BLS combats the downturn with new seminar programme
Monday, 20th April 2009
The economic downturn has prompted Birmingham Law Society (BLS) to launch a new programme of seminars and events to bring together the different branches of the legal professions.
The programme, which started with an employment seminar about the changes in approach to discipline and grievance following the abolition of the Statutory Dispute Resolution Procedures, offers a combination of education and networking outside office hours.
Speakers at the seminar included Judge Colin Goodier, a senior employment judge, David Wait, manager of conciliation and mediation at ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), and Linda Jones, a partner in the employment team at Pinsent Masons LLP and chair of the BLS Employment Law Committee.
Veronica Dean, a consultant at Averta Employment Lawyers and a member of the BLS Employment Law Committee chaired the event, which was hosted by Pinsent Masons LLP.
More than fifty delegates, including solicitors, barristers and legal executives from firms and chambers across the region attended the seminar and took part in a lively debate with the panel of speakers.
Glenda Rogers, professional services manager at Birmingham Law Society, who is responsible for the Learning and Development Programme, said: ''This kind of seminar is a new concept and as a regional law society we want to offer support during these very difficult times.
''We are trying to bring together all the different areas of the legal profession and associated organisations for educational and networking events.
''The evening was highly commended by the speakers and guests alike and we will be organising future topical seminars, combining training, discussion and networking.''
BLS' Family Law Committee will present the next event on Tuesday 19 May. It will look at the pitfalls facing family practitioners on issues such as client care, SRA compliance and costs. For more information please contact Glenda Rogers on 0121 633 6908 or via email Glenda@birminghamlawsociety.co.uk.
