The Worcestershire Law Society Awards Results
On Thursday 24th September we held a socially distanced version of the annual Worcestershire Law Society Awards. The ceremony itself was slightly different to the large formal award ceremony we have become accustomed to over the years but we were keen to hand out the awards without any further delay to the shortlisted candidates who had waited so patiently.
The WLS Awards were originally planned to take place in April at Grafton Manor (after a record number of nominations) but by the end of March it was clear that this was not going to be able to go ahead due to the worldwide pandemic. After a few months of hoping that we may be able to rearrange for later in the year, it became apparent that we would have to do things slightly differently in 2020, and we managed to arrange a socially distanced awards evening at Centenary Lounge in Worcester.
President’s Piece Hertfordshire Law Society
President’s Piece
Now that the memories of summer begin to fade, with its period of relaxation in lockdown restrictions, it seems that with the announcement on 12 October 2020 of the 3 Tier Lockdown Plan, it seems that we might be returning to what could be the new normal. It seems that the uncertainties, whether over the pandemic, Brexit and the ups and downs of lawyering (one thing that is ever present), are going to be with us for some time to come.
It has been a very unusual year as President but one not without its positive aspects. Both locally and nationally, the Law Society has continued to represent practitioners in working with the Courts and government to try and keep the criminal and civil justice systems working. The increased use of remote hearings perhaps signals a paradigm shift in how lawyers and citizens will interact with the justice system well beyond the pandemic. A change that many practitioners and lay persons will welcome.
The need for digital transformation is a necessity
John Espley, CEO of LEAP UK, the legal practice management software provider, puts forward the case that the pandemic has created an opportunity for law firms to improve their systems by becoming more agile and therefore offering a better service to their clients.
At the start of the pandemic many law firms were still over reliant on old and traditional systems and methodologies, relying on paper-based systems and face to face contact.
COVID created an immediate need for new software solutions to ensure business continuity for law firms, which required a smooth transition and the right tools for staff to work efficiently. Many firms have used any downtime created by lockdown to turn to new ways or working. Investing in new technology and training staff in new procedures that will help overcome the challenges that have arisen coming in and out of lockdown.
Quill Webinar: 15-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Law Firm
Press release from: Quill
Quill Webinar: 15-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Law Firm
It’s more important than ever to be doing the right things so your law firm survives and thrives. So, if you’re just starting out or thinking about taking the plunge, join Quill’s webinar on Thursday 12th November at 1pm for:
- A step-by-step ebook to starting a law firm, focused on managing matters, compliance and finances
- 10 common mistakes to avoid that put law firms at risk of SRA non-compliance
- Toolkit you need to succeed as a law firm today – guidance on how much to invest in what, and where and when
- Powerful lessons learned from entrepreneurs behind successful law firms
Read moreQuill Webinar: 15-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Law Firm
EDI Focus
Natasha Adams of Ashtons Legal An interview with… Natasha Adams of Ashtons Legal In June 2020, Natasha Adams of Ashtons Legal was awarded the Trainee Lawyer of the Year Award at the Cambridgeshire Law Society Legal Excellence Awards (an outstanding evening event for the Cambridgeshire legal community!) and her professional journey to date was featured in … Read more