On 1st November Liverpool Law Society’s President Nina Ferris hosted the 191st Annual Dinner. It was a sell-out event. Over 300 members and guests arrived at the spectacular surroundings of Cunard House in Cunard building for the event which has long been the highlight of the Society’s social calendar.
The President welcomed members and their guests, hosted presidents and chair people of professional associations, including members of the Joint V local Law Societies, Belfast and Dublin associations, members of the judiciary and civic dignitaries.
The Dinner is an opportunity for old friends and colleagues to catch up, for new entrants to the market to introduce themselves and for all of our members to celebrate the city region’s vibrant legal profession.
Members and guests heard the speech prepared by the Chancellor of the High Court, Sir Geoffrey Vos who was unfortunately unable to attend the Dinner due to a medical emergency. HHJ Hodge QC kindly stepped in to relay the Chancellor’s message to the legal fraternity in Liverpool. The Chancellor’s speech championed the law as one of our greatest exports, and he believes there will be opportunities after Brexit for the legal community to excel in fintech, regtech and blockchain around the globe.
The room also heard from the President who reflected on the innovation by her predecessors over the years and looking ahead wishes the Society and its member continue to strive “harder, better, faster, stronger”. Nina gave the ‘battle cry for constant improvement…it carries on through the new technology and the threats to the rule of law and the integrity of our professions”.
As well as thanking the three sponsors of the evening Midshire, SearchFlow and SpeechWrite Digital, the Vice President of Liverpool Law Society spoke on the theme of justice. Chris appealed to all present to give their backing and support to the Legal Education Foundation who have awarded a Justice First Fellowship to a candidate in social welfare law who will soon be starting at the Merseyside Law Centre. The toast to the Society was given by Paul Smith, Executive Director of Liverpool Biennial who gave a thought-provoking talk comparing the world of the arts with the law, remarking on the synergies between the two spheres.
The President’s chosen charities for the event were the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and KIND. The thanks of the Society go to all those who made donations to these two excellent causes. The total raised including gift aid amounted to a magnificent £2,359. Thank you.
Photos of the Annual Dinner are available to view here.