I was delighted to be able to attend the celebration of those who are newly qualified in their respective professions. The Liverpool Law Society event was held on 24 January 2024, at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel.
The Society was privileged to have His Honour Judge Cadwallader as the key speaker for the evening.
President of the Liverpool Law Society, Gaynor Williams, started off proceedings with an opening speech and thanked all those in attendance including our valued sponsor The University of Law. Gaynor commented “The newly qualified celebration is one of my favourite events and it brings lots of positivity and optimism at the start of a new year. I have attended this event for a number of years, and it is always a pleasure to meet the up-and-coming talent in the Liverpool City Region. The newly qualified lawyers have shown determination and resilience at a time of economic and global uncertainty, and they should all be very proud of themselves.”
The President then invited Mark Evans, who is a lecturer at the University of Law and also is Deputy Vice President of the Law Society to address the attendees. Mark was followed by Jemma Castell, Chair of the Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division, who, among other matters, explained the important work of the MJLD.
Lastly, Judge Cadwallader gave an inspiring speech. The Judge spoke to the newly qualifieds about the importance of serving your clients as legal professionals. He also recommended getting involved with local organisations such as the Liverpool Law Society and the Northern Circuit.
Judge Cadwallader then handed out certificates of congratulations to the newly qualified solicitors and barristers (listed below):
Adam Singh Hayer
John Dove
Andrew Ball
Anthony Hutchinson
Callum Kelly
Danielle Stevens-Green
Gemma Baker
Hannah Chapman
Harriet Evans
Julia Michalczyk
Kelsey Ryan
Krystel Devine
Krysztie Zakrzewska
Lincoln Nelson
Lucy Jones
Michael Truman
Neve Flynn
Rob Thomas
Sam Chadwick
Sarah McClements
Sarah Sharples
Shivani Jobanputra
Stephen Mungo
Shona Casey
There were also prizes awarded for achievement in professional examinations based on the results of the Legal Practice Course at the Liverpool John Moores University and at the University of Law. The prizes are administered via the Society’s Education & Charities Committee. The academic prize winners were:
Megan Carden from Brabners, winner of the Atkinson prize
Joseph Drake from Bermans, winner of the Enoch Harvey prize
Sean Quinn from Bermans winner of the Rupert Bremner prize
Laura- Jane Beattie from Kennon Doyle winner of Timpron Martin prize
Alexandra Larsen from HMCTS North West winner of C.A. Getley prize
A further two Liverpool Law Society Prizes were awarded. The E. Rex Makin Prize was awarded to the youngest Solicitor to be admitted to the roll in the Liverpool constituency being Caitlin Johnson. The Muir Matthews Prize was awarded to a young/trainee solicitor in Liverpool who was judged to have made the largest contribution on an all-round basis. The winner was David Tarttelin who works at MSB.
Following the presentation, the attendees had a chance to socialise, enjoy a few drinks, and were also treated to some canapes. I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak to many of the attendees and also see many familiar faces who have risen through the ranks to become qualified.
I remain confident that the future of the profession, in the North West, is bright.
Congratulations to all the newly qualified and award winners alike, and good luck in your careers.
All photographs by Dan Bentley.
Full photo album appears here.
David Tournafond
Chair of the Education & Charities Committee
Liverpool Law Society