Liverpool city region newly qualified solicitors, fellows of CILEx and barristers were welcomed into the legal profession at Liverpool Law Society’s celebration event on 30th January 2020. Julie O’Hare, President of Liverpool Law Society welcomed all to the event and spoke about her own career path and her too receiving a certificate of congratulations from Liverpool Law Society a few years ago at this event. She congratulated all and wished them well in their future careers.
We heard from the chairs of the Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division and the Merseyside Women Lawyers Division too. Andrew Ball, MJLD Chair, gave a very interesting speech about ‘impostor syndrome’, something that seemed to resonate with many around the room and indeed the other speakers. Kirstie Bork, MWLD Chair, said she too wondered when someone would find out about her and ask her what she was doing working as a solicitor. Kirstie spoke about the WLD, the events they put on and reminded all that the events are open to both men and women and invited anyone interested to find out more via their social media channels.
It was then on to the highlight of the evening. The High Sheriff of Merseyside, David Steer QC DL, was invited to say a few words. The High Sheriff, dressed in all his splendour, including a ceremonial sword, told us about his background and how he managed to start work at a Liverpool Chambers all those years ago when he had not perhaps the background and family connections that others had and which was so common at the time at the Bar. In addition, despite his somewhat average performance in examinations, he was successful in obtaining a pupillage, working all the way up to be head of Chambers, QC and now, after retirement, the High Sheriff of Merseyside. He too, referred to Andrew’s mention of ‘impostor syndrome’ and how many could feel that way. His advice from his many years of experience in the legal profession to those in the room embarking on the next stage of their legal careers was ‘preparation and persistence’. The High Sheriff gave out the certificates of congratulations to all those who qualified during 2019, who work at a range of small, medium and large law firms, in house legal teams and barristers’ chambers across the region. Many congratulations from Liverpool Law Society to all those who qualified during 2019 and we wish you well in the next stage of your legal career.
Many of the Society’s directors were present at the evening and enjoyed going around the room chatting to the new entrants and their guests.
Liverpool Law Society’s Education & Charities Committee – through its charitable funds – was also making awards for academic achievement and to a young/trainee solicitor for all round contribution at the event held in the Library at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. John McCormack who works at Peel Ports was the winner of the Atkinson prize and Steven Butchart from MSB was the winner of the Enoch Harvey prize for their performance in LPC exams from the University of Law and Liverpool John Moores University respectively. Mark Owen from Hill Dickinson was the winner of the Muir Matthews prize as the young or trainee solicitors who has made the greatest all round contribution in the area. The prize-winners were presented with a copy of the ‘Century of Liverpool Lawyers’ book and a cheque.
The special thanks of the Society go to the kind sponsors Chadwick Nott. Representatives Georgie Rylance and Managing Director Andrew Waters, who many of the attendees spoke to, were on hand to answer any queries and talk about the recruitment agencies services.
A professional photographer was on hand to capture the special occasion and an online photo album is available to view here.