the name of your firm or organisation and your role.
Membership: students (LPC and SQE), graduates, paralegals with an LPC, solicitor apprentices, legal executives, bar students, trainee solicitors, barristers and solicitors (up to seven years' post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: £20 + VAT
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 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.
These events include:
- seminars
- recreational activities
- networking events
- balls
- international events
Members enjoy access to events (free/discounted) and a social and business network of like-minded individuals.
Monthly emails keep members updated and in touch and invitations on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram are used to promote upcoming events.
Email: committee@lylg.org.uk
Membership: students, solicitor apprentices, paralegals, trainees and solicitors (up to seven years' post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: £20
The South London JLD National Committee representative is Amanda Collins.
Email: southlondonjld@gmail.com
Membership: Solicitor or barrister (up to 5 years PQE/call), paralegal, trainee or law student living or working in South London.
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 is dedicated to creating a network of these junior lawyers within WHLS to provide a wide range of educational and social benefits
Isabela Maculan and Amanda Lathia are the co-chairs of the group.
Email:
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.
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.
BTSS members benefit from:
- a varied range of social, sporting, cultural and charitable events that they can attend monthly for free or at nominal cost
- exclusive invitations to careers events held by legal recruitment firms
- a fortnightly newsletter with details of upcoming events and developments in the Birmingham Legal and Business sector
- access to various professional networks throughout the region through invitations to social and professional events they can attend together
- press releases from local businesses that may be of interest personally and professionally
- subsidised ticket prices for BTSS flagship events
Website: https://www.thebtss.com/
Email: btss.group@gmail.com
Social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
- trainee solicitors: £50
- newly qualified solicitors: £35
- paralegals and students: £25
Catchment area: Derbyshire and surrounding area
Derby Junior Lawyers 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 seeks to represent the concerns and issues of junior lawyers to the profession generally.
Anyone interested should register their interest by emailing derbyjuniorlawyers@outlook.com.
Website: Derby Junior Lawyers
Social media: Twitter and LinkedIn
Membership: legal assistants, paralegals, trainee solicitors, legal executives, patent and trade mark attorneys and qualified solicitors with up to five years' post-qualification experience are eligible for full membership. Associate memberships are also available to law students and professionals in the area.
Membership cost:
- full: £25
- full (for current members of the Derby and District Law Society): £5
- associate: £20
Catchment area: West Midlands
The Herefordshire JLD is currently dormant and will not be organising future events due to a lack of active members in the county.
If you're a junior lawyer in the area who is interested in taking the Herefordshire JLD forward and recruiting new members, email Christopher Finch at cfinch@hcrlaw.com.
Membership: students, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Membership fee: free
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 helps junior members of the profession to network, socialise and share all kinds of experiences with other individuals at similar stages of their careers.
It holds regular events for members including networking drinks, social events such as cocktail making, and careers talks from local recruiters.
There are two flagship events each year: a charity quiz around April in aid of a local cause, and an annual ball in November.
Elections for new committee members are held in December, with formal handover in January. All members are encouraged to apply for vacant positions.
Email: membership@ljld.co.uk
Social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
Visit the Leicestershire Junior Lawyers Division website
Membership: students (undergraduate, LPC, BPTC, GDLR and CILEx), paralegals, trainees, pupil barristers, solicitors, barristers and legal executives (up to five years’ post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: free
Catchment area: Lincolnshire
The Lincolnshire Junior Lawyers Division creates opportunities for networking and socialising by arranging quarterly events for its members.
The purpose of the events is to develop relationships with others in the industry and to promote the interests of junior lawyers.
The committee members are:
- Bethany Kay-Wright, president
- Kelsey Jerrard, vice president
- Laura Hamilton, national representative
There are also four other members on the committee who help to arrange events.
If you are interested in becoming a member or have any questions, email bethany.kay-wright@ringroselaw.co.uk or kelsey.jerrard@wilkinchapman.co.uk.
Membership: paralegals, trainees, NQs, solicitors and legal executives (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: free
Catchment area: Nottinghamshire
There are many benefits to being a member of Nottinghamshire Junior Lawyers Division (NJLD).
It organises a wide range of events for members throughout the year, including:
- a programme of social events and drinks evenings
- the Hammond Cup (an annual advocacy competition)
- seminars on careers advice
- training on soft skills, including how to network and manage stress
- work experience in Karlsruhe, Germany or Ghent, Belgium
- the annual JLD Ball
Many 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.
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.
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.
Other benefits to joining the NJLD include discounts with local businesses and non-accredited continuing professional development points for most of the seminars which the NJLD organises.
The committee members are:
- Vikky Lai, chair
- Stuart Parris, national committee representative
- Stephanie McCourt, membership secretary
Email: vikky.lai@nelsonslaw.co.uk and stephanie.mccourt@actons.co.uk
Social media: Twitter and LinkedIn
Membership: LPC students, trainees, NQs and solicitors (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership fee:
- solicitors, trainees and paralegals: £20
- student members: £15
The Shropshire Junior Lawyers Division (SJLD) aims to support and promote the interests of junior lawyers and develop relationships across the legal community.
The SJLD aims to create opportunities to network and socialise with other legal professionals and members of the local business community, and also offers mentoring opportunities to students and aspiring lawyers.
The SJLD has strong connections with the Shropshire Law Society.
It runs a variety of different events throughout the year, including social drinks and activities, and informative talks and seminars from other local professionals.
To be added to the mailing list, email shropshirejld@yahoo.co.uk.
Social media: LinkedIn and Facebook
Membership: students, paralegals, apprentices, trainees, legal executives and solicitors (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership fee: £25
Catchment area: Coventry and Warwickshire including Rugby
Warwickshire JLD is continuing to build its committee and is happy to hear from anyone interested. All roles save for national rep, chair and vice chair are available.
Warwickshire Junior Lawyers Division provides support to young lawyers within Coventry and Warwickshire.
The group is part of the Warwickshire Law Society (WLS).
It aims to advance and promote legal training, professional and personal skills by way of holding seminars and workshops.
The group hosts educational events and seminars as well as social activities.
Membership:
- trainee solicitors
- paralegals
- trainee legal executives
- solicitors (up to five years post-qualification experience), and
- legal executives (up to five years post-qualification experience)
Contact: warwickshireJLD@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Warwickshire Junior Lawyers
Twitter: @WarkJLD
Catchment area: Wolverhampton and the Black Country
There are many benefits to becoming a member of the Wolverhampton and Black Country Junior Lawyers Division, including:
- discounted admission to JLD events
- free admission to a range of JLD events
- networking opportunities
- free continuing professional development (CPD) points
- unlimited support from your local and national JLD group
- social events and CPD accredited seminars
- part of Wolverhampton Law Society
The committee members are:
- Aimee Stokes, chair
- Laura Horton, vice chair
The membership year runs 1 October to 31 September and group elections are held in September.
Call: 01902 328 355
Social media: Twitter and LinkedIn
Membership: students, trainees, NQs and solicitors
Membership cost: free
Catchment area: Worcestershire
The Worcestershire Junior Lawyers Division (WJLD) aims to support and promote the interests of junior lawyers and develop relationships across the legal community.
The WJLD aims to create opportunities to network and socialise with other legal professionals and members of the local business community. It works closely with the Worcestershire Law Society.
It runs a variety of different events throughout the year, varying from seminars with chambers, informative nights, social drinks evenings and a quiz.
The committee members are:
- Georgina Hunt, chair
- Olivia Jubb, vice chair
- Zoe Webster, national representative
Elections take place in October.
Social media: LinkedIn and Twitter
Membership: paralegals, trainees, legal executives and solicitors (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
North East
Catchment area: Tyne and Wear
Newcastle and North East Junior Lawyers Division is a friendly community of junior lawyers based in the North East of England.
It regularly organises social and educational events, networking opportunities, recruitment talks and provides support to 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 broad 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.
The committee members are:
- Anthony May, chair
- Sam Watts, treasurer
- Charlotte Johnston, secretary
- Reet Kaur, national rep
- Anthony May, regional rep
- Penny Jones and Charlotte Johnston, social secretaries
- Reet Kaur and Millie Tezcan-Fotoohi, social media reps
- Saffron Sinclair, solicitor apprentice rep
- Daniel Peacock, immediate past chair
Email: info.jldnortheast@gmail.com
Social media: LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram
Membership: students (law and non-law), solicitor apprentices, paralegals, trainee solicitors, pupils, solicitors and barristers (zero-to-five years' PQE)
Membership fee:
- students and apprentices: £10
- paralegals: £15
- trainees and pupils: £20
- solicitors and barristers: £25
Catchment area: Tees Valley and surrounding areas
Tees Valley Junior Lawyers Division (TVJLD) is aimed at junior lawyers in the Tees Valley and surrounding areas.
Its aim is to build a platform for junior lawyers to meet, share their experiences and be part of a wider support network.
The TVJLD holds events, ranging from lectures to social events and provide an opportunity to socialise with other junior lawyers in the Tees Valley region.
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).
Sign up to the Tees Valley Junior Lawyers Division mailing list
Email: tvjld@tvls.org.uk
Social media: Twitter and LinkedIn
Membership cost: free for trainee solicitors and students
North West
Catchment area: Greater Manchester and 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: free
Membership: trainees, NQs
Contact: info@boltonlawsociety.org.uk
Catchment area: Cumbria
Cumbria JLD is in the process of reactivating.
Email: cumbriajld@outlook.com
Catchment area: 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 and NQs
Membership fee:
- trainee (two years): £55
- trainee: £35
- newly qualified: £40
- paralegal or solicitor apprentice: £20
Contact: Cody Brookes (JLD national representative)
Email: manchestertraineesolicitors@outlook.com
LinkedIn: Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group
Twitter: @mcrtsg
Instagram: @mcrtsg
Catchment area: Greater Manchester
The Manchester Young Solicitors Group (MYSG) is a free membership organisation for solicitors of up to 10 years’ post-qualification experience in the Greater Manchester area.
It provides 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 chair 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're interested in joining the committee, attend an event and speak to a committee member.
A full list of the committee is available on the MYSG website.
Contact:
- Ruth Thomas, chair
- Sam Bumby, JLD representative
Email: contact@mysg.co.uk
Website: www.mysg.co.uk
Membership: NQs and solicitors
Membership fee: free
Catchment area: Merseyside
The Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division (MJLD) 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.
The MJLD 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 MJLD events are free of charge and provide a fantastic opportunity for junior lawyers to become involved in the wider Merseyside legal community.
The MJLD 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: free
Contact: Holly Knowles, national representative
Email: merseysidejuniorlawyers@gmail.com
Membership is open to:
- law students
- paralegals
- trainee solicitors
- legal executives and solicitors up to five years' PQE
- legal apprentices (including solicitor and CILEX apprentices)
- pupil barristers
- barristers up to three years' post tenancy
Catchment area: Preston
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.
Junior lawyers benefit from networking, continuing professional development events and skills workshops.
Membership to the group is free and you join by emailing.
Committee members:
- Ummeya Zaka - president
- Jessica Graham - vice president
- Chloe Fenwick - treasurer
- Olivia Hornby - secretary
- Zaynah Dad - LPC rep
- Chloe Wishart - trainee rep
- Betsy Senior - UCLan rep
- Kattrina Hancock - education and event officer
Membership fee: free
Membership: students, trainees, NQs and solicitors up to five years’ post-qualification experience
Email: prestonjld@gmail.com
South East
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: LPC students, paralegals, legal executives, trainees, professional support lawyers, qualified solicitors (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership cost: free
To join, email juniorlawyersdivisionbbo@gmail.com with your name, the name of your firm or organisation, and your role.
Social media: keep up to date via Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
The executive committee members are:
- Rosie Deller – President
- Sarah Downes – Vice President
- Emma Docking – National Representative
- Richard Gowing – Regional Representative
- Laura Christodoulou – Treasurer
- Rabika Kaur Basran – Diversity and Inclusion Secretary
- Sophie Stone – Website Secretary
- Poppy Holmes – Education Secretary
- Ellis Wharton – Social Secretary
- Louise Low – General Member
- Jessica Smith – Marketing Secretary
If you would like to join the committee, email us.
Catchment area: Kent
The Kent Junior Lawyers Division offers a range of events of interest to junior members of the legal profession.
We hold events designed to assist the professional development of our members in a sociable and enjoyable way. These provide the perfect platform for networking between young professionals.
We also invite guest speakers to address members on matters of legal interest and importance.
Details of forthcoming events are announced on social media:
Membership: anyone who is studying or working in law:
- students and apprentices
- LPC students and graduates
- trainee solicitors
- solicitors up to five years' qualified
- any other junior legal professionals (such as paralegals and legal executives)
Membership is free and automatic for these junior members of the profession.
If you would like to get in touch with the Kent JLD committee, email kentjld@outlook.com.
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.
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
Membership fee: £50
Committee:
- Rianna Farrow, president
- James Looi, vice president
- Hannah McMullen, secretary
- Adam Hughes, events and sponsorship rep
- Ellie Stanton, events rep
- Stephanie Bellamy, national JLD rep
- Kayleigh Ryan, summer party and relationship rep
- Amrita Sangha, media and communications
- Shereen Eleker, social media
- Agnes Sweicka, committee member
- Dereen Kakabra, HILS rep
The committee term runs from September to August, with elections held in early August.
For more information or to be notified about future SHJLD events, email committee.shjld@gmail.com.
Catchment area: East and West Sussex
Sussex Junior Lawyers Division 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.
The Sussex JLD’s committee 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 universities, local law firms, local chambers, recruitment agencies and provides members with training and professional development opportunities, career and recruitment advice.
You can find further information about Sussex JLD on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Email: sussexjld@gmail.com
Membership: students (LPC, BVC, GDL), paralegals, trainees, legal executives, solicitors and barristers (up to five years' post-qualification experience)
Membership fee: £5
Catchment area: Surrey
Membership: SQE, LPC and BPC students and graduates, paralegals, chartered legal executives, conveyancers, trainee solicitors, solicitor apprentices, solicitors of up to five years’ post-qualified experience (PQE), pupil barristers and junior barristers of up to five 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:
- supporting junior and aspiring lawyers
- providing a networking platform for legal professionals
- contributing to the education of those pursuing a career in law
- improving our members’ awareness of issues relating to the profession and in particular, ensuring they are kept up to date with Junior Lawyers Division matters
- participating in pro bono activities to connect with the community in which we work
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:
- Bethany Walker, chair and universities & colleges rep
- Bisma Hussain, vice chair and sponsorship rep
- Alex Watson-Lee, vice chair
- Martin Whitehorn, national JLD rep
- Daisy Welland, secretary
- Seema Gill, treasurer and SQE rep
- Katie Foulds, Surrey Law Society rep
- Kabina Suyal, digital marketing rep
- Joanna Earl, charity rep
- Joe Lloyd-Perks, events rep
- Daniel Hart, events rep
- Ellie Sullivan, events rep
- Daniella Mcleod, wellness rep
- Alexandra Pruvost, wellness rep
- Sapphira Gold, career changer rep
- Jasmine Lagha, in-house rep
- Lavanya Hart, diversity & inclusion rep
- Julia Francis-Owusuasefa, diversity & inclusion rep
- Joshua Schonegevel, University of Law rep
Email: surreyjuniorlawyersdivision@gmail.com
Instagram: @surrey_jld
Follow us on Twitter: @SurreyJLD
Surrey Junior Lawyers Division website
Follow us on LinkedIn.
South West
Catchment area: Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding area
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:
- Alex Crabbe, president
- Florence Shoemaker, vice president
- Conor Maher, treasurer
- Clementine Saulnier, national rep
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.
Membership: LPC 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: alex.crabbe@rawlinsdavy.com, florence.shoemaker@ellisjones.co.uk
Visit the Bournemouth and District Junior Lawyers Division website
Facebook: Bournemouth JLD
Twitter: @bournemouthJLD
Instagram: @bournemouthjld
Catchment area: Bristol and 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.
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
Catchment area: 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 and 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.
Committee:
- Alexandra Wild
- Matthew Verrier
- Sydney-Anne McAllister
Membership fee: free
Email: jld.cheltenham.gloucester@outlook.com
Membership: solicitor apprentices, paralegals, students, trainee solicitors, trainee legal executives, NQs, solicitors
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.
- Hannah Porter – co-chair
- Ben Butterworth – co-chair
- Grace Blackburn – national representative
- Amelia Newman – vice chair
- Emily Bowden – treasurer
- Megan Sly – communications
- Sophie Tucker – general secretary
- Jess Clements – social secretary
- Lydia Robinson – education representative
- Isobel Massey – charities representative
- Holly Crook – diversity representative
- Omar Mahboob – sports representative
- Rosie Ridgers – Somerset representative
Email: dsjld17@gmail.com
Website: https://www.dasls.com/page/junior-lawyers-division.html
Membership: LPC students, trainees, NQs, and solicitors up to five years' PQE
Catchment area: Plymouth and surrounding areas of Devon
The Plymouth Junior Lawyers Division (PJLD) aims to actively encourage junior legal practitioners in the Plymouth area to meet, network and socialise, along with providing them access to all of the information they need to progress into the legal sector within the city and further afield.
The PJLD is designed for students (studying the LPC, BVC, BPTC, GDL or LLB Law), paralegals, ILEX members, legal administrators, trainee solicitors, junior qualified solicitors (0-5 years PQE), pupils, and junior barristers.
We will organise regular social events throughout the year, the highlight of which will be our Spring Ball. The PJLD is 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, support and useful hints and tips on how to progress their chosen 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 and experience across the city and further afield.
We aim to link up with both the Devon and Somerset JLD and Cornwall JLD this year.
We will actively be supported by the Plymouth Law Society our sister organisation.
2022 – 2023 Committee Members:
- Chair: Adam Richards (Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
- Secretary: Caitlin Weeks (GA Solicitors)
- Treasurer: Charlotte Bonney (Gard & Co)
- Social Director: Ella Thorpe (Wolferstans)
- Charities Director: Rhianna Greenley (Nash & Co)
- National Representative: Rachel Lee (Wolferstans)
- Social Media Director: Niall Rundle (GA Solicitors)
- Student Education Secretary: Emily Unsworth (Wolferstans)
Keep up to date with forthcoming events by visiting ‘Plymouth Junior Lawyers Division’ on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram or:
Email: plymouthjuniorlawyers@gmail.com or contact Adam (Chair) direct at: adam.richards@wbd-uk.com
Telephone: 01752 577657
Wales
Catchment area: Cardiff and South East Wales
The group works alongside but independently of the national JLD, and represents all student members of the Law Society enrolled through the SRA. This includes:
- law/GDL/LPC/BPTC/SQE students and graduates
- paralegals
- members of the CILEx
- legal apprentices
- trainee solicitors
- pupils, and
- solicitors and barristers with up to five years' post-qualified experience (PQE) in the Cardiff and district area
The committee is chaired by Abigail Salter, a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell.
In the past, the committee has 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.
The committee also organises social events and professional events designed to assist junior lawyers in securing a training contract, pupillage or newly qualified position.
As membership numbers continue to grow, the committee promotes the interests of its members via social media.
Email us if you'd like to be added to our mailing list for more information, and visit our website.
Follow us on Twitter: @JLDCandSEWales
Follow us on Instagram: @jldcsew
Membership fee: free
Contact: Abigail Salter
Catchment area: Cheshire and North Wales
Email: cnwjld@gmail.com
Catchment area: Swansea and District
The Swansea and District Junior Lawyers Division 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.
Email: swanseajld@gmail.com
Membership: students, paralegals, trainees, NQs, solicitors
Catchment area: West Wales
The West Wales JLD provides members with an opportunity to network and connect with other junior lawyers.
We discuss issues of concern and our members benefit from training, advice and career guidance. We ensure that our members’ views are heard and we contribute to JLD campaigns, lobbying activities and consultations.
There is no enrolment process or joining fee. Simply email us expressing your interest and we will add you to our mailing list. You will then receive all of the latest information straight to your inbox.
Follow us on Twitter: @WestWalesJLD
Follow us on Instagram: @westwalesjld
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestWalesJLD/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/west-wales-junior-lawyers-division
Contact: Sophie Jenkins (chair)
Email: westwalesjld@gmail.com
Membership: students, paralegals, legal secretaries, legal apprentices, trainees, pupils, and barristers and solicitors up to five years' PQE
Yorkshire
Membership is open to:
- law students
- legal assistants
- paralegals
- trainee solicitors
- trainee chartered legal executives
- NQs, solicitors and chartered legal executives with up to five years' PQE
- pupils and barristers under fiver years' call
The Doncaster JLD's aim is to promote the interests of junior lawyers in the city of Doncaster, and surrounding region.
We provide members with a forum to develop relationships within the legal community, by running functions ranging from educational events and lectures to informal social events.
Our recently re-established committee hopes to establish a strong local presence by encouraging members to network and create new contacts within the local legal community allowing for a network of junior lawyers and alike to share common experiences and concerns.
The events we run are partly, or wholly funded by sponsorship. Members are kept informed about our upcoming events through regular email and social media updates.
Joining the Doncaster JLD is free!
The committee:
- Liam Bawden, president
- Emily Taylor, national representative
- Olivia Hall, honorary secretary
- Rob Newby, honorary treasurer
- Racheal Harrison, events officer
- Melissa Squires, membership officer
- Sharnika Reid, education officer
- Yasmin Ahmad, equality, diversity and mental health officer
- publicity and marketing officer, vacant
- sponsorship and charity officer, vacant
For general enquiries, email Liam Bawden at liam.bawden@jonessolicitors.co.uk.
For membership enquiries, email Melissa Squires at melissa.squires@hsrlaw.co.uk.
Social media:
The Harrogate and North Yorkshire Junior Lawyers Division (HNYJLD) provides support to young lawyers within the North Yorkshire region.
By joining the JLD, you will have a great opportunity to network with other young professionals in an informal and friendly environment.
The JLD hosts a variety of events based on member preferences. These include and are not limited to:
- networking opportunities
- skills workshops
- educational events
The JLD also works closely with a nominated charity of the year to increase awareness, provide support and fundraise through events.
Membership:
- students
- apprentices
- paralegals
- trainees
- barristers (pupil up to seven years' post-qualified experience (PQE))
- legal executives (trainee up to seven years’ PQE)
- NQ solicitors (up to seven years’ PQE)
Membership is free.
The committee:
- president: Harriet Stacey
- vice-presidents: Emma Lees and Lucy Harbron
Committee elections take place in July each year.
To sign up to the mailing list, email harrogatejld@gmail.com.
Email the president at harriet.stacey@parklaneplowden.co.uk.
Keep up to date on our upcoming events:
Catchment area: Hull and 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 LPC 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:
- Chloe Crooks – president/chair
- Vacant – vice president
- Loren Little – charities director
- Alicia Baron – communications director
Contact: heyjld@outlook.com
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
Catchment Area: Kirklees & Calderdale Districts
Membership is open to:
- law students (undergraduate, GDL and LPC)
- legal assistants
- paralegals
- trainee solicitors (via the training contract and SQE routes)
- NQ solicitors, licensed conveyancers and chartered legal executives with up to five years' PQE
Our aim is to build a strong community between junior and aspiring lawyers in Kirklees & Calderdale districts and surrounding areas by providing members with a forum to attend professional training and, social, educational and networking events.
We have re-established our local JLD from a love of our community and a desire to help promote diversity in the future generation of lawyers by establishing a strong local presence and encouraging members to network, working closely with the Halifax Law Society, Huddersfield University and The Huddersfield & Dewsbury Incorporated Law Society.
Members are kept informed about our upcoming events through regular social media updates and emails.
The membership year runs from January to December, with nominations for elections to the committee in September at the AGM and the new committee announced in December.
Joining the Kirklees & Calderdale JLD is free with events subsidised by sponsorships.
The committee:
- Chair – Jessica Nugent-Herrett
- Vice-chair – Emily Kennett
- Secretary – Stacey Parkinson
- Treasurer – Olivia Bancroft
- National JLD representative – Ru’Maan Hamid
- Charity representatives – Martha Khan & Beth Umney
- Student representative – Lauren England
- Events – Emily Walton & Georgia Holding
- Social media (Publicity and Communications Secretary) – Chloe Flynn
- Sponsorships – Ru’Maan Hamid & Alice McGlynn
- Equality & diversity and resilience & wellbeing – Chloe Lamont & Rebecca Wardle
Contact:
Email: KandCJLD@gmail.com
Instagram: @kirkleesandcalderdaleJLD
Catchment area: Leeds
Chair: Ellie Stansfield
Vice chair: Samantha Patel
National representative: Eleanor Folger
Leeds JLD is an organisation for junior and aspiring lawyers across Leeds, providing the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals to build relationships, confidence and develop networking skills as they begin their legal career.
We provide social, educational, professional development, training and networking events on a regular basis.
Membership entitles members to free or reduced entrance to events, as well as priority access for our annual summer BBQ and Winter Ball. It also allows members access to our mailing list which contains updates and information about the committee’s plans for events during the year.
The membership year runs from January to December, with nominations for elections to the committee in November and the new committee announced in December.
The committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month.
Leeds JLD communicates regularly with its members through Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
We also print an article in the Leeds Law Society Leeds and Yorkshire Lawyer Journal and are closely linked with them, with a dedicated committee member responsible for liaison and close collaboration between the two organisations in terms of event-planning and use of shared resources.
The Leeds JLD Committee is made up of 15 individuals who voluntarily provide their time to plan and create an excellent year for our members.
Stay connected with us on our social media sites below or sign up to our mailing list.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram: @JLDLeeds
Email: leedsjld@outlook.com
Membership fees:
- professional (trainees, pupils, NQs, solicitors, barristers and legal executives): £30
- paralegals, apprentices and future trainees: £25
- students: £20
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.
Catchment area: South Yorkshire
Sheffield and District Junior Lawyers Division promotes the interests of junior lawyers in the Sheffield region and provides members with a forum to develop relationships within the legal community.
We look to put on events, seminars and workshops aimed at developing skills, offering support, advice and a place for like-minded individuals to share experiences and network.
We are proud to support a number of Sheffield-based charities through our events, all of which do amazing work in our local area.
Our committee terms run from the start of May to the end of April each year. The 2023/24 committee is:
- Luke Singleton, president
- Katie Parker, vice president and secretary
- Jonathan Earnshaw, treasurer
- Holly Wardle and Ilma Mozuraityte, events representatives
- Sophie Taft, social media representative
- Megan Wroe, firms with eight or less trainees (FELT) representative
- Emerald Hutton, sponsorship representative
- Chloe Abbott, charities representative
- Bailey Wright, education representative
Membership fee: free to eligible members
Membership: students (final year law, PGDL, LPC, SQE, BPTC or final year non-law seeking entry into law), paralegals, trainee solicitors, apprentices, trainee legal executives, pupil barristers, newly qualified solicitors and qualified lawyers (including solicitors, barristers and legal executives) up to five years' post-qualification experience
Visit our social networks to stay abreast of legal updates and events we are hosting.
Catchment area: York and the surrounding areas, including (but not limited to) Harrogate, Selby, Malton and Pocklington
The York Junior Lawyers Division aims to bring together York’s junior legal professionals and develop a tightknit legal community.
We welcome all junior legal professionals, including: law graduates; legal assistants; paralegals; trainee solicitors; and solicitors up to five years post qualification.
We also welcome those looking to move into York and the surrounding areas to begin or continue their legal careers.
Due to its size, York is notorious for ‘everyone knowing everyone’, and we aim to implement this characteristic into its legal community. We achieve this through organising and hosting professional development, training, networking and social events to our members.
We also organise events, in collaboration with other JLDs, in order to connect our members with the wider legal community.
We are active and contactable on various social networks:
Instagram: @York_JLD
Twitter: @JLD_York
LinkedIn: York JLD
Membership is free to eligible applicants.
To join, email enquiries@yorkjld.co.uk stating your current occupation/legal role, location, and confirming that you would like to join the York JLD. Please also provide your explicit consent to receiving our emails regarding announcements and events from the York JLD.
The York JLD’s current committee members are:
- chair and national representative: Kyle Spivey
- treasurer: Christine Simons
- social media and communications: William Kew
- events representatives: Thomas Parkes, Robyn Thompson and Lilly Grant
- charity representative: Jessica Smith
- Law Society representative: Sarah Proctor