Liverpool Law Jan 2017

January 2017
Liverpool Law
The Magazine for the legal sector
in Merseyside and the North West
Meet the New
President of
Liverpool Law
Society
Brown Turner
Ross announces
Mencap Liverpool
as chosen charity
Keith Jones
Partnership wins
national award
Pro-Bono and
CSR Match
Making for the
Legal Sector
!
!
!
www.liverpoollawsociety.org.uk

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Editorial
Liverpool Law
Needs YOU!
Welcome
to the January edition of Liverpool Law
Sylvia Shepherd stepped down as Editor at the end of
2016 and I am sure readers will join me in thanking
Sylvia for all her hard work, commitment and
boundless enthusiasm over the past three years.
Liverpool Law has a new Editor, Peter Holland of
DWF who will be taking over the reins from the
February edition. I’m sure that Peter will have some
new ideas to take Liverpool Law forward, but please
do continue to submit your news and stories for the
next edition (editor@liverpoollawsociety.org.uk).
This month we have a new President, John Ballam
who has been practising on the Wirral for almost 40
years and a familar face to many. I spoke to John
about his plans for 2017 and his aims as President,
which is included on page 7.
2017 is undoubtedly going to be another challenging
year for the profession and as I write the submission
deadline for the consultation on increasing the small
claims limit is looming. Liverpool Law Society hosted
a meeting with Capital Economics in December to
discuss this issue. The meeting was well attended by
both claimants and defendant solicitors. Chair of the
Civil Litigation Committee, Kirsty McKno gives an
update on page 9.
The Society also welcomes Nina Ferris of Hill
Dickinson as the new Vice President and Gaynor
Williams has joined the General Committee and been
appointed a Director of the Society.
Finally, in November Liverpool Law Society held a
very successful Pro Bono and CSR Match making
event. Matt Smith reports on the event and offers
advice for members who want to offer pro-bono
advice or become involved with third sector legal
advice agencies.
Thank you for reading and contributing to Liverpool
Law and may I take this opportunity to wish you all a
Healthy and Happy New Year.
Julia Baskerville
Publisher
Diary Dates
Thu 26th Jan 2017 6pm onwards
New Qualifieds and Merseyside JLD and LLS Meet & Greet Event
Fri 17th February 2017
Legal Awards nomination deadline
Tues 28th February 2017
Pathways to the Legal Profession
Thu 30 March 2017
Merseyside JLD and LLS Quiz night
Liverpool Law Society Magazine
is produced by and for Liverpool
Law Society Members. This is
our opportunity to share our news,
events and celebrations with our
friends in the legal community.
All members' contributions to
Liverpool Law are warmly
welcomed. Please send your
article (and photo captions where
possible) or request for further
information, or assistance to the
editor at
editor@liverpoollawsociety.org.uk
Photographs should be provided
in the highest resolution possible
to ensure a good reproduction.
The views and opinions expressed
in Liverpool Law are those of the
individual contributed and not
those of the Liverpool Law
Society.
Published by Baskerville
Publications Limited
Apt 327 Holden Mill
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BL1 7PN
Email: j.baskerville@jbaskerville.co.uk
Editorial Committee
Dates 2017
03/01/2017 AT 13:00
06/02/2017 AT 13:00
06/03/2017 AT 13:00
03/04/2017 AT 13:00
02/05/2017 AT 13:00
05/06/2017 AT 13:00
03/07/2017 AT 13:00
07/08/2017 AT 13:00
04/09/2017 AT 13:00
02/10/2017 AT 13:00
Photographs for Liverpool Law
If any member has photographs of Merseyside or surrounding areas and would like them to be featured
on future front covers of Liverpool Law, please email editor@liverpoollawsociety.org.uk.
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Deadlines 2017
14TH DEC FOR JAN
16TH JAN FOR FEB
13TH FEB FOR MARCH
20TH MARCH FOR APRIL
13TH APRIL FOR MAY
15TH MAY FOR JUNE
19TH JUNE FOR JULY
17TH JULY FOR AUG
14TH AUG FOR SEP
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
3

From the President
President’s Mentions
Happy New Year to everyone,
here’s to a happy healthy &
prosperous 2017 for all our
members.
I am very pleased & proud to have
been appointed the Liverpool Law
Society President for 2016/17 and
thank all those who have put their
trust in me particularly Alison
Lobb my predecessor who did such
an excellent job during 2015/16. I
only hope that I can continue the
good work she started and once
again promote the name of
Liverpool Law Society and the area
of Merseyside which the Society
represents.
I would also like to thank all the
officers and members of the
committee of the Society who have
agreed to assist by taking up
various important posts in the
Society. As always we will all
endeavour to help the membership
get the best out of the Society, by
informing, assisting, co-ordinating
and providing training as well as
providing social and networking
occasions for all firms to network
and benefit from the knowledge of
all members.
Can I ask you to take time to look
at the committee membership to
enable you to use the facilities of
this digital age we are now in.
Consider joining the LinkedIn
group, follow the Society on
Twitter and like the Facebook page
please to obtain the best possible
advantage, save time and contact
the most appropriate person to
discuss your subject. Remember we
are in 21st century so we need to
be ahead of the opposition and we
at Helix can help you.
Those of you who do not know me I
am a Consultant Solicitor Advocate
(Crime) with FPH Law Solicitors
operating from Hamilton Square
Birkenhead and appearing mainly in
the Crown Court.
I have been involved in Criminal law
for over 35 years and enjoy the
Court atmosphere and helping the
inarticulate, vulnerable individuals
who allegedly transgress the Law.
More than ever with the
Government endeavouring to take
control of everything and the media
ignoring the privacy of the
individual I believe we as a
profession need to be stronger than
ever.
So it is we at Liverpool Law Society,
as we have for many years, are
lobbying Parliament over various
legislation proposed to be
implemented including the latest
consultation paper Reforming the
soft tissue injury (whiplash) claims
process. I am very grateful to Kirsty
McKno for co-ordinating meetings
with members, MPs and submitting
a response. I would urge all
members to consider this piece of
proposed legislation which
potentially could have a dramatic
effect upon the public and the
profession, and respond.
We are hoping to persuade the MoJ
to put the response date back to
enable fuller consultation.
On 5th December, Alison and I
enjoyed a delightful informal buffet
supper at the Judges Lodgings in
Newsham Park at the invite of the
Lord Chief Justice, Lord Justice
Thomas, most senior Judge in the
land now that the Lord Chancellor is
a Political appointment.
This was I think Alison’s last official
engagement as President of
Liverpool Law Society and gave me
a further insight into the position of
President. We were joined by all the
sitting High Court Judges and
leaders of the Civil Family &
Criminal divisions in Liverpool and
the leader of the Northern Circuit
and also our very own Jim Davies
Sheriff of Merseyside. As well as the
newly appointed Judges in
Liverpool.
It gave us an opportunity to discuss
various topics with all the Judges
and further cement the association
that we at Liverpool Law Society
have with the Judiciary. I did thank
Lord Justice Thomas for a most
enjoyable evening, and formally
record those thanks in this report.
Can I also remind everyone of the
events throughout 2017 and
encourage everyone to engage.We
have the highlight of the year
namely the Legal Awards in May,
but can I remind you that you need
to nominate yourself, your firm or
another individual whom you think
has made such a contribution to the
law by 17th February 2017. You’ve
got to be in it to win it and we want
as many as possible to enter. There
are 14 separate categories so plenty
of choice and you can enter as many
as possible.
Another exciting event is the Newly
Qualified evening and prizegiving,
where the young and newly qualified
Solicitors and Barristers are
rewarded with their prize or
certificate, this is fixed for 26th
January at the Hard Days Night
Hotel. It is an opportunity for the
young Solicitors to meet with the
profession and for their parents to
show their pride in their children.
The Committee also have regular
meetings with the local councillors
and local MPs and there are such
meetings planned for January and I
would encourage you to provide the
staff at Helix with any questions
comments or reports to enable us to
provide the legislators with our
views and recommendations.
Please use these opportunities to
your advantage.
I will sign off once again by
thanking everyone engaged with
Liverpool Law Society, for all their
hard work and endeavour to
encourage everyone to become
involved with the Society.
Have a peaceful and happy January.
John Ballam
President
president@liverpoollawsociety.org.uk
Charity spotlight...
The Abbeyfield Society
The Abbeyfield Society was founded by Richard Carr Gomm in 1956,
in Bermondsey in London, to provide care and companionship to
older people. The Abbeyfield movement now operates in more than
seventeen countries around the world and in the UK alone has around
eight thousand residents. The Abbeyfield Hoylake & West Kirby
Society was formed in 1963 adopting the same principles and we now
have three houses in the area with a capacity for 43 residents.
The life blood of the Abbeyfield movement is our volunteers without
whom we would not be able to deliver many of the services we provide.
The members of our Trustee Board are all volunteers supported by our
General Manager and Company Secretary. They form the strategy for
the Society, carry out all the governance duties as well as ensuring we
maintain an environment in all our houses which enhances our
residents’ quality of life and encourages them to live as independent a
life as possible. Other volunteers provide friendship and encouragement
to our residents, join them on outings and generally support the staff in
the houses. Relatives and friends are welcome to visit at any time and to
join in any of the many different activities we offer. To name a few,
Bingo, crosswords, exercises, singing, craft work and day trips.
A growing number of our residents have Dementia to a greater or lesser
degree and the Society has started a programme of refurbishment so that
residents bedrooms in our main care home, Lear house, are designed to
be dementia friendly with specially designed furniture and fabrics which
create a warm and relaxing ambience. Lear house as a whole is audited
by our Trustees against the Stirling University Dementia audit standard.
Stirling University are the recognised world leaders in this field.
We operate in a very challenging environment as any newspaper
headline on the problems within the NHS will tell you.
We are always looking for people prepared to give up some of their time
to help us to lead and develop the society in what is an ever changing
and challenging environment. The rewards for us are in seeing our
residents continue to have a life which is filled with interest for them and
to support them and their relatives at this stage of their life.
For further information please call any of the below on 0151 625 1092
Ailsa Wright, General Manager
Peter Fletcher, Company Secretary
Lesley Saunders, House Manager
4 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

Local News
Liverpool Law Society AGM
The Liverpool Law Society AGM took place on Monday 28th
November 2016. The event was held at lunchtime for the first time in
the hope that more people would be able to attend and it was good to
see so many members and past presidents to share some lunch and
their views on the Society’s activities over the last year.
There is of course formal business to be conducted and the election of
the 2016/17 General Committee took place during the meeting. Many
people don’t realise that LLS is a company limited by guarantee and
those elected become directors of that company with the associated
duties owed by virtue of that position. The committee consists of
between 14 and 27 directors and they must retire by rotation every three
years with up to five being nominated for re-election.
This year a new committee member was elected – Gaynor Williams of
Bennett Williams Solicitors. We will find out more about Gaynor in next
month’s Liverpool Law. There are still some casual vacancies on the
General Committee so if you are interested in becoming a director of
Liverpool Law Society, please get in touch with the President or CEO.
Other formal business includes the approval of the accounts laid before
the members. The Treasurer, Philip Rooney delivered his report via the
President and reported that whilst it had been a tough year, the Society’s
expenditure had been reduced dramatically by the successful office move
and that lays the foundations for a more sustainable society.
The President then delivered her address which re-iterated her theme of
the law as a business and summarised the events, discussions and
meetings she had attended representing the Society’s members over the
last 12 months in what was a very busy year. The AGM is also a time to
say thank you – to the President, to the directors and officers and
importantly to the LLS staff who work very hard to make sure all of the
society’s events, services and benefits can be provided.
If you have an interest in shaping the profession, having a say on matters
that affect lawyers and their businesses locally and nationally and
promoting Liverpool lawyers, you should consider joining the General
Committee and becoming a director of Liverpool Law Society. You can
find out more by contacting the CEO at
sarahpoblete@liverpoollawsociety.org.uk
Nina Ferris
Vice President of Liverpool Law Society &
Legal Director at Hill Dickinson
2016/2017 Directors of Liverpool Law Society
The following directors were elected into Officer positions at the meeting
of the General Committee held on 13th December 2016:
Officers of the Society
President – John Ballam, FPH Law
Vice President – Nina Ferris, Hill Dickinson
Hon. Treasurer – Philip Rooney, DLA Piper UK
Joint Hon Secretary – Julie O’Hare, Carpenters
Joint Hon Secretary – Steven Zdolyny, Riverview Law
Immediate Past President – Alison Lobb, Morecrofts
Other Committee roles
Specialist Committee Chairs
Access to Justice Committee - Mr Chris Topping, Broudie Jackson Canter
Criminal Practice Committee - Mr John Weate, RMNJ Solicitors,
Civil Litigation Committee – Ms Kirsty McKno, Breens Solicitors
Employment Law Committee - Ms Nicky Benson, Bermans
Family Business Committee - Ms Adele Schofield, The Berkson Globe
Partnership
Non-Contentious Business Committee - Ms Naomi Pinder, QualitySolicitors
Jackson & Canter
Regulatory Committee - Ms Mickaela Fox, Weightmans
Management Committees
Editorial Committee Chair - Mr Peter Holland, DWF
Training Committee Chair - Mr James Mannouch, Educational
establishment
Education & Charities Committee Chair - Mr David Tournafond, Bermans
Other post holders
Public Relations Officer - Mr Stewart McCulloch, Slater Gordon Legal
Services
Parliamentary Liaison Officer - Mr Jeremy Myers, Husband Forwood
Morgan
Membership Officer - Mrs Sarah Mansfield, Forbes Solicitors
Other Members of the Committee
Mr Bill Chandler, Hill Dickinson
Ms Joanne Francis, BLM
Mrs Sarah Lapsley, Cook & Talbot
Mrs Sylvia Shepherd, DLA Piper UK
Mr Emlyn Williams, Weightmans
Ms Gaynor Williams, Bennett Williams Solicitors
Geographical Council Members representing Merseyside & District
on The Law Society’s Council at Chancery Lane, London.
Mr Charlie Jones - Weightmans
Mrs Sarah Lapsley - Cook & Talbot
Back row: Bill Chandler,
Jeremy Myers, David
Tournafond, Joanne Francis,
Naomi Pinder and Philip
Rooney.
Front Row: Julie O’Hare -
Joint Hon Secretary, Nina
Ferris - Vice President, John
Ballam - President, Alison
Lobb - Immediate Past
President, Steven Zdolyny -
Joint Hon Secretary
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
5

Local News
News from the Sub-Committees
Regulatory Committee
The Regulatory Committee met on 10 November to consider the following
consultations:
i) (MoJ) Tailored reviews of the Legal Services Board and the Office of
legal Complaints 2016: call for evidence ends on 24 November 2016
ii) (SRA) A new route to qualification: the Solicitors Qualifying
Examination ends on 9 January 2017
As to i), in large part the committee was in favour of maintaining the
current structures and governance arrangements for the LSB and the OLC.
On a scale of 1 to 5, the Committee rated the performance by the LSB of
its statutory functions as 3. Specific shortcomings include a lack of access
to justice in some areas and a sense that the LSB could and should do
more in terms of policy making.
As to ii), the second part of the SRA’s consultation on the Solicitors
Qualifying Examination proved much less controversial with Committee
members that the first. On the whole it was felt that the criticisms levied at
the SRA in response to part 1 had been taken on board and addressed”.
The upshot is a credible proposal.
Mickaela Fox
Chair, Regulatory Committee
Criminal Practice Committee
This meeting was well attended when the following matters were discussed:-
CPP (Common Professional Platform):
The Common Professional Platform project is ongoing. The installation of
the digital system has been delayed because the current Merseyside Police
system has to continue running during this process.
The anticipated two-way interface system is expected to be in place by 5th
December 2016. Stage 1 in January 2017 will be reserved for the most
serious cases only but eventually it will be opened up to a greater number of
offences. Stage 2 will take place in February-March 2017 and will contain
the IDPC packs.
In the longer term we understand that it will be 12 -18 months before the
defence have individual access to interact with and upload case information
similar to the crown court digital case system and it will be a couple of
years before the CPP is in full working order. It is a stage by stage project
and there is an ongoing consultation process which will look at what is
needed from the defence perspective. It is important for defence
practitioners to provide input so that what works for us is implemented.
Live Link Evidence:
With regard to police officers giving live link evidence, we discussed the
practical issues at the last meeting and there are still various teething
problems and practical problems to be ironed out. Currently there are 5
courts with the live link facility. This results in those courtrooms without
the live link being left without work.
There is a consultation for the Magistrates’ Court to use those courtrooms
in the building which are currently unused. The aim is to have a total of 8
Magistrates’ Courts with the live link.
Ongoing Changes:
Since the last meeting plea and trial preparation forms in the Magistrates’
Court are now fully digital. The previous problems encountered with the
procedure for receipt of disclosure was discussed. The general view was
that the situation has improved but there are still cases where disclosure has
been requested well n advance of the hearing but is still not received prior to
the hearing. There is a facility for the CPS to identify who is responsible
for responding to IDPC requests on any given day. We have been asked to
make a note of the URN, name, date IDPC requested, which mail box used
and confirmation of lack of response or delay. Kieran Fielding and Paul
Kilty have acted on behalf of all defence practitioners in liaising with the
CPS and the courts in this regard and all members of the committee and
other practitioners are invited to e mail Kieran with the details. His e mail
address is KieranFeilding@dpp-law.com. The situation is being monitored.
At the last meeting we discussed the additional concern of how the digital
completion of the plea and trial preparation forms impacts on the Court
6 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
Duty Solicitor who may not be acting on the trial of a case or involved in
any other way following that specific hearing.
Again all practitioners are invited to e mail their concerns or views now that
they system is up and running via Kieran or the Chair, John Weate. His
email address is john.weate@rmnj.co.uk
Digital pre-sentence reports are now available to the Magistrates’ Courts.
Training/Conferences:
As we are all aware, the Solicitors Continuing Competence Scheme replaces
hours based CPD with effect from 1 November 2016. The new regime
offers more flexibility but CPD itself hasn’t been abolished. Police station
reps and designated fee earners must still obtain a minimum of 6 hours per
year. The SRA no longer approves CPD providers or courses, it leaves it up
to you to decide whether the training you are receiving is up to the job.
For most criminal lawyers there will be a core requirement to keep abreast
of legal changes, cases, statutes, procedure, ethics etc. Liverpool Law
Society will still run a training programme of around 100 sessions per year
and currently on offer until May 2017 is a 12 month training season ticket
for £380 which will entitle each delegate to attend as many sessions as you
like. This is excellent value for money when you compare it with the cost of
individual CPD courses. If there is a strong intake, the offer will be
extended. In addition, Liverpool Law Society welcomes suggestions for
courses which cover the topics we really need. It is important that we
maintain this excellent training resource and if we don’t use it we are at risk
of losing it.
Follow Liverpool Law Society on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. As well
as promoting the Law Society, these tools are an amazing way to make new
connections and build up your own professional network.
As this was the final meeting for 2016 the Criminal Practice Sub-Committee
wishes you all a prosperous New Year.
The next meeting is scheduled for 26th January 2017 at 4.00pm.
Eileen Chisnall
Criminal Practice Committee Member
Family Law Committee
As is usual with the Family Sub Committees it was well attended with 8
plus myself chairing.
We dealt with all our usual standing items. The committee had previously
identified those who are prepared to assist Jo Downey by way of subcommittees
to assist with the planning of the Private Law Child Conference
and Public Law Child Conference both of which are to take place in March.
It was also discussed how all committee members should try and become
members of the Law Society’s members group on LinkedIn and be
encouraged to enter dialogues arising out of committee meetings.
There were useful reports from those members of the committee who had
attended the Family Finance Committee recently at Court, it was a positive
meeting with useful information shared as to what is expected of
practitioners in finance proceedings by way of compliance and ensuring
Courts are updated as to reasons why directions may not be complied with.
The committee were able to send representatives to most meetings that take
place at Court relevant to family practitioners and share relevant
information at the committee meetings.There was also a useful update
provided by Elaine Richardson as to what is happening on a national level
at the Law Society by way of family law.
It was confirmed that we would like the local councillors to be asked at the
forthcoming meeting about what local councils are doing to ensure that
there is supported contact provision within each borough.
It was pleasing again to see the committee so well attended and we were
able to agree some members joining the committee from Merseyside Junior
Lawyers Division.
Date of the next meeting is the 8th February 2017.
Adele Schofield
Chair, Family Law Committee

Interview
Meet the President
John Ballam
John Ballam was elected the President of Liverpool Law
Society at the AGM in December and becomes the Society’s
190th President.
John has been involved with Liverpool Law Society since 1998
and took over as Chair of the Criminal Law Sub-Committee in
2001. John says that Liverpool Law Society remains as relevant
today as it has always been. John says that the main role or
objective of the Society is to “inform, assist and co-ordinate”. He
also says that the Society gives a voice to its members; whether
through meetings of the Society with local councillors and MPs,
meetings of the Joint V group of Liverpool, Manchester,
Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds law societies, at Chancery Lane
and ultimately ensuring that member’s views are heard in
government.
John says that he hopes to be able to continue the work of his
predecessor, Alison Lobb, of promoting Liverpool Law Society
and its members to the wider business community and this year
will be attending the Liverpool Professionals Dinner which was
instigated by Alison in 2016. As John has spent the entirity of his
career based in Birkenhead, he would like to see the Society have
more engagement with members on the Wirral and from the rest
of Merseyside.
John says that his view of the profession is that they are defenders
of justice and the rule of law. He says “The government and the
state have tremendous power. They can remove our freedom and
finances and as lawyers we have a duty to ensure there is balance
and also to protect the rights of the individual.”
John is well aware that the role of President can be a challenging
one and says “There are many threats to Society and lawyers need
to be involved in the discussion. Of immediate concern is the
government’s proposal to reduce the small claims limit.” John
says that the impact of these proposals will be huge - removing the
ability of the individual to take action and, of course, have a
significant economic impact on local law firms. One of John’s first
duties as President was writing to the Lord Chancellor, Liz Truss,
to ask that the deadline for the consultation be adjourned from 6th
January, to allow more time for responses to be submitted.
John has been a criminal practitioner for over 40 years and during
those 4 decades John has seen numerous changes. He says “Since
the 1980s, criminal practice has changed considerably. There have
been changes in procedure, new statutes and the introduction of
PACE in 1986. I was one of the first solicitors to be involved with
the voluntary Duty Solicitors Scheme, which was eventually taken
over by the Legal Aid Board. Then in 1994/95 came the
introduction of Legal Aid Franchising which was the start of the
decimation of crime work. More recently we have witnessed the
closure of many courts around the north west and the
digitalization of the court service.”
John was born and raised in Aigburth and attended Quarry Bank
High School with Peter Goldsmith, the Attorney General (from
2001 until 2007) and the footballer and manager Joe Royle. Other
illustrious alumni of Quarry Bank include John Lennon, the actor
Derek Nimmo and Sir Jon Murphy the recently retired Chief
Constable of Merseyside
John left school in 1968 and joined Arthur Russell Solicitors at 49
Hamilton Square, Birkenhead as the office junior and eventually
secured a clerkship with the firm. John says he took “the long
route” to qualification and his training included lectures from
John and Mary Conkerton. John qualified in 1978 and went into
partnership with Arthur Russell, which was essentially a general
high street practice and John undertook a broad spectrum of
work, including wills & probate, conveyancing, civil lit, family
and some crime work. In 1983 John moved around Hamilton
Square to set up his own crime practice at No 56 and then onto
DP Roberts Hughes & Denye a large general practice. Eventually
John set up a niche criminal law firm Ballams at No 58 and also
gained Higher Rights of Audience. He has also been on the
Committee of the national Criminal Law Solicitors Association.
John has slowly worked his way around Hamilton Square - he is
now a Consultant Solicitor-Advocate based at 11/12 Hamilton
Square with FPH Law Solicitors.
John has three children and one grandchild and enjoys spending
time with his family, gardening and travelling with his wife. As
readers of Liverpool Law will know John is also an apiarist or bee
keeper. Over the last few years changes within the eco-system
have had an adverse impact on the bee population which has seen
a massive decline. Bees are a crucial component to sustaining the
balance of the earth’s eco-system and John says that bee keeping
is his way of helping to save the planet! He adds that its also
relaxing and keeps the family supplied with fresh honey!
Julia Baskerville
Need an expert in medical or
dental negligence?
Refer to us. City : Allerton : Garston
0151 733 3353
www.gadllp.co.uk
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
7

Obituary
Charles H Elston TD, DL, LLD
1916 - 2016
Charles Elston died on 1 September 2016 just 3 months before his
100th birthday. He was born in Waterloo the younger of two sons.
His father worked for a prominent firm of cotton brokers in
Liverpool and his mother was a teacher. Both were nonconformist
church goers who brought their sons up with a sense
of philanthropic duty.
Charles attended Calday Grange Grammar School greatly enjoying
sport including cricket, rugby and latterly golf. He joined the firm of
Weightman Pedder &Co (as it was then known) in 1934 with a
break in 1936/7 to study law at University in London. He passed the
Law Society’s final exams with honours and a prize for the best
results in the North West.
He joined the Territorial Army in the 87th (1st West Lancs) Field
Regiment and was commissioned in May 1939. His time with the
firm was cut short by the advent of the Second World War. When he
was called up he was told that he was to go to India but it was not
until October 1940 that he joined a large convoy of vessels which
made its way to Bombay. His regiment, the Ist Indian A/A
Regiment, was then later despatched to Singapore on board the
(arguably ironically named) “Empress of Japan.” He had spent the
first year of the war on duty in the UK preparing for the expected
invasion and during this time became engaged to Connie Biddle.
Upon the fall of Singapore in February 1942 Charles became a
prisoner of war of the Japanese and worked on the infamous Burma
Railway until 15 August 1945. He was in the first party sent to
Thailand (then Siam). Towards the end of the war he was
reacquainted with Colonel Philip Toosey with whom he had become
friends on the Wirral before war broke out. Toosey was the senior
officer in charge of the building of the bridge over the River Kwai,
the subject of books and film.
Following the Japanese surrender Charles returned to England to his
family and to Connie. They married on 13 November 1945 and
moved to a house on the seafront in Hoylake where they lived until
Connie died from leukaemia in January 1985.
He quickly returned to his employment with Weightman Pedder &
Co and became a partner of the firm in the 1950’s. He was involved
in many high profile litigation cases. For many years he advised the
Liverpool Shipowners’ Association through the firm’s appointment
as Secretary. He was also consulted on arbitration and contractual
disputes in the cotton industry which had to be settled according to
the By-Laws and Rules of the then Liverpool Cotton Association.
He was often referred to by members of the local cotton trading
community as a “cotton man” such was his grasp of the industry’s
workings, obviously picked up from his father.
In 1973 he was appointed to represent the Manx government in the
Summerland fire disaster which required his presence in the Isle of
Man during the Inquiry which was subsequently convened.
Later on in his career he was instructed by the Solicitors Indemnity
Fund which had been established to deal with claims made against
member firms. He also acted as the local representative for the
Solicitors’ Benevolent Society. He was a major figure within the
Liverpool legal fraternity and further afield. He became the firm’s
Senior Partner and finally retired from the practice, as a consultant,
in 1992.
Charles was a source of inspiration and a role model for young
lawyers joining the firm and responsible in large part for maintaining
its reputation as a people orientated business. In an article written by
Charles commissioned for the publication “ A Century of Liverpool
Lawyers” he told of an “expedition” in 1925 organised and paid for
8 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
by the partners for the whole staff of probably about 40-50 people
to travel to the Wembley Exhibition. When Arthur Weightman and
his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary they
entertained everyone in the firm to dinner and to a visit to the
Empire Theatre where Gracie Fields was the star attraction.
Away from the office Charles was a keen sportsman playing hockey,
rugby, cricket and golf and he had a deep love of literature,
particularly poetry, and music. He was an ever present at the
Philharmonic Hall and he became a founder member and benefactor
of the Chester Music Festival and the Buxton Festival. He was a
member of Old Caldeians Rugby Club (later Caldy RUFC), Hoylake
and Calday Cricket Clubs and the Royal Liverpool Golf Club until
his death. He returned to rugby very quickly after the end the war
and incredibly was back in the 1st XV before the end of the
1945/1946 season. He was club captain the next season. He also
enjoyed regular lunches at the golf club attended by friends of a
similar vintage. He retained a keen interest in the welfare of the firm
and enjoyed many “get togethers” which he frequently hosted.
He became a trustee of the Far East Trust through his contact with
Philip Toosey. The trust was created to manage funds, raised or
donated for the welfare of those who had served as prisoners of war
in the Far East. He, and his good friends, John Smyth and Philip
Toosey, also played an active part in the Territorial Army after the
war.
Taking a lead from his parents Charles also supported a number of
local charitable causes. He was involved in what was then the
Birkenhead Boys Club and was President for a lengthy period in the
1970s and 80s. He was also Chairman of what became the Mossley
Hill Hospital League of Friends.
On the creation of the Metropolitan County of Merseyside he was
appointed a Deputy Lieutenant and he was appointed High Sheriff
of Merseyside for 1984 to 1985. During his tenure as High Sheriff
the new Law Courts were opened by HM Queen Elizabeth 11, an
event which particularly pleased him. Liverpool University
appointed him an Honorary Doctor of Law in 1997.
He continued to live independently until after his 98th birthday
moving into a care home in late 2015. In August 2015 he attended
the VJ Day Service at the Liverpool Parish Church and as part of
the service recited from memory the lines from Laurence Binyon’s
“For the Fallen” (“They shall not grow old…”) a duty he was proud
to undertake.
He remained in good spirits, still surprising visitors with his
extraordinarily keen memory and ability to correct their grammar,
and recite, accurately, poetry until August 2016 when increasing
physical frailty finally caught up with him and he died peacefully in
his sleep after a short spell in hospital in Chester. He is survived by
his three children, Janet November, a retired lawyer and writer in
New Zealand, John a consultant eye surgeon, David a consultant
lawyer, and his 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
John and David Elston with Ian Evans.

PI Law Reform
PI Law Reform Wolf in MOJ
Consultation Sheeps’ Clothing
The MOJ have released the consultation that the personal injury industry have been waiting for since
George Osborne’s 2015 Autumn Statement (see website link details below). The consultation entitled
“Reforming the Soft Tissue Injury “Whiplash” Claims Process” required a response by the 6th
January 2017. Kirsty McKno outlines the proposals and the Society’s reponse...
Despite a number of representations to the MOJ with regard to the
unreasonableness of the consultation period in view of the
significance of the proposed changes and intervening Christmas
period, including from Liverpool Law Society, it has been confirmed
that there is no intention to extend that period. The MOJ are
working to a timeline around the legislative change that will be
required if the proposals go ahead. This means that they wish to
release their own response during April. Part 8 of the consultation
specifically concerns implementation and confirms that it will be “as
soon as possible”.
George Osborne had originally stated that the intention behind the
reform was to both reduce fraud and create a saving to private
insurance premiums of £40 per annum. Interestingly the focus of the
consultation is based more upon the saving that would be passed to
policy holders from Insurers as a result of their making lower
compensation payments rather than the costs of fraud. Those lower
payments will be achieved by either removing the right to
compensation for “whiplash” altogether or introducing a tariff
where an injury of up to 6 months would attract an award of £400
with an additional £25 payment for any psychiatric elements. The
model extends up to a 24 month injury for which £3500 would be
received although the definition of “whiplash” is yet to be defined.
In addition to reduction by value of award there will be a reduction
in volume achieved through raising the small claims limit for injury
to £5000.
There are far more points to be made about the proposal than this
article permits many of which Capital Economics and Matthew
Maxwell-Scott of Slater & Gordon Lawyers were able to explain at a
meeting held for Liverpool Law Society members on 15th
December. They presented information relating to the empirical data
upon which the consultation has been based and that disproves for
example that the costs of injury claims are £40 per annum and that
raising the small claims limit would have unintended consequences
that include the removal of access to justice for victims of
employer’s liability and public liability claims. Capital Economics
have engaged in surveys that are able to demonstrate the serious
financial impact to Merseyside not just by the loss of legal jobs but
in the loss of work for those businesses that provide services to the
legal industry.
Despite a number of representations
to the MOJ with regard to the
unreasonableness of the consultation
period in view of the significance of
the proposed changes and
intervening Christmas period,
including from Liverpool Law Society,
it has been confirmed that there is no
intention to extend that period.
Liverpool Law Society represent both Claimant and Defendant
lawyers and it was good to see Defendant presence at the discussion.
The consultation is not just a Claimant issue but one that will
impact the industry as a whole and we are working to ensure that a
broad spectrum of views are canvassed and represented in our
response. We are also engaging with The Law Society and other
local law societies as well as trade bodies including the CHO and
APIL. In early January our immediate Past President Alison Lobb
and CLC Chair Kirsty McKno will meet with the Chair of the
Transport Select Committee Louise Ellman to raise their awareness
particularly with regard to the impact to accident victims not least
that without representation they will not have the ability to access
the MOJ portal to which claims must be submitted.
If there are any LLS members who would wish to contribute in
some way please do make contact via LLS or at
Kirsty.mckno@compass-law.co.uk
https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digitalcommunications/reforming-soft-tissue-injury-claims
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Financial Orders: Law & Practice
-
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
9

Local News
If you ever wonder whether responding to government
consultations makes any difference, read on ...
The government has backed down on its controversial proposal to
privatise the Land Registry. Tucked away in the Autumn Statement and
not mentioned in any of the accompanying press releases was the
confirmation that the Land Registry is to remain in the public sector.
This represents a massive u-turn for a government who have consulted
twice on this issue in as many years (the second consultation expressed
in terms of how, rather than whether, to privatise) and who even
included Land Registry privatisation in this year's Queen's Speech.
LLS influence
Liverpool Law Society (through its Non-contentious Business Subcommittee)
responded to both consultations and also briefed local MPs
on this important issue. Our concerns were rooted not in political
ideology, but over the need to preserve the integrity of a register that
evidences ownership of the vast majority of land in England and Wales
(24 million individual titles, worth £4 trillion) and to protect the
independent and impartial exercise of its quasi-judicial functions.
While Liverpool Law Society cannot claim to have single-handedly
saved the Land Registry, the government's change of heart was
undoubtedly influenced by the strength of feeling demonstrated in the
responses to its consultations and by the passion exhibited by wellbriefed
politicians from all parties in a recent parliamentary debate.
What next?
We have responded to the recent HMRC consultation on Stamp Duty
Land Tax, providing examples of transactions where reducing the
deadline for filing and payment from the current 30 days to 14 days
could cause hardship, particularly on the grant of new leases or where
SDLT is triggered by 'substantial performance' rather than legal
completion.
Liverpool Law Society saves the Land Registry!
-
Want to get involved?
You could consider joining the Society's specialist sub-committees, who
prepare and submit consultation responses on behalf of the Society. I
would also encourage all members to join our ‘Liverpool Law Society
Members’ discussion group on LinkedIn, for an opportunity to
contribute and help us ensure that our consultation responses truly
represent the views of our members.
Bill Chandler
Hill Dickinson LLP
Managing ‘Continuing
Competence’ (competently!)
Keith Harper considers how good appraisal systems mean effective solicitor
development and compliance with the SRA Continuing Competence
regulations.
From 1 November 2016 all solicitors and firms must fully adopt the new
SRA Continuing Competence approach to ongoing professional
development, and comply with its regulations. Whilst it is clear that
many solicitors preferred the certainty of the previous system in terms of
compliance, the new approach allows greater flexibility, whilst
encouraging (and requiring) development to be undertaken in a way
which is most likely to be effective. The new system focuses on
‘reflective learning’. In practice this means using the new SRA
Competence Statement as a base for:
• Thinking/Reflecting (identifying the need)
• Planning (how will I satisfy the need?)
• Doing (engaging in learning)
• Reflecting again (what have I learned?)
• Implementing (putting learning in to practice).
Simple but effective if managed well.
The SRA of course requires that evidence of the process should be
recorded. There is no mandatory format for this which means that firms
and individuals can use a system which suits the nature of their practice
best. My experience suggests that it is this which worries them most! A
clear solution is to use an effective appraisal system as a fulcrum for the
process, based on competences which reflect both the SRA’s
Competence Statement and the firm’s business needs. Managing this
effectively should provide maximum benefit for all but the very smallest
of firms.
Whilst most firms have an appraisal system, many are not fit for purpose
or are not used as effectively as they might be. The same is true in some
cases where firms have their own competence framework in place. Both
appraisal systems and competence frameworks must be carefully tailored
to the needs and values of the firm, and now of course also need to
reflect the SRA Competence Statement to work well. This requires time,
skill and effort from the managers of firms, but can bring great rewards
from improved performance, greater motivation and greater comfort re
compliance going forward. Given the new Continuing Competence
regime, this year of all years should be the time for firms to review
existing systems and amend or create new ones to meet the needs of the
future. Could your firm benefit from this? Ask yourself these questions:
• Does your existing appraisal system reflect the SRA
Competence Statement?
• If your firm has a competence framework, does it reflect the
SRA Competences?
• Do you have a robust process for the completion and
management of development plans?
• Does your existing appraisal system work for your firm?
If the answer to any of these is ‘no’, now might be the time for
a change.
Keith Harper is a Management Consultant specialising in the development of
lawyers. In February 2017 he will present a course for Liverpool Law Society
‘Developing Effective Appraisal Systems to implement the SRA Continuing
Competence regulations’.
10 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

PI
General Committee
Meeting with MPs
Friday 25 November
The political landscape looked
very different when we met
Justin Madders MP (Ellesmere
Port and Neston) and Luciana
Berger MP (Liverpool
Wavertree), compared with our
last meeting on 22 April,
following the Brexit vote and
changes of Prime Minister and
Justice Secretary. Nevertheless,
many issues previously discussed
still needed attention.
George Howarth MP (Knowsley)
and Maria Eagle MP (Garston
and Halewood), had planned to
attend but indicated that they were
unable to join us. Those not
attending are sent Minutes so that
they are aware of our
campaigning. Brexit was naturally
on the Agenda, but there was little
substantive progress that we could
review. Our meeting took place
between the High Court decision
and the start of the Supreme court
hearings, and the MPs indicated
that any Government Bill – ahead
of triggering Article 50 – was not
expected to be published before
the Supreme Court’s decision is
announced on the Appeal.
There was no lack of other
matters to discuss. Certain issues
remained as work in progress. The
proposed increase on Probate Fees
– on which Naomi Pinder (LLS
Non-Contentious Business
Committee Chair) and I had
lobbied – had been the subject of
Parliamentary questions laid by
George Howarth which, when
answered unsatisfactorily, led him
to seek a Westminster Hall debate.
Entry into the ballot for Debate
choices had been unsuccessful.
Bill Chandler’s briefing from the
LLS Non-Contentious Committee
on Land Registry privatisation had
assisted the MP’s and the
withdrawal of that proposal was
noted. The subject of McKenzie
Friends was noted for future
mention.
A development on the very day of
the meeting was that the Labour
Party’s review of Legal aid by
Lord Bach had just been
published, and Chris Topping as
Chair LLS Access to Justice
Committee, coupled this point
with reference to Amnesty
International’s adverse criticism of
Legal aid provision in this
Jurisdiction. Luciana Berger asked
for feedback on the Bach Report,
so LLS are encouraged to send
their views to the Society.
Kirsty McKno as Chair of the
Civil Litigation Committee
provided an update on the
proposed exchanges in Soft Tissue
injury claims and the Small
Claims PI limit, supplemented by
Stewart McCulloch in his LLS
Public Relations role, highlighting
a number of practical issues not
addressed by the Government.
The two MPs offered to write
Parliamentary questions and plans
for further liaison – including
perhaps with Louise Ellman MP
(Chair of the Commons Transport
Select Committee) were discussed.
This is a crucial topic and LLS
members are encouraged to
oppose the plans.
The two MPs each referred to
particular issues raised by their
Constituents. Justin Madders
referred to Leasehold owners
facing extortionate Ground Rents,
and asked if LS members could let
him have evidence of these
difficulties to support his
campaign for reform. Luciana
Berger asked for examples of
online fraud in her campaign to
protect IT users, and also referred
to those who cannot manage to
enforce Judgments in matters such
as Boundary disputes which I
suggested could be achieved via
use of Legal Expenses Insurance
in Household policies.
Our next meeting with the MPs is
likely to take place in March 2017.
Apart from Brexit, there should be
no shortage of other key issues
affecting our Clients and us, so
please let me know if you want us
to raise particular points with our
area’s MPs or to provide useful
evidence to support the
Parliamentarians’ work .
Jeremy Myers
LLS Parliamentary Liaison
Officer
Meet the new Director of
Liverpool Law Society
Gaynor Williams of Bennett
Williams was elected to the
General Committee of Liverpool
Law Society at the AGM,
becoming a Director of the
Society.
Gaynor is from the Wirral, or as
she says ‘over the water” and
specialises in debt recovery,
business disputes and insolvency.
Gaynor began her legal career
with Thomas Higgins Solicitors in
Wallasey and then Bermans in
Liverpool. In 2012 Gaynor and
Richard Bennett set up Bennett
Williams, a niche commercial law
firm specialising in debt recovery,
commercial dispute resolution and
insolvency law. Since the launch
of the firm almost five years ago
they have won a number of
accolades, including a Liverpool
Law Society Legal Award and a
Wirral Chamber of Commerce
Award.
Gaynor says that she joined the
General Committee of Liverpool
Law Society because she wants to
become more involved in the work
of the Society and is interested in
regulation issues.
Gaynor is married and has three
children ages 14, 22 and 25. She
enjoys running with her two dogs
most days. She says “Running
helps to clear my head and keeps
me fit.”
University of Liverpool
Law School Drinks
On 24th November LLS members were
invited again to the beautiful
surroundings of the School of Arts
library on Abecromby Square for the
School of Law and Social Justice’s
annual drinks reception. It was a shame
that there were not more representatives
from LLS, due to a clash with other
events but there was a good turnout from the School of Law.
Prof Debra Morris shared the School’s successes over the last year and
plans for the future including the building of an entirely new School of
Law on the city campus which will be able to offer state of the art
facilities and training for law students coming to Liverpool (a far cry
from my endless hours in the moot room I am sure).
The reception was open to students, academic staff and employability
and careers staff and there was lively discussion about every subject
from Brexit to training contracts, apprentices and access to justice, to
the Investigatory Powers Bill and everything in between.
It was a great event to strengthen ties between the professional and the
academic sides of the law in Liverpool. If we are to continue to
promote Liverpool as a centre of legal excellence we want some of the
best and the brightest students to stay here, either as practitioners or to
continue research into important legal and social issues. Events such
as this are key to strengthening the links between the present and
future members of the society.
Nina Ferris
Hill Dickinson LLP
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
11

Feature
Part time Lawyer: an impossible
struggle or worth the juggle?
Any employee with more than 26 weeks’ service has the right to
request to work on a flexible basis or, in other words, a different way
of working which suits them. But in a notoriously demanding
profession like the law, is it really possible to balance flexible working
with a successful career? Are law firms really open to the idea and is
the quest for the elusive work/life balance worth the inevitable stress
of juggling work and responsibilities away from the office?
When I first started at Weightmans as a paralegal straight out of college
in 1998, the concept of flexible working was not something I had given
much thought to. Eighteen years later, I am still at Weightmans and now
working in the Motor Multi Track team. However, now that I have two
children aged 11 and 8, the ability to work part-time and have some
flexibility is vital to me in managing my home life while continuing to
work as a solicitor.
Flexible working is something that most of us will need at some point,
whether it is just on an occasional basis or whether we need to change
our way of working in a more permanent way to suit our personal
circumstances. My husband works away for much of the week and I
commute from Chester to Liverpool so I knew once our first baby
arrived that I wanted to work part-time so that I would also have the
time (and energy) to be at home as much as finances would allow.
I have been extremely lucky as Weightmans were open to the concept of
flexible working long before they were legally required to consider
employee’s requests. In return, I have also tried to be realistic in my
requests. While it is possible in some jobs to request term-time working
only, I know that this is entirely unrealistic in my role managing a
caseload and would have a detrimental effect on my colleagues who
would have to pick up my cases for a third of the year while I was out of
the office!
I also think it is important to be flexible as an employee. Although
sometimes an important hearing or meeting will fall outside my usual
hours, I will always try and make arrangements to attend if I can.
Our needs for flexibility change as well and, although I have been parttime
for over 10 years now, I have been lucky enough to be able to adjust
my working hours as my children have grown up. When they were
small, it was important to me to limit the amount of time and the
number of days I had to be away from them but, now that they are both
at school, I find it better to work five short days a week. This means I
can manage my caseload every day but also be home with the children
after school to manage all the various activities then.
Flexible working is, by its very nature, an entirely personal thing and my
reduced working hours generally work for me but, of course, life rarely
runs smoothly where little people are involved! By the time I arrive in
the office at about 9.30 am (while it might appear to colleagues who
have been in since 7.30am that I have just rolled out of bed) I can feel
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I have been extremely lucky as
Weightmans were open to the concept of
flexible working long before they were
legally required to consider employee’s
requests. In return, I have also tried to
be realistic in my requests. While it is
possible in some jobs to request term-time
working only, I know that this is entirely
unrealistic in my role managing a caseload
and would have a detrimental effect on
my colleagues who would have to pick
up my cases for a third of the year
while I was out of the office!
like I have already done a day’s work! Battles over teeth brushing, lost
items of clothing and last minute spelling practice over breakfast can all
feature in the daily routine. Then there’s two school drop offs and a 40
minute commute to contend with. Anything out of the ordinary, such as
a fancy dress costume needed for school remembered at the last minute,
can push me over the edge before I even arrive at my desk!
There’s also the daily juggle of managing two distinctly different parts of
my life balancing netball matches and carol services with Defences and
Trials. Sometimes it can feel like there’s just not much time to relax and
I can look at the mums who are off to the gym from the school drop-off
with envy!
On the plus side, working shorter hours every day has definitely made
me more efficient and productive in the office. I used to be able to stay
an hour or two later or come in early if I hadn’t got everything done but
I no longer have that option.
Of course, the best laid plans can also always be derailed by an ill child
needing to be off school and it always seems to happen at the worst
possible time! In one particularly memorable call from school while I
was at my desk, I was told I needed to pick up my youngest from school
as he had pushed a pom-pom up his nose during a craft session and
needed taking to A&E!
My need for flexibility can therefore be last minute and so I will also
occasionally need to work from home if either of my children is off
school ill. Thankfully, technology has made it so much easier for us to
do this with the ability to log on to work systems from home and Court
hearings by telephone. The downside is that a couple of hours of the
working day out of the office can mean dozens of missed emails to
catch up on and, for this reason, I try not to log on to my email in the
evening unless I really have to!
For all the drama and competing responsibilities though, the ability to
work flexibly means that, for me, I can still do a job I trained for many
years to do and be at home with my children as much as possible too so
it is more than worth the juggle. Although that reminds me, my son has
a drama presentation at school in the middle of the day tomorrow so I
had better get that request to work at home in now!
Sara Shutler
Assistant Solicitor
Motor Multi Track
Weightmans LLP
12 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

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Morecrofts Solicitors has recruited half a
dozen of the region’s brightest young lawyers
across its Liverpool and Wirral offices.
The six new fee-earners will further strengthen
the law firm’s award-winning employment,
commercial and family law departments in
response to an increase in new client
engagements.
Solicitor Josh Makin has joined Morecrofts’
commercial law team, based at its Liverpool
headquarters, following a two-year spell at
DDE Law. Makin qualified as a solicitor in
2015 after completing his Legal Practice Course
with a commendation.
Michael Gossage has also qualified as a
solicitor following a successful training contract
with Morecrofts and has been appointed to
work in the firm’s litigation team.
Kelly Faulkner has been appointed as a
paralegal in the employment law team
following her completion of the LPC with
distinction at the University of Law in Chester.
Her previous roles include financial claims
handler at Huntswood and a paralegal at
Weightmans.
She is joined by Ryan McAvoy, who completed
his law degree at Liverpool John Moores
University and this year received the Vice-
Chancellor's Award of £10,000 to complete a
Master of Laws in International Business
Corporate Finance Law. McAvoy will work
across the firm’s employment law, commercial
litigation and personal injury teams.
Morecrofts welcomes crop
of young legal talent
Meanwhile, Morecrofts has boosted its family
law team with the appointments of paralegals
Eleanor Slater and Rebecca Dobbs, who will
both be based at the firm’s Wirral office.
Ms Dobbs graduated earlier this year with a
first class law degree from the University of
Liverpool, where she served as the pro bono
officer for the Legal Society and volunteered as
a counsellor for NSPCC.
Ms Slater studied law at the University of
Liverpool, completed the BPTC and LPC with
distinction and is currently working towards her
Masters at BPP Liverpool. She was previously
an advocate in RTA claims and worked in
employment and public litigation at Hill
Dickinson.
Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts
Solicitors, said: “We felt it was an important
move to recruit some of the most promising
young lawyers on Merseyside as we continue to
build a platform for future growth.
“We may be one of the region’s longest
established independent law firms, but we have
thrived for so long by always keeping an eye on
the future and ensuring we have the right
people in place to adapt to the ever-changing
landscape.
“This volume of recruitment also reflects the
high number of new clients we have welcomed
to the firm in the past year and their
appointments have allowed us to strengthen the
business across a number of key departments.”
-
-
Caption: (L-R) Michael Gossage, Eleanor Slater, Rebecca Dobbs,
Kelly Faulkner, Josh Makin, Ryan McAvoy
Movers & Shakers
15
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

Movers & Shakers
MSB confirms move to No4 St Pauls Square
Liverpool law firm MSB Solicitors has relocated its city centre
commercial headquarters to St Paul’s Square.
The firm, which also has offices in Allerton and Wavertree, has moved
from Silkhouse Court in Tithebarn Street to No4 St Paul’s Square.
MSB has signed a 10-year lease with Muse Developments from this
month.
The move comes after staff numbers at MSB have risen by more than
10% since January.It now employs 100 people across three sites and has
announced five new partners will be appointed in March 2017.
Managing partner Paul Bibby established MSB in 1988 with head of
crime Sean Sexton.
Since then, the firm has expanded significantly and in 2010, MSB moved
into premises in Silkhouse Court to accommodate its growing private
client and commercial teams. MSB’s new office, located on the first floor
of No4, boasts more than 5,500 sq ft in the heart of Liverpool’s
commercial district. St Pauls Square has become a popular address for
professional services firms in the city.
Mr Bibby commented: “Silkhouse Court has been a fantastic home for
us over the past 6 years and has allowed us the space to grow, put plans
into practice and achieve some of our objectives as a firm. However,
when the building was sold to residential developers in June, it prompted
a move that was probably overdue.We really feel that this is the ideal
address for us, putting us amongst a number of our peers and partners
and with all of the facilities we need to continue to develop and offer an
exceptional service to our clients.”
Mark Worthington of Worthington Owen negotiated terms on behalf of
MSB with Neil Kirkham of CBRE representing current landlords Muse
Developments.
National interiors and refurbishment specialists Aztec has been working
Mark Worthington, Worthington Owen, Neal Maxwell,
Aztec Interiors, Jo Dalton and Paul Bibby, MSB
with MSB partner Jo Dalton on the fit out of the new office. Founder,
Neal Maxwell said: “It’s been a pleasure supporting MSB through this
latest expansion. Our team has worked closely with Jo throughout the
move in order to understand their requirements and offer guidance and
advice to find the best solutions.
Bill Addy, chairman of the Liverpool Commercial District BID, added:
“A thriving commercial district at the heart of the city is critical to
Liverpool’s continued success.In order to thrive we need to encourage
existing businesses to invest and grow. MSB’s office relocation is a
perfect example and they are to be congratulated.”
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16 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

Movers & Shakers
DWF to merge with commercial law
firm C & H Jefferson
Legal business DWF, which
has a strong presence in
Liverpool has announced plans
to merge with Belfast-based
commercial law firm C & H
Jefferson. This continues the
focus which DWF has on
increasing its service delivery
capability to national and
international clients across the
industrial, commercial,
property and insurance
markets in the UK. The merger
was effective from Thursday 1,
December.
C & H Jefferson is one of the
largest legal practices in
Northern Ireland and is
recognised as a leader in the
Belfast market. Led by
Managing Partner Ken
Rutherford, the firm has over
100 years’ experience delivering
specialist legal services to a
diverse range of clients across
Northern Ireland.
The firm has a strong
commercial practice with a
particular focus on the banking
and finance sector, advising the
major banks and financial and
lending institutions in Northern
Ireland as well as providing
specialist advice to leading
insolvency practitioners. C & H
Jefferson also acts for a number
of Northern Irish, UK and
international property
developers, retailers and
renewable energy operators and
has one of the most active
property teams in the region.
C & H Jefferson also has specific
expertise in litigation, professional
indemnity and employers’, public
liability and motor claims,
complementing DWF’s existing
national insurance practice, and
advises several leading national
and international insurers in
defence litigation, including the
Law Society of Northern Ireland’s
Professional Indemnity Insurers.
In addition to general defence
work, C & H Jefferson has strong
expertise in industrial disease
litigation and is one of only four
firms appointed to the Law
Society of Northern Ireland’s
negligence claims panel.
The merger will allow DWF to
further develop its commercial and
insurance offerings and increase
opportunities to enhance services
to the firm’s clients and add depth
and breadth to its existing sector
capability, particularly across the
real estate and financial services
sectors. Following the merger, Ken
Rutherford, Gareth Jones, Scott
McCarroll, Mark Tinman and Ian
Stanfield will join DWF as
partners and David Lennon
becomes a consultant.
Andy Nichol, Executive Partner of
DWF’s Liverpool office,
comments: “As a firm we are
always looking at strategic
opportunities for growth that will
enhance our legal capability in key
practice areas and allow us to offer
our clients advantages in terms of
resource, reach and multijurisdiction
expertise. The legal
market in Northern Ireland is
vibrant, and rapidly changing, and
this merger makes us wellequipped
to take advantage of the
growing number of opportunities
it presents in our target sectors.”
DWF in Liverpool employs circa
350 people offering the full range
of commercial legal services in
areas including employment and
litigation.
C & H Jefferson Managing
Partner Ken Rutherford adds: “As
our international client base has
grown we have continued to
explore how we can adapt in order
to meet their changing needs.
DWF is a very strong fit for us in
terms of its culture and approach
to legal services, and through this
merger we will be able to create
new opportunities for our clients
with the benefit of DWF’s
expansive national footprint,
service efficiencies and growing
international remit.”
This will be DWF’s 12th UK
office; the firm also has locations
in Dublin, Cologne, Munich,
Dubai and Brussels.
Andy Nichol
Ken Rutherford
Continued growth for Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors
Paul Crowley & Co solicitors
has bolstered its personal injury
offering with a raft of new
appointments this year.
The Liverpool-based firm, which
has offices in West Derby,
Anfield and the city centre, has
more than doubled the size of its
now 17-strong personal injury
team over the last 12 months.
Paul Crowley & Co will now
welcome solicitor James Reed as
part of this continued growth, as
the firm looks to bolster its
offering as a client focused
compensation claims specialist.
Specialising in employer liability
and public liability claims, James
joins the firm from Pilkington
Shaw solicitors, having qualified
as a solicitor in March this year.
James’ appointment follows a
raft of new appointments to the
personal injury department for
2016, including Elaine Walker as
the new head of department, as
well as the launch of a new
holiday sickness claims subdepartment.
Senior partner, Paul Crowley,
says: “I am delighted to welcome
James into our personal injury
department, and I am confident
that he will be a valuable asset to
the team as we look to grow and
develop our compensation claims
offering.
“We have worked tirelessly over
the last 12 months to build a
team who offer expert legal
advice, whilst providing the
highest level of client care.
Building strong relationships
based on confidence and trust is
central to our professional
approach, and is particularly
important when it comes to
clients who might need that extra
support after suffering an
accident. Looking ahead to 2017
I am confident that we will now
build upon this foundation and
continue to grow our services.”
James Reed
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
17

Movers & Shakers
Local Law Firm wins National Award
The Keith Jones Partnership is a niche practice specialising in
business to business debt recovery and commercial litigation. It
was formed in 2006, with clients ranging from sole traders through
to international PLCs, and over the last 10 years has grown from
strength to strength. Over the last decade it has received numerous
awards and accolades on a local and national basis, including being
entered in The Legal 500 editorial for the fifth year running. The
Keith Jones Partnership have been recommended in the Dispute
Resolution category for the North West and were particularly
commended for being “very fluent and organised” and “excellent
with clients”.
To add to its list of honours, the practice was recently shortlisted as
finalists in 2 categories in the Collections & Customer Service Awards
2016; Best Customer Service and Best Legal/Judicial Services
Provider. The Collections & Customer Service Awards, hosted by
Credit Strategy, recognises the outstanding achievements of those
within the credit and collections industry on a national basis. The
winners were announced at a black tie event which took place on 24th
November 2016 at The Midland in Manchester.
The Keith Jones Partnership were delighted to be declared the winner
for the category of Best Legal/Judicial Services Provider. This
category is open nationally to Debt Collection Agencies or Law Firms
offering litigation and other legal based collection and recovery
services and The Keith Jones Partnership were up against very tough
competition. The judging panel featured some of Britain’s biggest
banks, such as RBS, HSBC and Santander, along with MBNA, Tesco
Bank and the Credit Services Association.
The Keith Jones Partnership
The Managing Director, Keith Jones, said “We are thrilled to have
been nationally recognised in this manner and it is wonderful that our
team’s hard work is acknowledged in such a way. To win this award
is a huge honour for us and is no mean feat for a provincial law firm
on the Wirral. We are also extremely proud to fly the flag for Wirral
and promote the Merseyside area as a legal and business centre of
excellence.”
Hill Dickinson Partner joins Professional
Liverpool Board
Hill Dickinson partner, Matt Noon, has been appointed to the board of thriving
business membership organisation Professional Liverpool (PL).
The organisation - which promotes professional excellence in Liverpool and the city
region, announced the appointment at its AGM last week.
Matt, a corporate partner at the Liverpool headquartered international law firm, was
appointed to the PL board after membership at the organisation soared 27 per cent over
the last year.
Speaking shortly after his appointment Matt said: “I’m delighted to be joining the board
at such an important time for Professional Liverpool. There are now 280 member firms,
which is 60 more than 12 months ago. To me, that is reflective of the level of business
activity across the city region and as somebody born and raised in the city, it’s a great
way of helping to promote the quality of the professional services offering in Liverpool.”
Matt, who covers all forms of corporate acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures, has led
and completed a number of sizeable deals for Hill Dickinson over the past few months,
including the management buyout of ITC Luxury Travel, backed by private equity firm
NorthEdge Capital, as well as the £36M sale of Carrs Flour Mills by Carrs Group Plc (a
long standing client of Matt’s) to Whitworth Holdings.
Matt commented: “In the first nine months of the year, there was recorded total of 616
deals across the region compared to 601 a year earlier. This shows that while there was a
period of slight uncertainty immediately after the Brexit announcement, activity has
remained high across the region.”
Matt Noon
Matt, named by Legal Week as a rising star in the M&A field, will sit on the Professional
Liverpool board as chaired by Jim Gill.
18 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

Movers & Shakers
Growth Leads to Multiple New Hires for Law Firm
Altrincham based independent law firm MLP Law has reported
significant growth in its half-year results. This, in turn has led to
multiple promotions and hires across various departments.
Steve Hartley has been promoted from Legal Director to Partner of a
very busy Commercial and Corporate team, which trainee James Finney
has qualified into.
Legal Director of Real Estate Richard Holmes joined the team in
August last year to lead the firm’s real estate team. Building on this,
William Birtwell has also joined the Real Estate team as a solicitor from
Fieldings Porter at the end of November.
Other significant hires this year include Associate Solicitor Anna Nuttall
who moved from Taylor Rose in July. Nuttall will be heading up the
MLP Law Residential team, which also recently welcomed Lucy
Harrison as a solicitor in October.
Growth across the board, particularly in the firm’s Corporate &
Commercial, Wills, Trust’s & Probate and Employment & HR teams,
has resulted in a year-on-year revenue increase of 42%.
MLP Law’s Managing Partner, Stephen Attree said: “Our property team
has grown significantly alongside growth in the number of clients we’re
acting for across all our teams; we’re striving for growth by investing in
high-quality business savvy lawyers who work closely with ambitious
and like-minded clients. We also acquired a Wills bank in the middle of
the year, expanding the service offering of our private client team and
adding to the quality work they continue to do.
Commercial & Corporate is also growing. This is through a mix of
corporate transactional work, the continuation of strengthened working-
relationships with our existing clients, and the acquisition of significant
new business. Our retainer-based solution is a popular choice, as clients
can spread work and costs over a one- or two-year period - and some
even longer - such is our flexibility as a firm. By establishing long-term
partnerships with clients, we can add value through additional services
such as accountability, attending board meetings, helping drive business
strategy and growth - something our clients recognise us for.”
MLP Law’s employment team also continues to go from strength to
strength. The firm hired Legal Director of Employment & HR Daniel
Walker to head up the team earlier on this year. He’s working alongside
Employment Partner Karen Bexley to ensure this team is well-placed
for continued growth next year. In addition, solicitor Gareth Matthews
has been promoted to Associate.
Attree continued: “Each of our new team members brings a wealth of
experience and commitment to exceedingly high standards. As a firm,
we’re accessible for clients that want professional services delivered in a
way they want - not how traditional law firms have in the past.
It’s ingrained into our company culture to deliver exceptional service
for our national and regional clients, from our main hub just outside
Manchester’s city centre. We’re now looking to expand this growth to
our Media City and Liverpool branches through continued investment.
We’re also looking for likeminded individuals to join us, seeking out
professionals who want to join our successful and growing team.”
Alongside more new hires, MLP Law is also looking for a number of
new charities to partner with. The firm is already a strong supporter of
local beneficiaries, including RMCH, Alex Hulme Foundation and
Lalley Toy Appeal, and raises funds by encouraging its employees to
give some of their time to help the local community.
Let us look after what is beneath the surface...
The client facing part of a law firm is only the “tip of the
iceberg”. Much of what makes a law firm profitable happens
beneath the surface. A firm’s finance function plays a
fundamental part - accurate bookkeeping, compliance with
the Accounts Rules, and timely management information
are all crucial to a firm’s success.
Why do more than 100 firms throughout the
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We provide accurate and timely management
accounts and management information
We run their payroll, and complete their VAT returns
We won the Scott & Co Legal Awards 2014: Support
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For more information, visit www.thecashroom.co.uk or for a confidential chat contact
Alex Holt at Alex.Holt@thecashroom.co.uk or call 0330 3322 520
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
19

Council Member’s Report
Council Member’s Report
The latest news from Charlie Jones, Council Member for Merseyside
Unfortunately I was unable to
attend the Council Meeting on 14
December.
There was a full meeting on that
day and issues discussed included
the Value Proposition,
Governance, and various other
important issues affecting our
profession. I am awaiting a
summary of what took place and I
will pass this to the Editor just as
soon as I get it.
As many of you will know there
are two important consultations
which close at the beginning of
January, namely the consultation
from the SRI on the new route to
qualification and also a
consultation relating to Personal
Injury Reform. As you will know
the Society is working hard in
relation to both consultations.
In so far as the route to
qualification is concerned, the
SRA’s latest set of proposals takes
on board many of the concerns
which the Society identified in the
first consultation. Particularly
welcoming was the proposed
inclusion of a degree level
qualification and two years work
based training in all routes to
entry: both, in the Societies view,
key elements which contribute to
the robustness of a solicitor’s
competence and the international
respect that England and Wales
enjoy as a jurisdiction.
As regards the proposed reforms
in relation to Personal Injury, this
has been well documented
elsewhere and I have attended
meetings in Liverpool and London
to discuss this. It is absolutely
vital that Practitioners who act for
claimants produce evidence of
how access to justice will be
affected by these reforms, using
real examples from clients
(obviously anonymised). It is also
vital that the media, Politicians,
and the public generally are made
aware of the access to justice
points.
-
-
20 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
The CMA (Competition and
Markets Authority) has published
its final market study report into
legal services. Whilst the CMA
has not recommended a full
market investigation, it emphasises
the need to create greater
transparency of pricing and
services in the legal services
market. Robert Bourns, our
President, responded to the report
by saying ‘a desire for greater
competition and de-regulation in
the legal services sector must not
be allowed to undermine
consumer protection. The CMA’s
decision not to conduct a market
investigation into the legal sector
is welcomed, however, it is
astonishing that some of the
CMA’s recommendation’s
prioritise deregulation over
consumer protection’.
In these days of non-lawyers
becoming Lord Chancellor, it is
interesting to reflect that only one
solicitor has become Prime
Minister: namely, David Lloyd
George 100 years ago on 7
December 1916. A reception was
held at the House of Lords to
celebrate his premiership. A
dinner was also held on 7
December 2016, in his honour, in
London, at which the President
Robert Bourns spoke.
I was invited to attend and speak
to the Warrington Law Society at
their Annual Dinner, and at their
AGM on 25 November. I felt very
honoured to be asked, and it was a
thoroughly enjoyable event.
Particular thanks to Tim Jordan,
now the immediate Past President,
for inviting me, and to the Society
for their extremely warm welcome,
and hospitality. I was asked ‘What
is the role of a local Law Society
such as Warrington Law Society?’,
and I replied that I think as time
goes on the community of local
lawyers keeping in touch and
sticking together and working
together is becoming even more
essential than it might have been
over past years. I think it is
essential that Warrington Law
Society works closely with other
local law societies, and in
particular Liverpool Law Society.
There is an old saying that a
problem shared is a problem
halved and provincial and local
societies must not get isolated, and
of more concern, forgotten about,
by the central behemoth in
London. It is felt that this has
occurred in the past, although I
know the current President and
Vice President are people that
value local input.
Within Merseyside and District
are Southport and Ormskirk
District Law Society, Wigan Law
Society, Warrington Law Society,
and Liverpool Law Society. I
encourage all to work together to
share ideas, views and initiatives.
I take this opportunity to wish you
all the very best of fortune,
prosperity and health in 2017. I
hope that the Law Society in
Chancery Lane will have
completed initiatives in relation to
the Value Proposition and
Governance in early 2017 which
will assist in shaping the Society
to go forwards with purpose and
wisdom.
In the meantime, if anyone
requires me to try and assist them
in any way, you know how to get
hold of me, or if you do not, my
details are below.
A very Happy New Year to you
all.
Charlie Jones.Weightmans LLP.
Co Council Member Merseyside
and District. 01512427919,
charlie.jones @ weightmans.com

Bar Feature
A complete approach to a
changing legal landscape?
With digitalisation and deregulation, as well as
the changing landscape in terms of costs and
funding, it is inevitable that the way in which
legal services are provided will change
massively.Complete Mediation, a specialist
multi disciplinary service which has just been
launched and based in Liverpool, reflects this
need for change. It operates as a parallel
business to Complete Counsel – a digital
support business for Barristers.
Both Complete Counsel and Complete
Mediation are managed by Claire Labio as
Practice Director. Claire also manages Pro-vide
Law, a web based education and training
enterprise and Facilitate Expert Solutions Ltd,
which provides practice and financial support
for expert witnesses. These ventures work in
conjunction with each other and there is
significant synergy in their operation. The
model is based on essentially digital businesses
which can operate through the same resource
base thus remaining lean and agile. Basic
processes are undertaken digitally with
outsourced support as necessary. Areas where
more one on one support is required, practice
management for example, are tailored to the
individual’s needs and are provided through a
suitably skilled and experienced expert. The
result is an approach which is efficient, provides
value for money and enables you to reach your
potential.
Complete Counsel was launched in 2015 by
Claire and Charles Feeny, Barrister, in
conjunction with Martyn Best of Document
Direct, the leading digital transcription agency
which provides support to Complete Counsel.
The business plan provides for incremental
growth which was deemed necessary given the
innovative nature of the business. Complete
Counsel is currently seeking ISO 90001
accreditation to ensure high standards are
maintained. The number of specialist barristers
now using the service has risen to eight, in
accordance with the business plan. Tom
Goodhead and James Byrne clinical negligence
and group litigation specialists have just
commenced using Complete Counsel for their
practices in the North of England.
Many still refer to it as being a virtual
chambers, which surprises Claire. “It is not a
chambers at all. The chambers model still
involves substantial expenditure on areas which
are no longer required including excessive
amounts of space, too many staff undertaking
basic process and the resultant need to manage
those premises and staff. I have always been a
traditionalist but there comes a time one needs
to sit up and recognize the challenges facing us.
The need to operate in a more lean and agile
way whilst still ensuring quality standards are
met is the way forward Of course there are
some Chambers who have always operated in
this way together with some who are now
trying to change their model to fit the changing
landscape. This is an important step as I believe
it is the only way they can survive over the next
decade and beyond”.
Complete Mediation is a mediation service
which accords with the clear perception that
Claire Labio
true alternatives to traditional litigation must
now be found. Complete Mediation has been
carefully planned in terms of suitable mediators
and its approach to providing mediation
services. As part of this process, Claire
undertook mediation training through the
leading provider of such training, CEDR, in
August of this year in Sitges near to Barcelona.
Her success in qualifying will enable her to
manage a mediation service with real insight.
She found the course very helpful in terms of
understanding the nature of mediation and its
role as a true alternative to litigation as opposed
to an adjunct.
“It is important to understand that mediation
has very distinct advantages over litigation. It
can be early and swift. It enables the parties to
define the issues that matter, have some control
over the process and to achieve a solution
which is acceptable to them. Litigation is
protracted, about winners and losers and does
not engage with all the parties’ concerns.
Even if mediation did not have these
advantages, it would still be necessary given the
current climate in relation to court fees and
reducing costs entitlements. In practical terms
and to the regret of many, access to justice
through the Courts is going to be very limited
and true alternatives have to be found.”
The panel of mediators at Complete Mediation
includes in addition to Claire, Professor Gus
Baker, Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychology
at The University of Liverpool, Charles Feeny,
Barrister, Daghni Rajasingham, the only
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
qualified as a mediator, Scott Donovan, Ana
Samuel, Lorraine Mensah, Michelle Fanneran
Barristers, Michael Swift, Chartered
Accountant, John O’Neill Insurer/re-insurer
and Alison Joyce, Solicitor and David Miller
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
For further information about Complete
Mediation, please consult the website:
www.completemediation.co.uk or contact
Claire at support@completemediation.co.uk
-
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
21

Local News
Liverpool’s relationship with China is strong,
says Hill Dickinson’s Martyn McDonald
International law firm Hill Dickinson say Liverpool is building stronger
connections with China than ever before.
Martyn McDonald, Head of Retail in the firm's Business Service Group,
accompanied a delegation led by Mayor Anderson on its visit to several
major cities in China last month, said top level relationships are being
formed and Liverpool City Region’s tourism, education, cultural activities
and civic links are all set to benefit.
“Following my visit to China accompanied by representatives from,
amongst others, Invest Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, Wirral
Chamber, Wirral Council, Peel Holdings, Isle of Man Government,
Liverpool Airport and John Moores University a number of high profile
contacts have been made with companies both in China and the UK as a
direct result of the delegation,” said Martyn.
“In fact, as reported globally there is a golden age relationship forming
with China and a willingness to connect from high-level government
officials and companies all keen to do business.
“With China’s foreign direct investment continuing to increase year on
year, the potential for co-operation between China and the UK is better
than ever. Shanghai is actually twinned with Liverpool and a real synergy
is evident between the two cities. On 5 March 2015 Liverpool Vision
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with their equivalent
organisation in Shanghai namely Invest Shanghai. The MOU was signed
by the Assistant Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Gary Millar and Mr Fang Sun,
Director Shanghai FID European Division.
The objective of the delegation was to attract Chinese investment into
Liverpool and the wider region by promoting the areas growing economy,
lower operating costs compared with many other UK locations, the deep
pool of talent which includes graduate and skilled workers, high quality
premises and development sites, and its excellent links to London and
two international airports.
During the visit to China, delegates enjoyed updates on investment
policies from senior members of the Chinese government, found out
about new trends and opportunities in key sectors of industry,
manufacturing, construction, technology and retail and learnt from case
studies of leading Chinese businesses who have successfully invested in
the UK.
The delegation was joined by Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson.
Following the visit Mayor Anderson said “The delegation proved another
a significant step in raising the City Region’s profile and strengthening
relationships with important economic centres across China. Our
engagement with China is now beginning to deliver very real benefits for
the City Region and we can look forward with confidence to more
positive outcomes in the future as relationships mature.”
Martyn, who acts for key Hill Dickinson clients including Mason
Partners on multi-million-pound property acquisitions and disposals of
complex sites, attended a conference in Shanghai which featured a speech
from Lord Sassoon, Chairman of China-Britain Business Council
(CBBC).
"Throughout the period the delegation were travelling in China there was
a real openness and willingness to make connections.” said Martyn.
One to one business meetings were organised which gave me the
opportunity to explain how as a firm we are able to assist with the whole
process of property acquisition in the UK supported by team members
from all legal disciplines."
“Hill Dickinson are members of the Liverpool China Partnership chaired
by Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision. The Liverpool
China Partnership has been formed to expand, strengthen and deliver
greater benefit from the City Regions' trade investment, tourism,
education, cultural and other links with China. As part of this initiative
Hill Dickinson work in tandem with CBBC which helps UK companies
grow and develop their business in China."
As a follow on from the delegation the Qingdao International Economic
Co-operation Zone is scheduled to visit Liverpool next month and the
Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Co-operation
are also planning a field study trip in early January 2017, with the
objective of exploring the UK’s best practice and experience in
administering and managing free economic zones.
A Monumental Year for AlphaBiolabs
AlphaBiolabs experienced a monumental year in 2016 when the
company won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for the
development work of their fast DNA testing. The only laboratory in
their sector to ever receive a Queen’s Award.
“We were immensely proud to have won such a prestigious award and the
recognition that comes with it. Now we have turned our focus to improving
the turnaround time for the drug and alcohol testing we provide and I’m
pleased to say that from January 2017 we will offer these results within
three days”.
As drug and alcohol testing has become more readily available and
accessible, greater pressure has been applied to laboratories to generate
results faster and for less cost. As a result, AlphaBiolabs has substantially
invested in the very latest drug and alcohol testing analytical equipment
and employs some of the best scientists in the world, to ensure that our
drug and alcohol test results are as accurate as possible and available at the
earliest opportunity.
AlphaBiolabs is familiar with innovation and promotes and supports new
ideas at every opportunity. Our toxicology team has developed groundbreaking
analytical methods which allows us operate a much more efficient
and cost effective service than other providers which will soon be available
as standard.
This innovation impacts on all departments and our staff are responsible
for the promotion and delivery of the service from the start, beginning with
a new enquiry, to the finish when the results of the drug and alcohol testing
22 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
are released to the customer.
One of the major problems for solicitors and local authorities is meeting
tight deadlines which can often be dictated by imminent court dates. This
innovation allows solicitors and social workers to provide faster
turnaround times for their clients who require drug and alcohol testing as
part of their case and may speed up the facilitation of cases involving the
welfare of children. An added benefit is to save court costs with potentially
wasted court hearings whilst a drug and alcohol result remains
outstanding.
Furthermore, if the three- day drug and alcohol testing service is used in
conjunction with our nationwide free sample collection Walk-in Centre
service, the clients are less likely to miss their sample collection
appointment, as they do not require an appointment to have their samples
collected at the Walk-in Centres. This means that the case is less likely to
be prolonged and can help to reduce the stress for everyone concerned and
prevent failed collection fees.
As the three- day drug and alcohol service is ‘as standard’ and is provided
at no extra cost, it also solves many of the accessibility and affordability
issues for families, especially with the recent decline in the availability of
legal aid.
These benefits translate within the industry to increased competitiveness
and because we are certain that we can match or beat any like-for-like
service, we even offer a price match promise for our three -day drug and
alcohol testing service.

“SAN CARLO HAS THE INGREDIENTS
OTHERS CAN ONLY DREAM OF”
The Observer
Aldo Zilli now part of
the San Carlo team
WWW.SANCARLO.CO.UK
41 Castle St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 9SH
liverpool@sancarlo.co.uk | T: +44 (0)151 236 0073
@SanCarlo_Group
WINNER OF THIRTY FIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Charity and CSR
Charity and CSR Matters
Hello! I hope you have all had a merry
Christmas and a happy New Year.
This month, I bring you lots of
opportunities to get involved in pro
bono and CSR work arising from an
event at Liverpool Law Society at the
end of November and news of various
charitable acts by Brown Turner Ross,
Paul Crowley & Co and Weightmans.
If you would like to tell others about
your CSR activities, please send me an
article. Equally, if you want to get
other lawyers involved in offering probono
advice, know of an opening for a
charity Trustee or want us to feature a
particular charity, then let me know
too. You can e-mail me at
matthew.smith@weightmans.com
Pro-Bono and CSR Match Making for the Legal Sector
This event took place at Liverpool Law Society on 24 November 2016,
with the aim of matching people in the legal sector with opportunities
to provide pro-bono advice, volunteer or help third sector legal advice
organisations in a range of other different ways. The event was
chaired by Matt Smith (Weightmans LLP) and was organised by Matt,
Siobhan Taylor-Ward (Jackson Canter), James Organ (University of
Liverpool), Liz Weeks and Sarah Poblete (both of Liverpool Law
Society).
Steve Cornforth (EAD) gave an opening presentation on the importance
of pro-bono and CSR in the Liverpool City Region. Seven speakers from
third sector advice agencies each then gave a short presentation, focusing
on the opportunities available for delegates to provide CSR and probono
assistance. Amy Heading (DLA) gave a closing speech on the
benefits to law firms of doing Pro-bono and CSR before delegates
continued to network with each other.
Opportunities
Our seven speakers from advice agencies highlighted the following
opportunities where they require support:
University of Liverpool – Liverpool Law Clinic - Lucy Yeatman
The Liverpool Law Clinic is in the process of restructuring its service
into three distinct areas:
• Family Law: Child disputes, divorce and financial matters
(non-urgent)
• Small Business: Employment, contracts, commercial property,
intellectual property and partnership agreements.
• Disability: Community care, mental capacity and possibly also
housing.
They also propose to move to clients getting verbal advice at an
appointment, followed by a letter from students confirming advice and
to extend the service to run for a longer period in term time.
They need:
• Solicitor volunteers to provide input on setting up their new
service (e.g. to help draft client questionnaires in the above
areas).
• Solicitor volunteers to help run advice services.
• To form partnerships with those in the voluntary sector who
can make referrals.
• Input on the need for these services from private and voluntary
sectors.
Contact: Lucy Yeatman
Lucy.Yeatman@liverpool.ac.uk
NWLST and The Access to Justice Foundation - Laura Cassidy
The Access to Justice Foundation aims to improve access to justice by
raising funds and distributing them to organisations that support those
who need legal help but cannot afford it.
24 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
They ask that:
• Lawyers submit their pro bono cost orders. If you are acting
pro bono, please ensure you submit your pro bono cost order
24 hours before your final hearing. The foundation is the
prescribed charity, under section 194 of the Legal Services Act
2007, to receive the funds, so you will be increasing the funds
available for free legal advice!
• Firms consider donating their unclaimed client account
balances. (NB. If such balances are ever claimed, they will be
repaid).
• For more information, please visit
http://www.atjf.org.uk/unclaimed-client-accounts.html
The Northwest Legal Support Trust (NWLST) is a grant-making charity,
which raises and distributes funds to support free legal advice services
and access to justice for all in the North West region of England.
The NWLST would like to appoint two new Trustees to its board. This
will involve attending or dialling into board meetings in Manchester and
assisting in the organisation of local fundraising events, particularly the
Liverpool Legal Walk.
NWLST also asks that people take part in the following fundraising
events, details of which can be found on the NWLST website:
• The Great Legal Bake.
• The Legal Walk.
• The Great Legal Quiz.
Contact: Laura Cassidy
020 7092 3973
lauracassidy@atjf.org.uk
Citizens Advice East Liverpool – Heather Brent
Citizens Advice Liverpool is looking for a new Chair, a Treasurer and
also has a number of other Trustee vacancies. Details can be found here:
http://www.liverpoollawsociety.org.uk/what-can-you-do
Citizens Advice East Liverpool also seek solicitor volunteers who can,
for example:
• Check compliance with pre-action protocols.
• Check witness statements.
• Advise on costs issues.
• Provide information to individuals on how to represent
themselves in court or tribunal.
Contact: Heather Brent
heather@wavertreecab.co.uk
Merseyside Law Centre – Mary Heery
Merseyside Law Centre covers, asylum, debt, housing, mental health,
public law, welfare benefits and immigration.

Charity and CSR
They would like the following support:
• Student volunteers.
• Volunteers/assistance from law firms. They would particularly
be interested in receiving trainee solicitors from law firms on
the mutually beneficial basis that trainees will receive training
and ‘hands on’ experience in return for the help they provide.
Possible secondments could be discussed.
• New Trustees to fill vacancies on their board.
• Advice from experts on fundraising.
• Advice from experts on profile raising.
Contact: Mary Heery
mary.heery@mwr.uk.com
Vauxhall Law Centre - Alan Kelly
Founded in 1972, the Centre offers free advice and legal representation
in respect of welfare rights issues, debt and housing law.
They need:
• As Alan put it “money, money, money!”
• Support with fundraising.
• Second hand equipment such as computers.
• Technical/admin support.
• Sponsorship.
• New Trustees.
Contact: Alan Kelly
alan.kelly@lawcentre.vnc.org.uk
Law Works – Clare Johnson
Law Works aims to provide access to justice to individuals in need of
advice, who are not eligible for legal aid and are without the means to
pay for a lawyer and to broker legal advice to small not-for-profit
organisations.
A law firm can register to be a LawWorks Member which offers benefits
such
• training on how to provide pro-bono assistance.
• connections with pro bono clinics.
• resources and best practice guides.
• networking opportunities.
Law firms can help by:
• Volunteer at a LawWorks Clinic, or sign up to the LawWorks’
Not-For-Profits programme (must be a LawWorks Member to
get involved with NFPP)
• Training – provide pro bono training sessions in specific areas
of law, ‘soft skills’ training, or access to their own in-house
training.
• Make available a venue for an event, roundtable or training
session.
• Sponsor an event, an award or host a fundraising event.
Contact: Clare Johnson
clare.johnson@lawworks.org.uk
LJMU Legal Advice Clinic - Rachel Stalker
The Legal Advice Clinic advises on Family, Employment, and Wills &
Administration.
Their wish list includes the following:
• Ad-hoc requests for advice – they are able to offer commercial
property advice (subject to colleague’s availability) but would
welcome the opportunity to reach out periodically for criminal
law, housing, and immigration advice, to those happy to be
contacted.
• Training – the LAC covers basic topics in the induction
programme for students, but would be interested to have
professional skills training as well, particularly interviewing
and managing clients.
• Fundraising and profile raising – The LAC is grateful to hear
of gaps that have been encountered where they may be able to
develop new projects. Links with charities are welcome. With
external sponsorship the LAC can develop better student
materials, publicity for their services, client materials, and
office equipment.
• Equipment – unwanted books (not too historic) are always
welcome.
• Collaboration on projects – the chance to shadow solicitors
working on pro bono cases in house; commercial property and
housing advice provision.
Contact: Rachel Stalker
R.Stalker@ljmu.ac.uk
HEAT Kensington
HEAT were unfortunately unable to join us on the day, but have asked
us to include some information on their requirements.
The Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS) is a partnership
approach to tackling domestic violence in Liverpool. The service is
based with the Health Energy Advice Team (HEAT) at the heart of the
community and benefits from the broad experience of HEAT in
developing and managing innovative projects.
The issues that LDAS may need pro bono services for are:
• Family courts – contact issues/residence orders/care
orders/adoption papers.
• Civil Orders – non molestation orders/occupation
orders/prohibited steps orders.
• Counter allegations – for example, perpetrator naming women
as perpetrators after an incident of domestic abuse and the
police taking action against the woman.
• Immigration – habitual residence/no recourse to public
funds/status of EU citizens/bio metric/spousal visas/SETDV
forms/residence orders.
Contacts: Pauline Downey or Michelle Walsh
paulinedowney@ldaservice.org.uk
michellewalsh@ldaservice.org.uk
Feedback
At the end of the morning, delegates were asked to fill in feedback forms
within which they made requests to be put into contact with others.
Most feedback forms contained requests for contact from multiple
organisations and a total of 58 contacts were requested overall.
Delegates were also very active during the networking sessions prior to
and after the event and it is anticipated that more contacts will have
already been made directly.
The Liverpool Law Society intends to hold a second event next year to
build on the success of this event.
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
25

Charity and CSR
Brown Turner Ross announces Mencap
Liverpool as chosen charity
Brown Turner Ross solicitors has announced Mencap Liverpool as its
chosen charity. The Merseyside based law firm is to become a
corporate partner for the next 12 months.
Initially Brown Turner Ross will donate £200, followed by a 12 month
programme of support that will include paying for the travel costs of
one volunteer, organising fundraising events to raise money and
underwriting elements of charity events organised by Mencap Liverpool.
Mencap Liverpool is a small independent charity run by local people.
Although affiliated with, it is not funded by national Mencap and
therefore must raise its own funds. A team of six staff, supported by 30
volunteers, work with people in local communities with learning
disabilities.
Dave Bushell, director at Brown Turner Ross solicitors, said: “The work
that Mencap Liverpool does makes a real difference to people in our
communities, people who rely on their services to live their day to day
lives.
Mencap Liverpool is a charity that is dear to my heart. As the brother of
a person with a learning disability, I have seen first hand how
challenging life can be at times. Brown Turner Ross is proud to be
working with Mencap Liverpool and helping to ensure they continue to
provide the life changing support that people rely on.”
Sarah Jones, CEO of Mencap Liverpool, said:“As a small charity, the
support of Brown Turner Ross will make a big difference to what we
can achieve over the next year. It is great to have such a major local firm
involved at this level and I am really excited about the partnership.”
Most of the people who use Mencap Liverpool, which can up to 150
people a year, do not receive any support from the local council and
often need help to navigate the problems of everyday life. Without
support, many people become isolated and increasingly vulnerable to
loneliness, poor health, poverty, debt, hate crime and exploitation.
Mencap Liverpool provides outreach support to help individuals access
the services and support they need, through a range of social activities, a
befriending project, workshops, volunteering and training opportunities.
!
!
Paul Crowley & Co solicitors
support Will Aid Month
Paul Crowley & Co, which has
offices in Liverpool city centre,
Anfield and West Derby, has
offered 30 free wills in return
for a voluntary donation to Will
Aid.
Will Aid month is a national
campaign organised by Will Aid,
an umbrella charity organisation
which supports charities
including Age UK, Save the
Children, The NSPCC and the
British Red Cross.
Dame Judy Dench is a patron of
the organisation, which raised
over £1 million for its charity
partners last year alone. The
recommended donation is set at
£95 for a single will, £150 for a
joint will, or £40 to update an
existing will.
Head of private client, Jennifer
McMahon, says: “We are
incredibly proud to take part in
such an important scheme and
support Will Aid this month. As
a firm, we have a commitment to
giving back to the local
community and the scheme is a
great way for us to be able to do
so by providing our expertise.
Jennifer McMahon
“Will Aid month has also been a
fantastic opportunity to raise
awareness of the importance of
having an up-to-date will, and the
impact which this can have on
clients and their families. We’ve
seen an incredible level of
interest in the scheme, with all of
our dedicated Will Aid
appointments already fully
booked, and we have been
overwhelmed by the generosity of
our clients.”
!
!
The 2017 Costs Conference
Wednesday 8th March 9.30am - 4.45pm
Speakers confirmed so far: Professor Dominic Regan, Kerry Underwood
& David Pilling.
26 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

Charity and CSR
Weightmans Support
’Yummy’s Scouse Christmas’
On Wednesday 7th December 2016, staff from Weightmans LLP’s Liverpool office
dedicated a day to supporting vulnerable people in the community.
The story starts with Simon Whitter, a seemingly lovely, ordinary guy. What you wouldn’t
guess from looking at Simon is that he used to be homeless. Fortunately for Simon, he was
lucky and managed to turn his life around and now dedicates his time to helping others in
similar positions.
Last year, Simon organised a Christmas Day breakfast for 170 homeless people. This year,
he’s back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Known as ‘Yummy’s Scouse Christmas’,
Simon and a tremendous team of volunteers are dedicating their Christmas Day to ensuring
that 1,000 homeless, socially excluded or elderly people, as well as marginalised families,
enjoy a full three-course meal on Christmas Day.
As if that wasn’t enough, the volunteers wanted to go a step further and make sure that each
and every attendee to the event received a gift to open. The response was overwhelming -
donations and presents came flooding in and the gifts filled a whole meeting room in
Weightmans’ Liverpool office! Hence the wrapping event. On Wednesday 7th December
2016 the team at Weightmans took time out of their busy schedules to ensure that each and
every present was wrapped in time for the main event!
Proceedings kicked off at 1:00pm with Weightmans’ staff donning Santa hats, reindeer
antlers and flashing red noses to get themselves in the Christmas spirit. Staff were joined by
press from The Echo, Made in Liverpool, Radio City and Liverpool’s very own Lord Mayor,
Roz Gladden.
After the flurry of wrapping, the presents were sorted into male/female/chocolates (the
children’s presents had already been sorted!) and the gifts for the homeless sorted into helpful
packages to assist in this cold weather, including gloves, scarves, socks, coats and hats.
Next it was off to pick up 1,000 chocolate selection boxes, kindly donated by Carpenters, as a
little extra for all those attending on Christmas Day. To keep staff in the Christmas spirit
whilst wrapping, the choir from Blueberry Park School joined in and sang carols throughout
the afternoon and into the evening! A superb performance which was more than welcomed
by the busy wrappers!
All in all, a very successful day for a wonderful cause.
On Christmas Day, there are nine locations throughout Liverpool taking part in this
wonderful event, including the Joseph Lappin Centre, the Whitechapel Centre, The Florrie
and many more. The volunteers are still desperately looking for entertainers or other
volunteers for the day and any additional donations would be gratefully received. Contact
@Yummysdinner on Twitter or Yummy’s Scouse Christmas on Facebook for more details.
In the words of Yummy’s Scouse Christmas, no one should have no one at Christmas.
-
-
-
-
-
Liam Moore- Voice in the City, John Finnigan of Liverpool Homeless
Football Club, Roy Gladden- Consort, Ann O’Byrne- Deputy Mayor
Roz Gladden Lord Mayor, Sean Crotty CSR Partner Weightmans LLP
Simon Whitter- organiser of Yummy’s Scouse Christmas
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk 27

Regulation Update
Regulation Update
The latest regulation news from
Michelle Garlick of Weightmans LLP
Happy New Year and I hope it will be a successful and risk-free year ahead for
all of you. This update was written before Christmas so aswell as catching up on
events, I look forward to what might be in store this year too.
Is the standard of proof too high?
The SDT has recently been criticised by Sir Brian Leveson, president of the
Queen’s Bench Division, for using the criminal standard in proceedings rather
than the civil standard used by the SRA. The discussion arose after the SDT
reviewed the case of an immigration advisor who was banned from working for
a regulated firm after creating attendance notes and altering original documents.
The SDT overturned the s43 order imposed by the SRA adjudicator because, on
a criminal standard of proof, it couldn’t find that Mr Arslan had amended/created
the documents to mislead the SRA. The crux of the issue was whether the SDT
was correct in applying the criminal standard of proof in these circumstances
where it was reviewing a decision made by the SRA. Mr Justice Leggatt, who
was sitting alongside Leveson, has said that “the present situation in which the
tribunal, when acting as a primary fact-finder, applies a different standard of
proof from that which the SRA applies when carrying out that role is
unsatisfactory and illogical.”
This will be music to Paul Phillip’s ears. As Chief Executive of the SRA, he has
been calling for a change to the standard of poof for a while now and not
surprisingly, he has emphasised the importance of the Judgment saying that “it is
clearly wrong that the SDT applies a different standard to the SRA. This is a
civil jurisdiction and the civil standard should apply. We will continue to push
for this change to be made”
Any suggestion of lowering the burden of proof has been resisted by the SDT so
far and given the potential implications on a professional’s career, opposition to
any change remains strong so it is unlikely that any change will be implemented
in the near future but this argument will undoubtedly rumble on for some time to
come.
Complaints and Comparison Tools
I reported in February that the LeO announced that complaints about law firms
were projected to have fallen 22% in four years. Whilst the fall in complaints
wasn’t as much as 22%, the complaints did fall in 2016 to the lowest level since
the organisation opened in 2010. The fall in complaints is a testament not only
to the improved service that firms are delivering to clients but also to the way in
which firms are dealing with them during the first tier process. But firms should
not be resting on their laurels regarding complaints handling, not least because of
the Consumer Panel’s and Competition and Markets Authority’s desire to see
“digital comparison tools” introduced into the legal sector which they say will
help prospective clients decide the services they need and who to go to for those
services whilst at the same time improve competition. At the time of writing this,
the CMA’s report on the legal market is anticipated but there will I’m sure, be
some very interesting recommendations to come from it so watch this space for
further updates in the coming months on this.
Whilst on this subject, one public access barrister who was the subject of more
than 40 complaints to the LeO between 2012 and 2014 has now been disbarred.
The complaints against Tariq Rehman of Kings Court Chambers in Birmingham
varied from not providing client care letters to overcharging clients and not
performing work after being instructed. The BSB also found evidence that
Rehman and his chambers were practicing in breach of the Legal Services Act.
Given the nature of the work Rehman was involved with and the particularly
vulnerable clients he was instructed on behalf of, Rehman was disbarred in a bid
to protect the public ‘from his serious and persistent failures.’
Fraud
Sticking to the theme of previous warnings of involvement in fraudulent
schemes, a solicitor from Yorkshire has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for
his part in fraudulent investment schemes in which he received millions of
pounds over 8 years.
gave fraudulent investment schemes ‘a veneer of respectability’ and also
threatened to sue disgruntled investors seeking to get their money back.
Pickard was found guilty of 2 offences of fraud by false representation and
concealing criminal property. The SRA are currently awaiting notification from
the court before deciding on any appropriate action, albeit conditions are in place
on his practicing certificate, including a prohibition on him being involved in
‘any work relating to investment schemes.’
In another case of fraud, Anthony Rattigan has been convicted by Liverpool
Crown Court of two counts of fraud by abuse of position and two counts of
money laundering after an investigation by the Insurance Fraud Enforcement
Department, part of the City of London police.
Rattigan, a former insurance claim handler, admitted to illegally passing on
customer details to a law firm, who in turn, were providing him with referral
payments. In addition, Rattigan was adding friends and family members as
injured parties to genuine claims he was handling so that they would receive
compensation. The family and friends involved received police cautions as a
result. There is no suggestion that the law firm were aware that Rattigan was
employed as an insurance claim handler.
Rattigan was ordered to pay back the £37,000 and was sentenced to 10 months
imprisonment, with the potential to serve an additional 9 months if he did not
pay the money back.
A word of warning
The High Court recently ordered litigants who ignored correspondence from the
other side to pay for wasted costs.
The firm had ignored 4 pieces of correspondence from the other side regarding
the need for expert evidence, including a final letter putting the firm on notice
that an application would be made to seek an order that the defendant could not
rely on expert evidence, if no response was forthcoming.
Chief Master Marsh, sitting in the Chancery Division, said that it was
unacceptable for the defendants to ignore the letters and simply not engage with
the claimant. The defendants were ordered to pay 85% of the costs claimed
equating to £14,821.
Whiplash reforms
For those firms who deal with personal injury claims, the whiplash reforms will
no doubt be at the forefront of your minds. Already, we have seen one law firm
–Kemp Legal Limited - blame the reforms for having to go into administration.
All firms, irrespective of the type of work they do, must of course regularly
review their business plan and financial performance for stability so as we start
the new year, firms need to be testing their model to satisfy themselves that it is
robust to face the challenges ahead.
Things to look out for this year?
Whilst changes to the handbook are unlikely to come in to effect until 2018, we
are likely to face further consultations this year on proposed changes including
Practice Framework and Authorisation rules as well as the SRA’s proposals on
their enforcement strategy.
GDPR – again, whilst these are not due to come into effect until 2018, they will
have a significant impact on how firms will have to ensure their client data is
protected. Firms need to be looking at their processes this year to start preparing
for the new regulations – a failure to do so will mean you are unlikely to be
ready. So, if you are responsible for Data protection in your firm, make this your
new year’s resolution!
Michelle Garlick
Weightmans LLP
Leeds Crown Court heard that Stephen Pickard, formerly of Lupton Fawcett,
28 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

Local News
Invite to the Members of
Liverpool Law Society
Dear Member,
Many of you will be football fans, and I am sure,
whether red or blue, you will have a soft spot for
Tranmere Rovers Football Club. You may know that
two members of our wider professional community are
actively involved with Tranmere.
Mark Palios, also former CEO of the Football
Association is Chairman and with his wife, Nicola
Palios, co-owner, and Martyn Best, CEO of Document
Direct (the only outsourced typing provider endorsed by
the Law Society) and Past President of the Liverpool
Society of Chartered Accountants is a Trustee of
Tranmere Rovers in the Community (TRIC) and an
Associate Director of the club.
On Saturday 25th March, they would like to extend an
invitation to our members to Prenton Park. This is with
their full compliments, with no cost to the Society or its
members.
Tranmere, currently bidding for promotion back to
League Two, will play host to Braintree and this should
be a key game as the season approaches its conclusion.
Mark and Martyn will be providing insights into how
the club are developing a sustainable business model to
underpin Tranmere's footballing ambitions, and will be
giving a short 20 minute presentation on TRIC & its
activities. They will also be highlighting how you, if you
wish, may be able to become a more active supporter in
many ways. We are sure that many of the activities of
TRIC may resonate with your own firm’s values and
aims.
The activities of TRIC and Tranmere embrace many
diverse elements which may be of interest to you or
your clients, such as their engagement with Wirral Met
College, their growing relationship with China, and
their very wide community and charitable engagements.
The timing of the day will be as follows:
12:45 – Please arrive at souvenir shop to be
greeted by Hannah Kendrick of the
club.
13.00 - Short presentation and opportunity
for a Q&A.
14.00 – Buffet to be served
15.00 – Kick off
15.45 – Half Time – Cakes to be served
16:45 – Full time, and drinks back in the
boardroom
As Mark has said, "We can guarantee most of an
enjoyable and informative afternoon for the members of
the Liverpool Law Society, but I have to leave the
players to deliver the three points. I hope you are able to
join us for the whole event, and each member with one
guest of their choice will be very welcome."
There is a limit to the number of places, so if you are
interested I would recommend responding quickly to
Mia Coleman at miac@tranmererovers.co.uk or call her
on 0151 609 3390.
Regards
John Ballam
President
Liverpool Law Society
www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
29

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MJLD COMMITTEE
WINE TASTING EVENT – VEENO
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vember. With
und the world
connoiseur -
apes, and an
e – it’s safe to
ne or two sore heads the next
hat a great time was had by all. A
vent sponsors for the ‘Guess the
of Sweets’ competition in
our nominated charity Crisis
Merseyside, and £100 in ‘redy
vouchers. Many thanks to all of
at Veeno and to Sacco Mann for
sly sponsoring a great event!
-
32 www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk

Local Groups
News from the WLD
!
With a slight change to the events taking place prior to Christmas, the
WLD began the festive season with fizz tasting in November. The
With a slight change to the events taking place prior to Christmas, the WLD began the festive season
fun-filled with fizz tasting night in November. was held The at fun-filled the New night was Capital held at the and New consisted Capital and consisted of guesting of
tasting
guesting
a
tasting
variety
a variety
of 7
of 7 specially selected champagnes,
champagnes,
cavas and proseccos,
cavas and
which were
greatly enjoyed by all attending, and a quiz about the wines being tasted. Nibbles were provided to
proseccos, assist in keeping which everyone were standing. greatly The night enjoyed was hugely by all successful attending, and the WLD and would a quiz like to
about
thank
the
R&H
wines
Fine Wines
being
for providing
tasted.
us with
Nibbles
their knowledge
were
of
provided
fine wines, New
to assist
Capital for
inhosting the
evening and Kingsley for kindly sponsoring this event.
keeping everyone standing. The night was hugely successful and the
WLD December would saw the like WLD to committee thank attending R&H Fine their annual Wines Christmas for providing committee meal us which with was held
at Fazenda. The committee enjoyed a variety of cuts of meat followed by a fabulous selection of
their miniature knowledge desserts. of fine wines, New Capital for hosting the evening
and Kingsley for kindly sponsoring this event.
To bring in the new year, the WLD is excited to announce the long awaited Harvey Nichols Beauty
Bazaar event on 10th February 2017. In anticipation of the popularity of this event, those interested
December are requested saw to contact the the WLD committee as soon as possible attending to reserve their places annual via email Christmas at
wldevent@gmail.com.
committee meal which was held at Fazenda. The committee enjoyed a
!
variety of cuts of meat followed by a fabulous selection of miniature
desserts.
To bring in the new year, the WLD is excited to announce the long
awaited Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar event on 10th February 2017. In
anticipation of the popularity of this event, those interested are
requested to contact the WLD as soon as possible to reserve their places
via email at wldevent@gmail.com.
!
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Corporate Insolvency: A Practical Guide
with Chris
Beanland
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www.liverpoollawsociety.co.uk
33

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