North West Law Good Evening Manchester! April 2011 The Manchester Legal Awards News Courts Estates Reform Programme The 2nd annual Manchester Legal Awards took place on 3rd March at (CERP) Update the Midland Hotel, where over 500 guests and sponsors filled the page 5 Alexandra Suite to celebrate the cream of the Manchester legal DWF receives industry acclaim for client profession. Julia Baskerville reports on one of the highlights in the satisfaction Manchester legal calendar... page 6 Following on from the success of last year’s Man- Glaisyers continues to expand chester Legal Awards, the 2011 event was even more page 7 successful. For the win- Mills & Reeve secures Sunday Times top ners it was an evening of celebration, for the run- 100 ranking for eighth consecutive year ners-up there was some disappointment, but it page 8 was most definately an evening that recognised the cream of the Manches- Features ter legal profession.

Guests began their evening with a champagne recep- Management Matters tion, sponsored by Trimega Laboratories, in the lobby of with Bill Kirby the Midland Hotel before page 12 moving in to the Alexandra Think Individual Client! Suit e for Dinner and the Awards ceremony. page 22

Fran Eccles-Bech, the Execu- tive Director of Manchester Regulars Law Society welcomed the guests with a resounding “Good Evening Manchester, Education & Training Programme welcome to our very own oscars!” page 10 President of Manchester City Profile: Law Society, Nick Daven- port also welcomed guests Ruth Shearn of RMSPR to the MLA in the UK’s great- est city. He said it was an page 11 evening to celebrate the The latest new from the MYSG, MTSG & outstanding legal talent in the city and that the task of ILEX the judges had been an ex- tremely difficult one in view page 13 of the high volume and quality of the entries. Fran’s Foray This month Goodman Harvey Nick also thanked the many individuals who had been page 24 involved in the organisation of the event as well as the many sponsors of the evening and individual More news, photos and reports awards . In partnership with Kevin Feddy, Business E ditor from the Manchester Legal Awards of the Manchester Evening News, the media partner for on pages 15 - 18 continued on page 15 The Monthly Publication of the Manchester Law Society

Manchester Law Society President’s Column 3

I write this month’s col- John - whose attention to their firms. However we the Authorisation of Sole umn immediately after detail and sheer hard work cannot guess at every- Practitioners. It will be in- the Manchester Legal was outstanding. Fran thing that may be of rele- teresting to see over the Awards Dinner on 3rd managed to persuade a vance to members. We are next few months what no- March. The evening small army of people to here to serve our mem- tice (if any) that the SRA demonstrated the out- help the MLS team on the bers so if there are topics takes of the many re- standing legal talent in day and I am very grateful of interest to any firms sponses it has received on this great city. The winners for what they contributed. could they please let ei- recent consultations. My were all worthy, and my ther me or our education thanks are due to Brian congratulations go to At the Legal Awards Din- co-ordinator, Hannah Ker- Rogers of Lewis Hyman- them all. Those who were ner some advance public- shaw, have details. I would son Small for taking on the not successful have my ity was given to the also recommend you look onerous role of chairing commiserations, and Manchester Law Society carefully at the blue book- this vital committee. should remember there is Charity Ball to be held on let that accompanies the always next year. The Saturday 8th October, Messenger every month, At the end of March I will event has now become a once again at the Midland as we try to provide CPD be attending the Local fixture in our calendar, Hotel. The charities we will at a rate which is substan- Law Society conference in with demand exceeding be supporting will be the tially more cost effective Surrey. One session looks supply. 496 attended this North West Air Ambulance than the commercial particularly interesting - it year’s event, with a wait- and Nordoff Robbins, the providers. consists of a panel discus- ing list of 80. There is a children’s music charity. It sion involving our Na- clear message for next will be another glittering Continuing on the theme tional President (Linda year: book early to avoid event so I urge you to re- of education we are in the Lee), The Law Society’s disappointment. serve your table early. At process of finalising a joint chief executive (Des Hud- The Manchester Legal the Legal Awards we held venture with the College son), the Chairman of the My thanks must go to all a prize draw for these two of Law to provide mem- SRA (Charles Plant), and Awards demonstrated of our sponsors who charities, raising in excess bers of the Society with the Chief Legal Ombuds- helped to make the dinner of £4,300 which is out- online continuing educa- man (Adam Sampson). I the outstanding legal such a success. From my standing. The generosity tion at excellent rates. Full will report on this confer- conversations with them of all who entered is ap- details of this exciting ven- ence in next month’s col- talent in this great city. at the event it seems clear preciated. ture will be released umn. they enjoyed partnering shortly, but I am sure it will The winners were all with Manchester Law Soci- In addition to my role as offer much at a reasonable Nick Davenport ety in putting on a glitter- President I have the privi- price. President worthy, and my ing evening. Our media lege of chairing the Educa- partners MEN Media gave tion Committee of Our newly formed Regula- congratulations go to the event outstanding Manchester Law Society. tory Affairs Committee has coverage the following Much work is put in by the been busy. The Society has them all. day. My final thanks must members of this commit- responded to the two lat- go to the dedicated team tee to devise an education est consultations issued at Manchester Law Society program that is of assis- by the SRA on Client Fi- - Fran, Vicky, Hannah, and tance to members and nancial Protection, and President’s Column President’s 4 News Eversheds’partner takes on consultant role after 40 years The Manchester office of international law firm Eversheds has appointed M&A partner Edward Pysden as a consultant when he retires from the partnership on 30 April 2011. Edward spoke to Julia Baskerville about his life in the law... After more than four thing moved much more says “the pitches we see for there are many challenges decades at Eversheds, Ed- slowly and gave you time to global and major companies ahead for the profession, ward will continue provid- think, now everything has to are highly sophisticated and particularly for smaller firms ing advice to his clients be instantaneous. Similarly responsive to the clients de- who specialise in family, while also continuing with the training of solicitors has mands, they want access to conveyancing, matrimonial a portfolio of activities out- changed. Trainee solicitors information, value for and legal aid work. He adds side the firm. used to spend much more money and expertise. “ “my impression is that some time with their principals. of the smaller firms are fac- Edward joined Eversheds When I was training I had Edward has also seen the ing a difficult time and constituent North-West law two principals who would development of Manchester changes in legal aid are firm Alexander Tatham in sit with me and go through as a legal centre change dur- going to restrict access to 1970,and has specialised in everything in depth.” ing the last 20-30 years. He justice in the future.” corporate law. Edward has comments “During the mid advised on many of the re- Although the pace of prac- 80s Manchester’s law firms Throughout his career, Ed- gion’s most substantial tice has changed, Edward were much smaller than ward has been passionate transactions, such as bring- recognises the advantages those of Leeds and Birming- about the growth of the ing in £4 billion procure- and benefits that technol- ham. Leeds firms had the Manchester economy and ment for the Greater ogy has brought to modern advantage of serving several the health of the cultural life Manchester Waste Disposal practices. He says “Technol- large Yorkshire based Build- in the North-West of Eng- Authority to a successful ogy has modernised prac- ing Societies and the law land. He has been engaged conclusion in 2009. He has tices making them more firms benefitted from the in the development of the been recognised for a num- costs efficient and competi- regular flow of work this Manchester economy ber of years in Chambers di- tive. It has made the world generated. However the ex- through his roles as a board rectory as the leading smaller.” pansion and mergers of a member of Marketing Man- corporate lawyer in the number of firms such as chester, Knowledge Capital North-West of England. Edward has found that over Eversheds, Addleshaws, and pro-manchester, of the years, relationships with Dibb Lupton Allsop and which he became Chairman. So over the forty years what clients have changed. When Hammond Suddards during He also chaired the Halle Edward is looking forward and resource. I am de- has changed? Edward says he started out as a young the 1980s saw the position Orchestra for ten years from to becoming more involved lighted to continue my as- “the pace of life and the pro- solicitor, the relationship of Manchester as a centre of 1999 to 2009 and The Man- in other areas of business, sociation through my fession is much faster now. would develop over a num- legal excellence develop chester Airport Group plc adding “I have been privi- consultancy, whilst seeking Forty years ago there were ber of years, and work which has been good for the from 2008 to 2009. leged to work with a great to broaden the work I do no emails, no faxes, no telex, would flow to a firm be- profession and good for our team of people within the into other areas in business no word processors - so all cause of the solicitor/client clients.” Edward is currently Chair of firm for more than 40 years. and the community. I have documents had to be typed relationship built up and Visit Chester and Cheshire, I am sure Eversheds will been very fortunate to have and sent out in the mail. If a pitching for jobs was un- If Edward was embarking on and a board member of the continue as a major force had many exciting projects a document or lease needed usual. Now law firms are his career now he would still global business European here in Manchester with a and clients to work with dur- amending, it had to be re- having to pitch for most choose to be a solicitor, al- Metal Recycling based in well deserved reputation for ing a varied and rewarding typed. Essentially every- transactional work. Edward though he believes that Warrington. quality and global strength legal career.” Mills & Reeve announces retirement of Manchester legal veteran Liz Taylor one of Manchester’s first women solicitors retired from practice last month. Liz spoke to Julia Baskerville about her 39 year career in the law.... National law firm Mills & vice given on a property from one female secretary tions of clients have in- Reeve have announced transac tion which had who commented she could creased. She adds “In the the retirement of pre-em- given rise to the failure to “never work for a woman”. old days there was a firm inent professional indem- obtain planning permission client/solicitor relationship nity insurance lawyer Liz for a multi-million pound During almost four decades that was built up over many Taylor after a glittering development. in the law, Liz has seen years, and to a certain ex- 39-year career in law. many changes, none more tent this has now gone. Liz joined Mills & Reeve so than the number of These days firms have to Trust. Liz is currently Chair of Liz joined Mills & Reeve as from Halliwells LLP's insur- women entering the profes- tender for work and there Liz added:"I will miss Mills & Governors at Withington head of the firm's northern ance division. Prior to this, sion. Liz says “When I are no guarantees. This all Reeve greatly. The firm's Girls' School and a Governor professional indemnity in- she was managing partner started my career there adds to the pr essure of legal Manchester office has gone of Manchester Metropolitan surance team in 2008 and and head of professional in- were very few women solic- practice. Similarly the infra- from strength to strength University. She will continue has been a consultant to the demnity at dedicated insur- itors. There was one senior structures of law firms are over the last few years and I in these roles. team since June 2010. While ance firm James Chapman & partner of a law firm - Peggy now far more complex and look forward t o seeing it at the firm Liz has advised Co, until its merger with Hal- Mason, but that was consid - as a partner in a firm there is continue to grow." Commenting on Liz's retire- on professional negligence liwells in 2006. ered to be very unusual.” a responsibility to ensure ment, head of Mills & claims involving a variety of Obviously now there are far the financial success of the Guy Hinchley, managing Reeve's northern profes- professions including ac- Born and educated in Man - more women in the profes- firm because there are a lot partner, concluded: "I would sional indemnity insurance countants, brokers, solici- chester, Liz attended Bristol sion and in senior positions, of people depending on like to thank Liz for her c on- team Niall Innes said: "Dur- tors, surveyors and University before taking up but Liz sa ys that it is still dif- you. There is no room for tribution to Mills & Reeve. ing her time at Mills & barristers. Highlights have articles at George Davies & ficult, for both men and complacency.” She has done much to Reeve, Liz has helped to included advising on multi- Co. Liz was the first female women, to successfully strengthen our offering in build a market-leading re- ple claims arising from after- solicitor to be employed by manage the work/life bal- Outside of the law, Liz has the Nor th and ensured gional prac tice which I am the-event insurance the firm and similar ly when ance. Perhaps even more so previously chaired the Man- depth of resource at a na- very proud to now be re- litigation, the alleged failure she moved to James Chap- now with the “long hours” chester Fertility Services tional level. She has been a sponsible for . I look forward to advise as to the adequacy man & Co in 1976, she w as culture . Limited Ethical Committ ee leading light in Manchester to building on the founda- of security in a complex and the only w oman solicitor. Liz and been a Non-Executiv e and the whole team wish tions she has laid and con- substantial property matter, says that she was accepted Liz says that over the years, Director of the Mancunian her the very best for the fu- tinuing to grow our already and a claim relating to ad- well by her colleagues apart the demands and expecta- Communit y Health NHS ture." impressive client base. " Manchester Law Society News 5 LSB announces new Board Member Courts Estates Reform Programme (CERP) Update The Legal Services Board Tribunal. He was President Following the Lord Chancellor’s decision on 14 December 2010 to close a number of has announced the ap- of The Law Society of Eng- courts and fine payment counters in the North West, implementation plans are now pro- pointment of Edward land and Wales from 2004 to gressing. Nally as a new Non-Execu- 2005, and was Chair of tive Board member for a Governors at Pendleton A schedule of likely closure dates has been produced and is attached for your informa- four year term which com- Sixth Form College, Salford tion. These are indicative dates at present so should be seen as subject to subsequent menced on 14 February until 2007. Mr Nally will be change. 2011. The vacancy, which stepping down as a Judicial was for a non-lay member, Appointments Commis- If you wish to raise any issues please contact the North West CERP Project Manager on was created when Rose- sioner on appointment to telephone no. 0161 240 5956 or email: [email protected] by mary Martin stepped the LSB. Monday, 28 February. down in January 2010. Commenting on the an- Yours sincerely The appointment was made nouncement, David Ed- by the Lord Chancellor and monds, LSB Chairman said: Richard Knott approved by the Lord Chief "I am delighted to welcome Edward Nally Justice in accordance with Edward to the Board. He will the Legal Services Act 2007. bring skills and experience Jonathan Djanogly said:"I Indicative Dates for the Closure of Courts of value to the broadest extend my congratulations Edward Nally has been a range of the Board's work - to Mr Nally who joins the Indicative Date Court for Closure practising solicitor for 31 not least the ways in which Legal Services Board at a years. He is the Senior Part- regulatory reform can be crucial and exciting time for April ‘11 Rawtenstall Magistrates’Court ner of Fieldings Porter, a used to modernise legal the legal profession. I look April ‘11 Fine Payment Counters in Magistrates’Courts in Greater Manchester firm of solicitors in Bolton, services delivery for the forward to working with Mr April ‘11 Fine Payment Counters in Magistrates’Courts in Lancashire having been a Partner since benefit of the profession, Nally and the rest of the May ‘11 Whitehaven County Court 1982 after joining the firm consumers and the wider Board under the chairman- June ‘11 Penrith Magistrates’Court on qualification in 1980. public." ship of David Edmonds, as July ‘11 Penrith County Court He is a Governor of the Col- they steer the profession July ‘11 Runcorn County Court lege of Law and a Member Parliamentary Under Secre- into a new era of innovation July ‘11 Northwich County Court of the Solicitors Disciplinary and competition." tary of State for Justice, July ‘11 Southport County Court Sept ‘11 Northwich Magistrates’Court For the attention of Senior Partners from His Honour Judge Sept ‘11 Southport Magistrates’Court Sept ‘11 Rawtenstall County Court Richard Holman, Designated Civil Judge Sept ‘11 Chorley County Court Dear Sir Sept ‘11 Whitehaven Magistrates’Court (although there are proposals to bring this forward to June) Please excuse the impersonal form of address but this letter is being sent to a large num- Sept ‘11 Kendal County Court (reduction from full time to 2 days pw) ber of practices. Dec ‘11 Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood Magistrates’Court You will, I am sure, appreciate that HMCS is facing significant financial pressures at pres- Dec ‘11 The City of Salford Magistrates’Court ent. Given the parlous state of public finances this situation is likely to continue for some Dec ‘11 Salford County Court years. In order to help it to provide as good a service as possible, we all need to reflect on April ‘12 Knowsley Magistrates’Court ways in which we can help. One area which has been identified is telephone calls. Listed below are examples of the na- ture of calls received, which should not be directed to court staff. 1. Can you tell me the c ourt fee for....? The 2. Which judge is hearing this application? Law Costs Draftsmen 3. Which courtroom will the judge be in? John M Hayes 4. Should I robe? Partnership 5. Where am I on the list? 6. How long has been given for the hearing? There are other sources from which this information should be obtained. As to court fees, When you have concerns about existing consult the relevant Fees Order, which you should hold in your office and is also available costing arrangements, you need a firm which: on the internet. The daily court lists are available on the Courtel website (with the excep- tion of the Administrative Court where the list appears on the RCJ list). Robes are governed by the Guidance issued by the Law Society and the Bar Council. •Delivers a professional costing service, If we can reduce the number of telephone calls significantly, the staff will have more time in house if required to concentrate on their standard daily tasks such as dealing with correspondence and draw- ing orders. In future, therefore, you will find that the court staff will politely decline to deal •Will collect and return files within ten with these types of enquiries. working days Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. His Honour Judge Richard Holman, Designated Civil Judge •Is experienced, supportive and responsive •Can deliver draft bills directly to your desk by e-mail •Gives free telephone advice •Avoids hidden charges

The John M Hayes Partnership - Call us on 0161 835 4087 DX: 14453 Manchester 2 Unit E, Deansgate Mews, Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN

www.johnmhayes.co.uk 6 Movers & Shakers DWF receives industry acclaim for Stephensons awarded Very High client satisfaction Significantly, DWF was legal and commercial ad- Costs Cases accreditation ranked joint top for the vice, costs and service deliv- The specialist regulatory, firms with the relevant ex- rent time and we are experi- quality of ‘personal and ery. It also assesses the fraud and commercial pertise. encing a significant rise in partner relationships’ with quality of partner relation- crime department at new cases, in particular its clients. It also came first ships with their clients and North West law firm The Commercial Crime fraud and serious crime. The for its ‘cost and billing prac- the use of knowledge man- Stephensons Solicitors team at Stephensons has VHCC accreditation will tice’which clients ranked as agement. LLP has been awarded an expanded rapidly in the last demonstrate to our clients ‘outstanding’. accreditation that allows 12 months with several lat- that we have the ability to The firm also achieved a it to act in Very High Costs eral hires, including the ad- represent them in the most Managing partner, Andrew particularly high score on Criminal (VHCC) cases. dition of Rachel Adamson, a difficult of situations.” Leaitherland said: “Our fan- the quality of its legal and fraud specialist with 15 tastic survey ranking re- commercial advice offered The accreditation has been years’experience. The team acts on behalf of flects our commitment to to its client base. granted by the Legal Ser- businesses and professional delivering outstanding re- vices Commission (LSC) and Sean Joyce, regulatory part- people who are facing pros- sults for our client base. We DWF has become one of the gives the team the ability to ner at Stephensons, said: ecution for commercial are powering ahead of our highest climbing firms in take on serious and com- “We are extremely pleased crimes such as fraud, regula- national rivals and are now the ‘Legal Business 100’, in- plex criminal cases that to have achieved VHCC ac- tory offences, motoring and Andrew Leaitherland, seen as the top firm in the creasing its revenue by incur very high costs. These creditation for the first time. transport offences, environ- managing partner, DWF LLP country in terms of partner 111% from £33.9m to types of cases, typically mental offences and profes- relations and costs. £71.5m in the last five years. those which last more than “The economic conditions sional misconduct. Leading business law firm, Legal Business now rank the 25 days, can only be han- are a particular hazard for DWF has been ranked in “We are never complacent. firm nationally in 42nd dled with solicitors and business people at the cur- the top three national law As we continue to grow we place, leaving it to make up firms in the country for will continue to ensure that just 12 positions in just over client satisfaction, accord- our clients come first and a year to achieve its top 30 ing to Legal Week. we build on our successes, strategy. delivering a high quality The 2010 Legal Week Client service and legal advice that The firm, which recently re- Satisfaction Survey ranked is second none.” located its Manchester of- DWF third in the country, fice to Scott Place in putting it ahead of many Legal Week’s annual survey Spinningfields, was also national heavyweights like is highly regarded as a awarded ‘National Law Firm Eversheds, Addleshaw God- benchmark for success in of the Year’ in the presti- dard, Pinsent Masons and the legal industry and ranks gious Legal Business Hill Dickinson. firms on the quality of their Awards 2011. JMW Expands Private Client Team Manchester based law Asa Baker has joined as a new recruits, Elaine Roche, firm JMW Solicitors LLP Paralegal from DWF LLP and Partner in private client said; has e xpanded its Private specialises in Court of Pro- “We are pleased to welcome Client team further with tection. both Asa and Paul to JMW’s two new recruits. private client team and we In the past 12 months the are sur e that their com- Paul Gotch, who is a Solici- Private Client team at JMW bined experience and ex- tor, has joined from Steve- has gone from strength to pertise reinforces the nage based Hillers HRW and strength with the promo- strength and depth of our has relocated to the North tion of Elaine Roche to Part- department. During the last West. Paul specialises in all ner in May 2010 and now 12 months we have seen an areas of private client in- with the recruitment of increase in work both in re- cluding wills, estate admin- both Asa and P aul, which lation to wills and estate istration and estate takes the size of the team to planning and Court of Pro- The Commercial Crime team at Stephensons:Neal Boland, Rachel Adamson, Sean planning and he is an Asso- nine. tection work despite the ciate Professional member current economic outlook.” Joyce and Martin Jones of Solicitors for the Elderly. Commenting on the two Know an Inspiring Woman in the North West?

Nominations are now open for the Inspiring Women awards. For details contact Jacqueline Hughes Lundy, Inspiring Women, PO Box 501, Altrincham, WA15 9ZW 24 hour answerphone: 0161 926 8568 Email: [email protected] www.inspiringawards.co.uk

Send your news and views for the next edition to [email protected] The deadline is 18th April for May 2011 edition

Paul Gotch, Elaine Roche, Ged Wilson, Andrew Garvie and Asa Baker

BARRY FRIESLANDER MCIArb P: 08453 960 340 Certified Mediator M: 07973 394 803 Complex business & matrimonial disputes resolved E: [email protected]

Barry holds Certified Mediator status, compliant with UK Ministry of Justice, EU & UK W: www.dispute-resolve.co.uk Civil Mediation Council Mediator Database and is accredited by the ADR Group. Manchester Law Society Movers & Shakers 7 Glaisyers continues to expand Davis Blank Furniss Reinforces Manchester-based law costs lawyer and head of firm, Glaisyers Solicitors department, said: “Glaisyers’ Glossop Office LLP, has expanded its costs law department is a Law firm Davis Blank Fur- costs law department by relatively rare service within niss has further solidified recruiting costs specialist, a law firm of our size. We its presence in Glossop Chris Stott. pride ourselves on the qual- with the redeployment of ity of our work and have key staff from its Man- Chris, 26, will be involved in built up an enviable list of chester based Personal In- negotiating costs, preparing law firms as clients. jury team. The news formal bills of costs and comes after the recent dealing with points of dis- “Chris has already estab- death of Jon Litherland pute, as well as assisting the lished himself in the costs who had been with the head of department on law field with previous em- firm for over 30 years. larger cases. ployers. He is committed to providing a good service to The newly formed team Glaisyers provides specialist clients, so will fit in well with consists of Jackie Miller - a advice on the complex and the ethos of the team. Chris Stott paralegal who has been at niche practice of costs law. 4.5 years at Dunne & Gray Davis Blank Furniss in Glos- As well as providing an in “Chris will be an important Solicitors in Altrincham, sop for 25 years; Kate Old- house service, the costs law part of our strategic devel- where he was involved in field – the firm’s managing department provides con- opment over the coming costs law, claims handling partner - and Ashi Arora Kate Oldfield, Ashi Arora & Jackie Miller sultancy and advocacy serv- months as we build our na- and litigation. who is a legal executive ices to an increasing tional practice.” with 15 years experience in ment of talents will build on number of external law of clients. Chris lives in Sale and has the sector. his work and position the firms including major na- Prior to joining Glaisyers, been a season ticket holder Kate Oldfield, managing office well for the future. tional practices. Chris spent nearly three at Manchester United for The team will continue to years at personal injury spe- partner at Davis Blank Fur- over a decade. offer a full personal injury Kate added; ‘My colleagues Speaking on the appoint- cialist, Antony Hodari & Co., niss, commented; ‘Our Glos- service which covers various in Glossop are a talented ment, Michael Fletcher, based in Manchester and sop office has always been claims from trips in the central to our offering and bunch and I’m looking for- street to injuries at work and Jon’s passing was a personal ward to working more road traffic accidents. The tragedy for us all. He was a closely with them and to firm can also carry out neg- committed member of the help our clients in an open, Solicitors’Expertise Rewarded ligence work against doc- team for many, many years honest and results driven Three Child Care solicitors work in this area of law. ings and much more. tors and dentists on behalf so we hope this realign- way.’ at Stephensons Solicitors LLP have earned recogni- Mike Devlin, managing “Tim, Paul and Anna de- tion for their expertise by partner of the Family and servedly join our group of achieving membership to Child Care department at 12 experienced Children Don’t miss the Deadline...... the Law Society’s Children Stephensons, has been a Panel accredited solicitors.” Panel Accreditation member of the panel since The deadline for the May edition is 18th April 2011 scheme. it was founded. He said: Stephensons is a leading “Being a member of the Family law practice which is Solicitors Paul Webb, based Children Panel demon- committed to serving all in the firms Bolton office, strates to our clients that we members of the commu- Anna White, based in Leigh have a proven competency nity. The firm offers expert- and Tim Galbraith in Man- in Children Law and helps ise to clients from all income chester have all joined the people to make an in- levels and can off er a full panel. They provide expert formed choice when select- range of funding methods advice and representation ing a solicitor for such that includes fixed fee serv- to children, parents and sensitive proceedings. ices and access to legal aid other parties such as local where appropriate. authorities in all family law “We have one of the largest ma tters. teams of specialist child The firm operates Family care solicitors in the UK Line, a telephone advice In order to become a mem- across our Bolton, Leigh, service which provides free ber of the panel, the solici- Manchester, St Helens and initial family law advice. Call tors have demonstrated, Wigan offices providing ad- 0800 073 1324 or log on to through an interview and vice and representation on www.stephensons.co.uk/fa assessment process, that the full range of children is- milyline for more informa- they have the skills, knowl- sues, including adoption, tion. edge and experience to child custody, parental re- 0$1$*,1*,1)250$7,21'(/,9(5,1*7(&+12/2*< competently undertake sponsibility, care proceed-

3URIHVVLRQDO6HUYLFHV7HFKQRORJ\LPSOHPHQWDQGVXSSRUWLQIUDVWUXFWXUHV HEATHER D. FLETCHER LL.B (Hons) IRU6ROLFLWRUV%DUULVWHUVDQG+HU0DMHVW\·V*RYHUQPHQW Law Costs Draftsman 2XUWHDPKDVRYHU\HDUV/HJDO,7H[SHULHQFH2XUFOLHQWVLQFOXGH VRPHRIWKHELJJHVWQDPHVLQWKHOHJDOVHFWRUDFURVVWKH1RUWK:HVW 16 years experience drafting Bills Former Matrimonial Solicitor :HSURYLGHFRQVXOWDQF\IRURXUFOLHQWVRQSURMHFWVLQWKHIROORZLQJDUHDV All Family, Care and Personal Injury ‡ ,PSURYH&RPPXQLFDWLRQV  ‡ %XVLQHVV3URFHVV2SWLPLVDWLRQ Bills of Costs prepared. &ROODERUDWLRQ ‡ %DFNXS %XVLQHVV&RQWLQXLW\ Competitive Rates (initial file at 4%) ‡ &RQVROLGDWH 9LUWXDOLVH ‡ 5HPRWH 0RELOHZRUNHU ‡ 6WDQGDUGLVDWLRQRI'HVNWRSV VROXWLRQV All files returned in ten days or less ‡ 6HUYHU0RGHUQLVDWLRQ ‡ ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH6XSSRUW ‡ ,7*RYHUQDQFH &RPSOLDQF\ 0DLQWHQDQFH Free collection and delivery in local area &RQWDFW6KDXQ#SVWXNQHWRU&DOOXVRQ  5, St. Paul’s Gardens, St. Paul’s Road Salford M7 3EB Manchester Law Society Tel:0161-792-2849 instutued 1838 Incorporated 1871 Mob:0777-9850849 E-mail- [email protected] ,73DUWQHUWRWKH0DQFKHVWHU/DZ6RFLHW\ 8 Movers & Shakers

Heatons LLP advises on sale of Premier Inn site for Mills & Reeve secures Sunday Times top 100 Property Alliance Group ranking for eighth consecutive year Lawyers at Manchester- granted planning consent opments that stand aban- based Heatons LLP have last month. It will be doned in Manchester as a Firm commended for According to the survey, the eighth year in a row. The completed the forward Premier Inn’s fourth opera- result of the recession. Like being a "great place to employees are happy with survey revealed that 90 per funding and sale of the tion in Manchester city cen- this one, with vision and a work" the balance between work cent of our staff 'go out of Property Alliance Group’s tre and establishes its bit of nerve some of these and home life (67 per cent) their way to provide a great hotel development presence in the Piccadilly sites have potential for exit- National law firm Mills & and felt fairly paid com- service to customers' - a top scheme in Piccadilly, Man- area. ing alternative uses.” Reeve has been included pared to others in the or- 30 result. Our philosophy of chester city centre. in the annual Sunday ganisation (60 per cent). The infectious ambition is about Construction has com- Nick Trowell worked with Times "100 Best Compa- results received in terms of getting the best results for Following the successful menced and is due for com- construction partner James nies to Work For" survey pay and conditions gave the our clients and the only way planning application for an pletion early 2012. Flynn and real estate team for the eighth year run- firm a place in the top 50 on to do this is through our 11-storey, 193-bedroom associate Simon Baxter at ning. The firm was ranked the issue of "Fair Deal". dedicated, talented staff". hotel at the corner of Dale Nick Trowell, real estate Heatons in completing the in 90th place and was the Street and Lena Street and partner at Heatons LLP said letting and sale. only top 50 law firm to be The survey highlighted the Sandy Boyle, director of HR its subsequent letting to of the deal:“This was a great included in the top 100, generous benefits available added: "As a firm we strive Premier Inn, Property Al- transaction to be involved BNP Paribas Real Estate rep- competing against a for Mills & Reeve staff in- to provide an environment liance Group has secured an with. This deal demon- resented British Steel Pen- record 1,165 organisa- cluding time off for moving where people are able to do off-market forward funding strates that although the sion Fund and Whitaker tions who took part this house, bonuses for all mem- their best work and to fulfil deal with the British Steel real estate market is gener- Horton advised Property Al- year and one of only five bers of staff at the end of their potential. To be listed Pension Fund for an undis- ally slow, there is demand liance Group on the invest- law firms featured. the financial year and re- among one of the best em- closed sum. from the funds or the right ment sale. wards for good work or tak- ployers in the country is a type of investment.There The firm was praised by em- ing on additional workload. fantastic achievement. Our The hotel scheme was are still half-finished devel- ployees for "good remuner- The firm also operates a in-house training is avail- ation, challenging work flexible benefits scheme able to all employees and with plenty of opportunities where staff can buy more the results tell us that we to grow professionally and holiday, participate in a were ranked 26th for mak- personally", and this cou- wellness programme and ing use of our employees' DWF named best national law firm pled with "a friendly, sup- obtain childcare vouchers. skills. The fact that more Manchester-based, lead- our values in action. It re- portive environment" made than half of our employees ing law firm DWF has been flects our continuing period the firm a "great place to Guy Hinchley, managing have worked here for at named ‘national law firm of rapid growth, key client work". 80 per cent of em- partner said: "We are thrilled least five years is testament of the year’ in the presti- acquisitions and a string of ployees were proud to work to have attained the Sunday to this". gious Legal Business impressive lateral hires. for the firm. Times top 100 ranking for Awards 2011. “I truly believe that we have The award is highly recog- exceptional people who nised across the legal indus- work tremendously hard to JCI role for Burton Copeland solicitor try and highlights the deliver the highest quality A young solicitor from especially can’t wait for our UK-based national or re- service to our clients. This leading criminal defence big charity event, the Na- gional firm that has made award is testimony to that.” firm Burton Copeland has tional 3 Peaks Challenge in the greatest progress over been re-elected as Fi- June, all in aid of the Royal the past year in advancing Evidence of strong manage- nance Director of JCI Man- Manchester Children’s its strategy. ment, improved financial chester and also elected Hospital. A team of our performance and increased as Administration Direc- members are climbing Ben The award was presented to market share across the tor for this year’s term. Nevis, Scafell Pike and DWF at a gala dinner that firm’s major practice areas Andrew Leaitherland Snowdon all in 24 hours, we brought together the UK's were key aspects in DWF’s Kim Holden (26) is a mem- must be mad! It certainly top law firms at London's success. DWF’s double digit increase ber of the business crime will be a busy year’. Grosvenor House Hotel to in turnover equates to a team at the Manchester of- celebrate this year's win- DWF has become one of the nine place leap in the Legal fice of Burton Copeland , Kim will have the leading markable speakers and pre- ners. highest climbing firms in Business 100 to 42nd place, also corporate members of role with the chambers fi- senters. Also following the the ‘Legal Business 100’, in- leaving it to make up just JCI Manchester . Following nance and administration. success of the JCI Manches- Managing partner Andrew creasing its revenue by 12 positions in just over a election Kim said ‘it was an Welcoming new members ter Young Talent Awards Leaitherland commented: 111% from £33.9m to year to achieve its top 30 honour to be re-elected and and ensuring funding is 2010, we hope that we will “The award is recognition of £71.5m in the last five years. strategy. then be nominated for a fur- available to plan the many ther role within the cham- training, business, social be able to make it bigger ber. We have been going and char ity events which and better for 2011’. from strength to strength in are planned over the com- For more information about the past year and I am really ing year. Kim comments ‘ we JCI Manchester visit their looking forward to this year have such a great events blog at h ttp://jcimanches - with all we have planned. I schedule with some re- ter .w or dpr ess .c om/

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Our regulatory team has substantial experience in the above • Confidential document and electronic media storage areas and presents seminars to many law societies and • 11,000,000 archive storage units for nationwide clients professional groups throughout the country. • Daily retrievals and deliveries, document destruction • Online tracking and scan-on-demand • 20 minutes from the centre of Manchester If you need to discuss any of the above please contact: Brian Rogers, Partner (non-lawyer) Tel: 0845 230 4848 Tel: 0161 827 1804 or Email: [email protected] www.saferm.co.uk [email protected] Manchester Law Society Movers & Shakers 9 150 year old Manchester firm New Corporate Manslaughter Legislation Claire Gregory, Head of Environment and Regulatory at Brabners launches iPhone Accident App Chaffe Street comments on Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings, the Croftons Solicitors have sider what to do with it, in- million forecasted by 2015. first company to be convicted under new corporate manslaughter launched an iPhone app to cluding the opportunity to We are also looking at mak- legislation: help claimants collect accu- forward the information to ing the App available on rate information after an ac- us for a quick and informed other smartphones and The case is likely to trigger Geotechnical Holdings is cident at work or on the assessment of the claim.” portable devices, and we’re more cases being brought run by a sole director who road. already working on devel- under the new Act. was onsite immediately The Accident App allows opments and added fea- Lawyers have long been prior to the accident taking The highly interactive ‘Acci- users to record the immedi- tures.” awaiting the outcome of place made it a relatively dent App’is designed to im- ate details of an incident this judgement but unfortu- easy case to try - indeed it prove evidence gathering with photographs, words or 3 Sheep’s Stuart Smith went nately this case does not ad- would have been relatively and provide easy access to recorded statements. further predicting that acci- dress some key areas of the easy to try under the old experienced personal injury dent apps will be built into Act which require clarity, legislation. The real test lawyers. Geolocation (GPS) technol- cars before long. “From sat- namely who is a senior will come when a much ogy automatically pin- nav to accident nav - why manager and the potential larger company with a com- It is the first app aimed at points the location of the shouldn’t you have the tools far reaching effects of pub- plex management structure gathering evidence in the incident, the camera can to cope with any eventual- licity orders. is prosecuted. Here, the workplace. take photos of the scene ity when you get into a car - Act enables prosecutors to and any damage or injuries it’s the ultimate peace of The Corporate Manslaugh- pursue senior managers The Manchester-based caused, while the voice mind.” ter & Corporate Homicide straight up the manage- lawyers - established over recorder can log eyewitness Act 2007 changed the law ment chain and attribute such that a serious offence their acts to that of the com- trading entity at the mo- 150 years ago - appointed accounts. The launch by the firm ment so this aspect of the leading digital agency, 3 comes at a momentous is committed if a company pany. This case has not runs its activities in a man- therefore addressed the Act has yet to be fully tested Sheep to develop the ‘App’ Users are also provided with time for the legal sector as it but it could potentially be with support from a practical guidance in an in- faces increased competition ner which is grossly negli- issue of 'who is a senior gent. Companies manager' and until a com- very detrimental to the on- Government backed inno- stant, with on screen for skills and services. going credibility of a busi- vation scheme. prompts, so that only rele- previously would only have pany with a significant man- been guilty of an offence if agement structure is ness – possibly even more vant information is cap- Leighton commented: “Tra- so than the fine imposed. Croftons expect the tech- tured. ditional law firms like our- they had a ‘guilty directing brought to trial, we will not nology to revolutionise the selves have got to redefine mind’ for the organisation. see the true scope of the The burden is now much Act. The conviction and today’s PI claims process. Leighton again: “We know our offer and start commu- sentence will no doubt be a that after an incident that is nicating and interacting lower as it centres on the role of 'senior managers'. Another issue which has not hailed as a success by the Croftons Managing Partner not their fault, people feel using 21st century tools. CPS and the HSE but public Simon Leighton said: “The shaken and anxious and can The Accident App has been been addressed is the effect The Act was enacted to ad- of publicity orders requiring confidence in the govern- Accident App uses modern- often forget important de- widely welcomed already ment's ability to hold negli- day technology to deal with tails. The Accident App can by many of our clients and I dress the difficulties of con- the defendant company to victing larger organisations disclose its corporate gent companies to account old issues around claims ev- help avoid that.” am convinced it’s the way will only return with the idence. It is the perfect forward.” and this case does not manslaughter conviction. therefore test its full scope. Cotswold Geotechnical successful prosecution of a channel for data capture be- The App is expected to be- large corporate entity. cause accidents tend to come an integral part of the The Accident App is avail- The fact that Cotswold Holdings is effectively a non happen when you are on way the firm handles PI able free from the Apple the move and these days claims in the future. iTunes stor e. To download people tend not to move the App visit: www.crofton- without their mobile phone. Leighton again: “iPhone sinjuryclaims.co.uk/theacci- technology is rapidly grow- dentapp. “Once they’ve got the story ing - 6 million iPhones al- down, users can then con- ready sold in the UK and 9.5

Become a friend of Manchester Law Society on facebook, follow us on Twitter or visit www.manchesterlawsociety.org.uk 10 Education & Training the Messenger Manchester Law Society Seminar Programme ARE YOU FINANCIALLY FIT? Personal Injury Conference 2011 DATE Monday 4th April March 2011 VENUE: Mint Hotel,1 Auburn Street, Manchester 7th April 2011 SPEAKER: Ross Hulme, Wesleyan for Lawyers Novotel, 21 Dickinson Street, Manchester M1 4LX TIME: Registration: 5.30pm - 6.00pm - Seminar 6.00pm - 7.30pm 5 CPD Points CODE: 30206 MEDIATION WORKSHOP DATE Tuesday 5th April March 2011 VENUE: Mint Hotel,1 Auburn Street, Manchester Conference Programme SPEAKERs: Mark Mattison, Anthonay Blasdale,Fiona Green & Geoffrey Klein TIME: Registration: 5.30pm - 6.00pm - Seminar 6.00pm - 7.30pm 8.30-9.00 Registration and Coffee CODE: 30207 9.00am Welcome by the Chair Michael Hardacre, Honorary Secretary, Manchester Law Society TRANSFORMATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION & CULTURE IN A TOP 10 LAW FIRM 9.10am Credit Hire on Your Doorstep? – Cancellation of Contracts in the Consumer's Home or DATE Monday 11th April 2011 Place of Work Regulations 2008 VENUE: Mint Hotel,1 Auburn Street, Manchester Ian McCubbin, Cobden House Chambers SPEAKERs: Melanie Haydon & Peter Broxton, The Consultancy Company 9.45am Tackling the Menace of Uninsured Driving TIME: Registration: 5.30pm - 6.00pm - Seminar 6.00pm - 7.30pm Neil Drane, Head of MID Services, MIB CODE: 30191 10.20am Coffee Break 10.35am Treatments for Psychological Injury A FAMILY LAW UPDATE Dave Bowman, Cheadle CBT DATE Tuesday 12th April 2011 11.35am Knowing (and using) Your Times Tables: A Workshop with Ogden VENUE: Mint Hotel,1 Auburn Street, Manchester Grahame Codd, Irwin Mitchell LLP SPEAKERs: Vicky McLynn & James Brown, Pannone LLP 12.10pm Developments in Highways Claims TIME: Registration: 5.30pm - 6.00pm - Seminar 6.00pm - 7.30pm Jonathan Butters, St. John’s Buildings CODE: 30192 12.45pm Buffet Lunch 1.45pm Roman Excursions: Rome II & Accidents on Holiday Excursions VILLAGE GREENS: THE NEW BATTLEGROUND FOR DEVELOPERS Gareth Thompson & Simon Murray, St. John’s Buildings DATE Monday 18th April 2011 2.20pm Pension Losses in Personal Injury Claims VENUE: Mint Hotel,1 Auburn Street, Manchester Paul Scrutton, Frenkel Topping SPEAKERs: Vivian Chapman, 9 Stone Buildings 2.55pm The New RTA Regime TIME: Registration: 5.30pm - 6.00pm - Seminar 6.00pm - 7.30pm Michael Hardacre, Pannone LLP CODE: 30210 3.30pm Close of Conference WHERE NEXT FOR LEGAL AID? DATE Tuesday 19th April 2011 VENUE: Mint Hotel,1 Auburn Street, Manchester SPEAKERs: Simon Pottigner, JRS Consultants TIME: Registration: 5.30pm - 6.00pm - Seminar 6.00pm - 7.30pm CODE: 30211 Formedecon Tenth Civil Costs Conference 2011 Forensic Audio/Images 7th April 2011 5.00pm - 8.30pm

Novotel, 21 Dickinson Street, Manchester M1 4LX At Formedecon we now offer 5 CPD Points a range of Photographic Services Manchester Law Society are delighted to welcome an eminent panel of speakers and panel members for their Tenth Annual Costs Conference including including: Jeremy Morgan QC, Professor John Peysner, Greg Cox, Rocco Pirozzolo, His Honour Judge Stephen Stewart QC and more to be announced. CCTV image Capture and Enhancement Issues to be covered :- Personal Injuries Where are we now on reform? - hear the latest on Jackson and Implementation Costs in Personal Injury cases now and a streamlined post Young World Scene Photography CFA’s post the Eur opean Court decision in Naomi Campbell Review of the latest case law and issues arising Criminal Damage To reserve a place on one of our courses or for further information please Line of Sight call Hannah direct on 0161 241 7477 or alternatively on the dedicated Legal Education Line 0161 819 1927. Our photographic section is led by Howard Little who has email: [email protected] worked for the armed forces, the Police and Regional Councils and has almost 30 years photographic experience. Including: We would be delighted to hear from members with suggestions for seminar forensic, post mortem, murder scenes, RTA’s, commercial and in- dustrial photography. Contact Howard Little for expert advice on topics or speakers your photographic requirements. Tel: 01388 811003 Fax: 01388 811918 Sponsored by DX 60185 Why not visit our website at www.formedecon.com Manchester Law Society Feature 11 City Profile: The Messenger Making the headlines in In this edition Julia Baskerville talks to Ruth Shearn, the April 2000 Managing Director of RMS PR...... Ruth Shearn describes herself firm continues to expand. particular has been a highly John Potter of the Magistrates & Crown Court Commit- as a “very unlikely business Ruth says “ growth was ini- successful campaign, was important to make the woman”, yet runs one of Man- tially slow, but that was inten- launched only weeks ago, but MLA into a brand that was in- tee reported on the criminal defence service confer- chester’s most successful PR tional, my philosophy has already she has spoken to the stantly recognisable and they ence. At the conference Richard Collins of the Legal Aid and marketing agencies. always been ‘keep it small, do UN, US Senators and Banky designed the logo, brochure Board made it clear that contracting would be intro- it well’.” Over the years RMS Moon. and website with that in After graduating from Lon- has worked for some impres- mind. The success of the MLA duced later in the year. It was also reported that local don University Ruth moved sive clients, including the From the outset Ruth has is testament to them. practitioners were finding it difficult to meet with into arts marketing. She says “I Bank of Scotland and many taken on legal clients. She liked the theatre so I thought legal and financial clients. says “these are often the most Ruth has been in a relation- clients in custody and the issue was to be raised with it was the ideal job for me.”A interesting, but can also be ship for 23 years and they Group 4. year or so later and Ruth was The last few years has seen the most challenging. “ One have a 9 year old daughter headhunted by the Royal Ex- rapid growth since RMS be- of Ruth’s first legal clients was Alexis Phoebe, as well as 5 change Theatre and she came involved in a number of a solicitor who was involved stepchildren and 3 step Kuit Steinart Levy welcomed Chris Williams to the made the move to Manches- networking events and as in the McDonald’s hot coffee grandchildren. Ruth de- ter. Ruth says “going out and litigation. The campaign was scribes them as the most “dys- team. Chris joined after 10 years with a national law making connections”. The so successful that the eventu- functional, functional family.” firm where he handled mergers, acquisitions, rights is- Ruth then moved into agency company has have taken on a ally the solicitor was repre- work but when the business more diverse clientele includ- senting dozens of clients in a Ruth enjoys the theatre, sues and Yellow and Blue book work for large listed changed hands, Ruth found ing sweet manufacturer , group action. music and opera, wearing no clients. that she didn’t like the new Swizzels Matlow at one ex- make up at weekends and culture and in 1991set up her treme, and at the other a con- Ruth says that RMS PR were keeping fit, although admits own business from her back sortium of shipping delighted to have been in- this is becoming increasingly Robert Sayer, the President of the Law Society at- bedroom with a borrowed fax companies with the brief to volved in the Manchester more difficult. tended a breakfast meeting at the Midland Hotel with machine and borrowed raise awareness of Somalian Legal Awards from the very car.Twenty years on and the piracy. Ruth says that this in beginning. She says that it members of Manchester Law Society. Mr Sayer painted a fairly bleak picture of legal prctice in the future, put- Lifestyle Factfile ting the onus on practitioners to change the way in First job: Washing up in a restaurant kitchen, I went on strike because I didn’t have any clean teatowels. I was bossy at 14! which they operate. He tol d the meeting that he found Favourite Book: the Law Society to be like a “gentlemans’club”and that Favourite Film: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest he was working to change attitudes within the profes- Favourite Restaurant: It could be the Little Chef one day, the Ivy the next, or Amber in Hale, it depends on the day. sional body. Who or what would you take to a desert island?:

Properties To Let/For Sale

1. 1 – 3 Wellington Street, Savoy Chambers, Stockport, SK1 3RP.

2nd Floor offices to let – 750 Sq. Ft. £6,500 per annum. Very near to Stockport Courts.

2. 266 Finney Lane, Stockport, SK8 3QD. Single storey premises to let or for sale.

To let £13,000 per annum. For sale with planning permission for redevelopment 2500 Sq ft. For sale price £210,000.00.

3. 345 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7QH. To let/for sale.

Office /shop and premises above. With 2 car parking spaces to rear £16,000.00 per annum. For sale price £350,000.00.

4. 284 Claremont Road, Manchester, M14 4EP. To let/for sale.

Shop/offices with upper floor. To let £12,000.00 per annum. For sale price £175,000.00.

5. Banff House, Brooks Drive, Hale, WA15 7TX. To let/for sale.

Detached 4 bed bungalow set in quarter acre. For AST. £1000.00 per month. For sale with full planning permission offers invited over £375,000.00. ALL ENQUIRIES 0161 248 0400 12 Management the Messenger Management Matters This column is now into its third year and feedback is still good. We would still like to receive observations and ideas for future issues. Please mail Bill Kirby at billk irb y@pr of essionalchoiceconsultanc y.com or the publisher Julia Baskerville at j .bask er ville@bt connec t.com

New Developments Law, Opsis etc) and Lexis Nexis (Visual Files/Solicitec, Axxia). mail archiving. All the proposed solutions are also on a seat Both companies want to rely on their direct communica- per month basis removing the need for capital which is hard Before moving on to some new developments designed to tions with clients and prospects. Perhaps it was the wrong to find even when faced with significant returns on invest- assist firms in their survival and development routines I feel year to do that with the relative turmoil in the market and I ment. Hybrid solutions are also considered for best effect like generating a bit of a campaign to help us get more from was aware of a number of their clients visiting the stands of additionally enabling the use of assets already in place. our current IT vendors. other suppliers. After great success in the USA, nScaled has launched in the Account Management by our PMS Suppliers Legal IT 2011 UK quickly securing as a client Leigh Day in London. This product is an alternative to whole sale IT hosting When visiting law firms in my consultancy role, or to gather Because of the non attendance of some vendors (above) the www.nscaled .c om . The approach provides a business con- background information and advice, I frequently hear about Legal IT show was quieter than previous years but although tinuity “POD”on site potentially removing a firms needs for frustrations that law firms have about the performance of the numbers were down the system vendors reported a virtualisation and SAN with replication into the “Cloud”. After their practice management and case management systems. good quality of visitor and interest. The accompanying con- the initial investment a charge is only incurred when access ference was well attended with the attractions of speakers to the backed up data in the Cloud is instigated. The local I am a great believer that whenever a firm asks for assistance such as Prof. Richard Susskind and contributions from POD may dramatically reduce recovery problems for local in finding a new provider we should first get to grips with Charles Christian (Legal technology Insider and the Orange issues. why the current system is not providing the requirements. rag blog) and Rupert Collins-White (Legal Support Network). Some reasons may be self inflicted but in many cases it is In terms of topics – the Cloud and IT Outsourcing was pre- We all know that we have to market better and the current down to poor account management by the vendor and a dominant as was how IT assists with survival in The New interest in marketing modules from our PMS suppliers is at failure to advise the firm of the potential of the products legal Landscape. an all time high along with lots of interest in specialist prod- they have already on site and enhancements delivered ucts like locally developed SMART, CRM4Legal, InterAction, under maintenance arrangements. It is often a surprise to New Developments Sales Logix and so on. I believe however what most firm’s many firms when they find out what is available to them. need is some more hands on practical approach to getting Face 2 Face Solicitors – via Professional Business Structures marketing started within the firm. I am keen to share some war stories in the North West about (PBS) has announced a new (and first) solicitors franchise the service and support delivered by suppliers to law firms venture. This is a packaged solution for IT, accounts, regu- Its all very well consultants like me going in and strategising and perhaps on behalf of MLS members we can make some latory compliance and a national brand. All aimed at reliev- when there is an in house team that can pick up the chal- representations where they can be of use. In my role I am ing solicitors of the burdens of IT, accounting, compliance lenge and run with it which is why I am pleased that Andrew aware of all of the principal vendors and have direct access and allowing them to focus of their professionalism and Sherwin previously of Quill fame has set up Landscape to people in the companies that want to put things right. So client handling w ww.fac e2fac esolicit ors .c om . With the Marketing www.landscapemar keting .c o.uk . Andrews busi- send me a mail if you would like at least a discussion with major changes that come to a climax in October there are ness is to offer and outsourced and managed service in mar- me about it. I am probably in a position to lobby on behalf likely to be a number of initiatives of this kind coming to keting for small and medium firms – providing hands on of North West firms if you would like it. billk ir by@pr of ession - market. marketing advice and action without the firm carrying a alchoic ec onsultanc y.c om . (I am not selling consultancy – major overhead. promise) We all know the cost of downtime for our telephones and computer systems and it is not just money but credibility For the Diary Probably the last thing any firm wants to do at the moment with clients and when the SRA start getting aggressive is to change its IT system if it doesn’t have to. In the major- about it, a compliance issue. Manchester Law Society has started work on developing a ity of cases it doesn’t need to if attitude and relationships one day Conference – likely with a June date (much more in can be sorted. Removal of burdens and headaches from the management the next issue) – “Operating in the Changing Legal World” of the law firm is certainly one of the messages from a new with a focus on business development, Technology and the Whilst on the topic of account management and communi- converged vendor aimed totally at the legal space - Le- opportunities brought by the Legal Services Act – ABS, Col- cation with clients there were three notable absentees from galIT247. w ww.legalit247.c om . The business launches at laboration and partnerships, Planning and the SRA the exhibitors at the LegalIT show in London at the begin- the end of March 2011. ning of March including Iris (AIM, Videss, Mountain, Alpha Two established vendors – one Onyx that offers data cen- Bill Kirby is a director of Professional Choice Consultancy tres, cloud computing, disaster recovery suites, IT hosting to and Management Services Consultancy offering advice to firms and Matrix247 a north west based telecommunica- firms on all things IT from strategy, planning, effective use tions provider are coming together to offer a significant one stop advice centre for law firms for Telecommunications and and outsourcing continuity and DR. Data. Their offering is designed to be “cost reduction for law firms, improved performance, agility and flexibility, re- He can be contacted at silience and better communications with clients”. There are billk irb y@pr ofessionalchoic ec onsultanc y.c om major benefits for firms in being able to speak to one sup- plier about IT and data about resilience, cost reduction, busi- ness continuity, mobile and network security, client communications at time of acquisition, voice recording, e-

NEW BOOKS ADDED TO MANCHESTER LAW LIBRARY 0161 236 6312 Doley, C et al Carter-Ruck on Libel and Privacy 6th ed Butterworths Lexis Nexis

Garnett, K & Davies, G Copinger and Skone James on Copyright 16th ed Sweet and Maxwell Harbottle , G Grubb, A & Laing, J Principles of Medical Law 3rd ed OUP McHale, J Ha yton, D & Matthews, P Underhill and Hayton: Law of Trusts and Trustees 18th ed Lexis Nexis Mitchell, C Kessler, J QC & Sartin, L Drafting Trusts and Will Trusts: A Modern Approach 10th ed Sweet & Maxwell Martyn, J et al Theobald on Wills 17th ed Sweet & Maxwell Sandbrook, C Enforcement of a Judgment 11th ed Sweet & Maxwell Manchester Law Society Local News 13 MYSG News ILEX News Hmmm, what is a solicitor to At the recent national JLD The MYSG has upwards of 700 Stocks and S har es qualification I was suddenly tributing to their fees and do when times are quiet? meeting in London, one of members and we invite quali- on a par with Solicitors and again I believe this can only Practice playing pool appar- the items on the agenda fied solicitors to join from firms In my twenties I invested Barristers, locking horns with ensure loyalty to the cause. in and around Manchester. We heavily in ILEX ‘stock’ becom- members of those professions ently. The 10 March 2011 was the apparent loss of tal- As a Partner at the firm I have saw the first pool comple- ent within the profession arrange events on a monthly ing a fellow after several years during Trials in the Magis- basis, including social events at night school whilst working trates Court - and winning. this year been made a mem- tion run by the MYSG and and whether this is linked to ber of the training committee showed that there are some industry practices. About for solicitors, occasionally as a fee earner in the Crime Department at JMW Solicitors. This change placed me and along with three ‘Solicitor’ pool sharks amongst you. time too as these long hours jointly with the trainee group, The ‘stock’ was always going others in my position into the Partners, interviewing and as- Many thanks to G2 Legal don’t help the wrinkles. An networking events with young accountants/bankers/survey- to be a steady investment but forefront of employer’s sessing potential 2012 trainee who sponsored the event investigation is being car- ors, and CPD seminars includ- many people encouraged me thoughts. We could no longer Solicitors. This is an illustration of how far the profession has and demonstrated their ried out and we will report ing international to ‘sell up and upgrade’ and be dismissed as ‘only a Legal come that ironically a Legal pool playing talent on the the results as soon as they opportunities/partnership buy ‘Solicitor stock’. I was al- Executive’ as our role was no Executive is evaluating the night. The lucky winners are provided. routes. All costs are covered by ways confident though that longer any different than that suitability of future Solicitors won a , let's say, "select" tro- sponsorship from recruiters my investment would bear of our Solicitor colleagues. In- for the firm. Again though this ph y which we are sure they MYSG members can also and banks. If you would like fruit. In my thirties the ILEX deed the manner of the qual- makes sense in my view as I will treasure forever. For look forward to some bub- more information please con- ‘stock’ has gone through the ification process meant that in feel I know what it will take to anyone who says lawyers ble and sparkle as a date has tact us ( [email protected]) or roof. many cases we were in ad- make it at the firm as I com- are dull, they should think been set for our annual visit our website at vance of our Solicitor peers as The institute of Legal Execu- pleted what I would describe again as the event took spring soirée. This will take www.m ysg .or g.uk . our exams had been acquired tives has worked tirelessly on by stealth whilst accumulat- as a ‘law apprenticeship’ at place at the trendy Black place on 19 May. More de- the profile of its Members and JMW. Indeed the ‘apprentice- Dog Ballroom in the North- tails are to follow. Mem- ing years of invaluable experi- has dogmatically lobbied for ence. ship’ analogy is very accurate ern Quarter. The venue bers are also reminded of changes in legislation that in the case of Legal Executives has, yes, you guessed it, a the BSL Legal sponsored have dramatically changed Some firms will still not regard and the benefits of appren- real live black dog. Sadly, event at Epernay on 6 April the position of Legal Execu- Legal Executives as ‘Partner ticeships in all areas of busi- despite our efforts we could 2011 tives in the Legal hierarchy. material’. Modern firms have ness are well documented. not get it to play pool. Traditionally Legal Executives embraced the changes in leg- would be seen as legal secre- islation and have rewarded It is encouraging to see that taries who had done ‘a few Legal Executives with Partner- the volumes of people mak- exams’ and had earned the ship. I have been fortunate in ing similar ‘investments’to me right to do a few tasks on that I have worked at a firm are increasing (Diane Burleigh Solicitors files. Whilst there will that is not afraid to embrace ILEX’s chief executive has re- MTSG News inevitably still be scepticism innovation and I was made a cently announced a 40% in- and prejudice amongst some Partner in the Business Crime crease in level 3 Diplomas last in the profession who still and Regulation Department year) The future looks bright The MTSG committee or- The charity we are support- The MTSG has upwards of 400 hold similar views there is no in December 2010. Legal Exec- for the profession and I can ganised a pool tournament ing is The Christie and we members and we invite question the tide has turned. utives are far more likely to only see the ‘ILEX stock’going which was held on 8 March are hoping to raise a lot of trainees and paralegals to join adopt the firm’s philosophy as in one direction - emphatically 2011 at Blackdog Ballroom money for this worth while from over 350 firms in and From a personal point of view invariably they will have up. in the Northern Quarter. Ten cause. Students from the around Manchester. We repre- Advocacy rights obtained in worked at their firm for many Stuart Cartwright, JMW LLP teams from a variety of College of Law are attend- sent our members' interests in a 2008 dramatically changed years before attaining full Stuart was the winner of the professional capacity, for ex- my position. After undertak- qualification. Many firms will firms took place in the tour- ing the even t, as well as our Legal Executive of the year ample by providing assistance ing the rigorous Advocacy support ILEX students by con- nament but the ultimate members, so it is shaping Award at the MLA. winners were ‘Jimmy White’s up to be a really good night! with their future career plan- ning, and arrange a whole host One Ball’ from Addleshaw of social and educational Goddard. April is also shaping up to events. be an eventful month for On the education side, our members! We have a Membership is currently £50 for cheshire members took part in a night organised by BCL 2 years or £30 for a year and is costs speed networking event at Legal at Epernay on 7 April open to Trainees, Paralegals BPP Law School and we had 2011 with MYSG. We are and NQs. Visit our website a qualification talk from also organising a ‘Royal www.MTSGroup.org.uk. For management Hays Legal. Wedding’ themed event- details of how to join please think bunting, red, white contact Chair Gemma Harris 2 Tabley Court,Victoria Street,Altrincham WA14 1EZ At the time of writing, the and blue cocktails and a lot ([email protected]) or Committee are in the of celebration for the wed- Membership Secretaries Penny process of putting the final ding (and the extra day off!). Mills ([email protected]) touches to our charity event or Amy Parkes Tel: 0161 929 8818 with the College of Law to Happy Easter to all our ([email protected]). be held on 24 March 2011. members! LAW COSTS DRAFTSMEN & CONSULTANTS We provide a professional Costing service for Civil and Family work Drafting of Schedules / Bills / CLAIM1s & 1As Courier Service Quick turnaround on work Competitive rates, with recovery of fees sought Bills tailored to your style Inhouse advice can be provided Call us now and quote ‘The Messenger’ for FREE Trial offer*

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The Home of ChancelSure ® Conveyancing Liability Solutions Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority the Messenger Manchester Legal Awards 15 the evening said that the agement were the perfect Working hard behind the of the Northern Circuit, Manchester Legal Awards backdrop to the evening. scenes were Vicky, Hannah Stephen Fitzsimons of Legal Executive of the Year were a welcome addition to and John from Manchester NWDA, Professor Nigel Sav- the Manchester business Thanks to the sponsors Law Society, with the help age of the College of Law, Stuart Cartwright of JMW LLP calendar and it was a mar- Trimega Labs, Brown Ship- of RMS PR, particularly Ruth Kevin Feddy, Business Editor vellous opportunity to cele- ley, the DX, BTG Global Risk Shearn and Dan Gledhill. As of the Manchester Evening brate the quality and talent Partners, The College of were the management and News, Fran Eccles-Bech, Ex- within the City’s legal com- Law, Caprica Healthcare, staff of the Midland Hotel. ecutive Director of Man- munity. Wesleyan for Lawyers, MPG chester Law Society and Legal, Professional Services A final thank you must go to Chris Baguley, Chair of pro- Kevin said that it had been a Technology, Barlow Lyde & the Judges who had the un- manchester. pleasure to work with Man- Gilbert, CLS, Pearl Scan enviable task of interview- chester Law Society Legal, Docutech Solutions, ing all the worthy During the evening a char- throughout the whole moneypenny, Lockton, candidates and selecting ity raffle raised much process and all the nomi- Towry, M2 Digital, AON, First the winners from very needed funds for the North nees should consider them- Title, The Law Society and strong shortlists; Dave West Air Ambulance and selves to be a member of a the principal sponsors Nat Meredith of Nat West, Nick Nordoff Robins. truly outstanding legal West. Thanks also to Harvey Davenport, President of community - Manchester. Nichols and Urban Retreat Manchester Law Society, His So until next year..... for providing the “goodie” Honour Judge Holman, After the welcomes and in- bags for the guests. Richards Marks QC, Leader troduction it was over to Becky Want of BBC Radio Manchester, the MC for the evening. Over the course of the evening, guests were served a four course dinner and the winners of each I am really pleased for the firm as a whole. JMW have in- category were announced. vested in me over the years and I think the award is a reflec- tion of the way in which members of ILEX have been JMW took the first and last accepted into the legal hierarchy, which is growing year by awards of the evening with year. Stuart Cartwright winning the Legal Executive of the Stuart Cartwright, JMW Year Award and Bill Jones won the Outstanding Sponsored by Achievement Award.

The evening would not have been such a success without the hard work and BTG Global Risk Partners are proud to sponsor this award. efforts of many people. We do a lot of work with the legal profession locally and work closely with them on a daily basis. The audio and visual effects provided by Philip & John John Raynard, Executive Chairman, Event & Production Man- BTG Global Risk Partners Trainee of the Year Gemma Harris of Pannone LLP

I am delighted with this award. I started at Pannone as a paralegal and studied for the LPC part time. After travelling to Australia and Asia I returned to Pannone LLP as a trainee solicitor. Gemma Harris, Pannone LLP

Sponsored by

I would like to extend my congratulations to Gemma on her acheivements, her r oute to becoming a solicitor is a very in- teresting one. The College of Law are delighted to sponsor this award which shows the strength of talent in Manches- ter. Tricia Chatterton The College of Law 16 Manchester Legal Awards the Messenger Associate of the Year Crime Team of the Year Personal Injury Team of the Year David McGuirk of Eversheds LLP Olliers Hilary Meredith Solicitors I am absolutely delighted to win this award. This year there I am delighted we have won this award, it is recognition for has been a great buzz about the awards and there was a the team and for the firm as a whole. We have worked very great deal of competition in this category so I am very hard for our clients this year, particularly those in the armed pleased. forces.

David McGuirk, Eversheds LLP Clare Stevens, Hilary Meredith Solicitors

Sponsored by Sponsored by

We sponsored the MLA last year and we want to continue to show our support for the Manchester Law Society. We want to work with the legal profession in Manchester and Its great to be involved in the Manchester Legal Awards. events such as these increase our profile. Manchester has become a centre of excellence for the legal profession and the awards have been all about the quality Peter Shaw, Caprica Health of its people.

Kevin Finnigan, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP

I am delighted that Olliers have won this award. It is a great tribute to the whole team at Olliers from the office junior up- wards. It is an illustration of the progress that we have made over the past few years.

Matthew Claughton, Olliers Solicitors

Sponsored by

Many of our clients are attending the awards, the legal equivalent of the “Oscars”. There is a great vibe about the awards and we want to be able to show our support for the legal profession in Manchester.

Claire Leaman, MPG Legal Pro Bono Solicitor of the Year Employment Team of the Year Property Team of the Year Marcus Jamieson-Pond of Addleshaw Brabners Chaffe Street LLP Pannone LLP Goddard LLP I am really pleased for the whole team at Pannone. It is A culmination of surprise and shock is how I feel on winning recognition for the work we do in the current economic cli- this award. It is recognition of the work that we do, not just mate. for myself, but for the whole team. Steven Lintott, Pannone LLP Marcus Jamieson-Pond, Addleshaw Goddard LLP Sponsored by Sponsored by

Wesleyan for Lawyers have specialised in offering financial advice for the past 170 years, mainly t o the medical profes- It is a testament to Pannone who were shortlisted in so sion, but five years ago we extended our service to the legal many categories and is an illustration of their diversity. My profession and we are delighted to be involved in the Man- congratulations to the whole team. chester Legal Awards. Sam Cherry, Conveyancing Liability Solutions Ross Hume, Wesleyan for Lawyers

I am thrilled for the whole team and many of the staff will be over the moon in the morning. We were delighted to be shortlisted and I think it shows we have hidden our light under a bushel!

Paul Chamberlain, Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

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We are delighted to be involved in the Manchester Legal Awards and enjoy seeing the success of law firms being brought to the fore.

Shaun Beavis, Professional Services Technology the Messenger Manchester Legal Awards 17 Litigation Team of the Year Private Client Team of the Year Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Addleshaw Goddard LLP Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors Ben Taylor, Glaisyers Solicitors LLP I am overwhelmed to have won this award, particularly when one considers the competition, it isn’t something we take for granted. Although I head up the department, the award is for the whole team of 36.

Amanda McAlister, Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors

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Moneypanny are delighted to sponsor the Manchester Legal Awards and offer our congratulations to all of the win- ners this evening.

Joanne Swash, Moneypenny

We are delighted to have won this award, it has been a great year for the litigation team as a whole. We have been in- I am delighted that housing law has been recognised, there volved in work in Africa, Mexico and the Middle and Far East. are not many of us left. This year could be the last year for It illustrates that you can be involved in global disputes from awards for legal aid lawyers as there will be very little legal Manchester. aid in the future.

Jonathan Tattersall, Addleshaw Goddard LLP Ben Taylor, Glaisyers Solicitors LLP

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Pearl Scan Legal have been specialists in document scan- ning for the past 8 years, saving law firms time and money Manchester Law Society felt that it was extremeley impor- whilst being environmentally friendly. Based in Manchester tant that we showed our support for the legal aid system by and London we are proud to sponsor the Manchester Legal sponsoring this category. Congratulations to Ben. Awards. Nick Davenport, President, Manchester Law Society Naveed Ashrat, Pearl Scan Legal In House Lawyer of the Year Barristers’Chambers of the Year Corporate/Commercial Team of the Year Kings Chambers Eversheds LLP David McGlennon, Daisy Group PLC It as great to receive recognition for the work that you do, particularly from your peers. This award acknowledges our hard work as a business and that we all work as a team.

David McGlennon, Daisy Group PLC

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I attended the Manchester Legal Awards as a guest last year and was so impressed by the whole event that we wanted to be involved this year. As leaders in the field of profes- sional indemnity insurance we thought it offered a great op- portunity to spread the name of Lockton.

Matt Davies, Lockton

We were delighted to have been shortlisted for the award, We are delighted to win this award which recognises the and even more so to have won Barristers’ Chambers of the work of the whole team It has been an interesting year and Year Award. It reconises that we provide quality legal serv- we have been involved in a number of deals including the ices. flotation of FlyBe and advised John Lennon Airport. We have a great team. Dr Nicholas Braslavsky, Kings Chambers

Daniel Liptrott, Eversheds LLP Sponsored by

Sponsored by

We are the preferred supplier to Manchester Law Society Towry is delighted to sponsor the Barristers’ Chambers of and are proud to support the Manchester Legal Awards. We the Year award at the Manchester Legal Awards. Towry aim have operated within the legal market for the past 5 years to become the leading wealth manager in the UK and want and have had recent suc cess with our new consultancy ap- to work closely with the legal profession and provide qual- proach. Congratulations to all the winners. ity advice to our clients.

Daisy Dixon, Docutech Solutions Andy Springall, Towry 18 Manchester Legal Awards the Messenger Partner of the Year Medium Law Firm of the Year Outstanding Achievement Award Emma Holt of Pannone LLP George Davies Solicitors LLP Bill Jones of JMW Solcitors LLP I am absolutely delighted to accept the award of behalf of our wonderful team. The firm is made up of fantastic peo- ple and clients. Pannone is a great firm and I would like to thank the judges of behalf of myself and the whole team

Emma Holt, Pannone LLP

Sponsored by

We sponsored the MLA last year and have supported the Manchester Law Society for the past 10 years. Its great news that one of our clients, Pannone LLP have been so success- ful in these awards.

Paul Hamilton, M2 Digital

We are thrilled to have won this award. In Manchester there are probably over 100 medium sized firms, so we were very proud to have been shortlisted, and to win is fantastic. I have been at George Davies for 20 years and it is great to re- ceive recognition.

Mark Hovell, George Davies Solicitors LLP

Sponsored by

I am absolutely flabbergasted, but also thrilled to be given I am a Manchester “lad” and it is great to see such a high this award . From my point of view this is for everyone at quality and vibrant legal profession. We are delighted to JMW. When you look around at the legal talent in Manches- sponsor the Manchester Legal Awards becuase if it weren’t ter I feel very honoured to have been selected. for lawyers we wouldn’t have a business. Bill Jones, JMW Solicitors LLP Dan Godsall, First Title Sponsored by Small Law Firm of the Year Large Law Firm of the Year Abney Garsden McDonald Addleshaw Goddard LLP The shortlist was made up of high qulity candidates and we didn’t expect to win. This is fantastic news for the whole firm who are committed to our clients who are mainly victims of child abuse. I think we are a small firm that punches above our weight, but we also consider it a privilege to represent We are delighted and honoured to sponsor the Manchester our clients. Legal Awards. It has been a fantastic night to see the wealth of legal talent in Manchester. Peter Garsden, Abney Garsden McDonald David Meredith, Nat West Sponsored by The Outstanding Achievement Award is presented to the person who has made a significant impact on the legal serv- The nominees were of a very high calibre and we are proud ices sector in the region, not only during the past 12 to sponsor this award. The winner was very deserving and months, but throughout their career. The winner of the we are proud to be sponsors of the Manchester Legal award has been recognised for combining pioneering busi- Awards. ness flair with the values and ethical standards characterised by the legal profession. Tony Brown, AON

I am very proud indeed that we have won this award. The Manchester legal community is the best and largest outside of London and it is a very proud moment for the whole firm.

Keith Johnston, Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Sponsored by

We are delighted to support the Manchester Legal Awards. Tonight highlights the vibrant legal community within the city of Manchester. Congratuations to all. Thank you to the Manchester Evening News for providing all Joanne McLeod, The Law Society the photographs from the ML A Pearl scan solutions to follow

the Messenger Costs 21

you prepare your case plan Claim ev er ything y ou ar e en - and also how confident you titled t o are that the Court’s timetable VHCCs are likely to involve ex- will be complied with by the ceptional circumstances. As High Cost Case Contracts parties and experts. such, it is possible to claim an enhancement of up to 100% Whilst not a new development, High Cost Case Contracts are becoming an increasingly common feature of Be r ealistic on the prescribed hourly publicly-funded family cases. Here, Alex Bagnall and Laura Freeman , Law Costs Draftsmen with The If you overestimate future rates. This enhancement costs, the same are likely to be should be claimed on the John M Hayes Partnership Ltd , provide some useful guidance to solicitors who are considering entering reduced by the LSC and you rates utilised in the case plan into a High Cost Case Contract. will be required to spend non- to ensure that the cost limita- chargeable time in negotiat- tions requested are adequate. The premise of the Very High family matter, it is hoped that spent basis) rather than to the you should apply to extend ing with the Commission. Cost Case (‘VHCC ‘) regime is the following notes of guid- relevant fixed fees. the same to an adequate level Conversely, if you underesti- Certain costs often go un- simple – where net costs are ance will be of use. Remember to make an al- (which must be less than mate costs you will find your- claimed, notwithstanding the expected to exceed £25,000, lowance for experts’ and £25,000) before registering self having to ‘cap’ the costs fact that you are entitled to solicitors prepare a fully- When will a case bec ome a Counsel’s fees when deter- your VHCC with the LSC. claimed at each stage result- make a claim for the same. By costed breakdown of work VHC C? mining whether your case is ing in you, effectively, work- way of examples, the costs of they expect to do, the LSC The principal criterion is that to cross the £25,000 thresh- Reg ist er ear ly t o a void disap - ing for free. preparing and checking the agrees to the figures con- the total costs of the case – in- old. Some Chambers have poin tmen t case plan are recoverable and tained in that breakdown and cluding the solicitor’s charges, specialist VHCC clerks who are The LSC should be informed An incentive to accurately es- should be included within the the solicitor is eventually paid disbursements and Counsel’s able to provide an indication that the case is likely to be- timating future costs exists in plan; and, where you are re- for the work they have done. fees, but excluding VAT – are as to the level of fees Counsel come a VHCC as soon as you the form of the payment of a quired to photocopy cumula- expected to exceed £25,000. is expected to incur to the believe that the total costs are 5% ‘bonus’ in the event costs tively more than 500 pages In practice, however, there are Where you act for a number conclusion of the matter. Also likely to exceed £25,000. This are incurred at a level of be- during the course of the case, a number of hurdles to cross of different parties in the be sure to bear in mind the will mitigate the risk of the tween 50% and 95% of those a disbursement claim can be and pitfalls to avoid in order same action, or if you act for fact that, if the matter escapes pre-contract cost limitation detailed at each stage of the made for the costs of this to ensure that you are paid a the same party under a num- the FGF scheme, Counsel’s being exceeded. You can reg- plan. photocopying. reasonable amount for work ber of different funding cer- fees are likely to be signifi- ister the case by telephone, in you have done. tificates in linked actions, the cantly higher than would oth- an email or in a letter. Be pr oac tiv e Alex Bagnall is a law costs £25,000 threshold may be the erwise be expected. If something happens in your draftsman and Regional There is a hierarchy of pay- aggregate of the cost limita- Don ’t look t oo far in to the fu - case which renders the case Manager at the John M ment in publicly-funded tions on each certificate. So if, Kno w y our limits tur e plan redundant, an amended Hayes Partnership’s Man- cases in which solicitors find for example, you act for more The usual rule that cost limita- The very nature of high cost plan should be prepared as chester office. His email ad- themselves at the very bot- than four children within Chil- tions apply retrospectively is cases means that the same soon as possible. A new stage dress is tom. As such, if your High dren Act proceedings, it is displaced in VHCCs. Costs lim- are often unpredictable. It is, of a case plan should be pre- [email protected] Cost Case Plan fails to make likely that your case will be- itations apply to each stage of thankfully, not necessary to pared as soon as the work de- adequate allowance for costs come a VHCC. the case plan and not the cer- predict all of the work you are tailed in the previous stage Laura Freeman is a law costs that are to be incurred, it is tificate as a whole. Most im- likely to do until the conclu- has been completed. draftsman at the John M your profit that is affected. VHCCs fall outside of the portantly, costs incurred prior sion of the case within the Cash flow problems that can Hayes Partnership’s Man- The amount of costs at stake scope of the current public to the date your case is regis- case plan. Instead, the plans arise in long-running pub- chester office. She specialises in VHCCs means it is essential law fixed fee scheme and the tered as a VHCC will be can be prepared in ‘stages’. licly-funded cases can be in high-value publicly- that High Cost Case Plans are soon-to-be-implemented pri- capped at the costs limitation The amount of work you de- avoided by submitting a funded cases and, in particu- prepared accurately. vate law fixed fee scheme. The within the public funding cer- cide to detail in each stage CLAIM1 at the conclusion of lar, civil and family VHCCs. £25,000 threshold is applied tificate on the date of registra- will depend, amongst other each stage. Her email address is If you intend to enter into a to the costs actually incurred tion. If you believe you have factors, on the stage the pro- [email protected] High Cost Case Contract in a (i.e. calculated on a time- breached the cost limitation, ceedings have reached when 22 Feature the Messenger

* As a driver of continuous Carolyn Roberson founded CRC improvement Consulting (CRC) Ltd to help * As a skills development professionals win new busi- Think Individual Client! tool ness. The consultancy has * As a motivator of people helped clients win £14.3m in its “Of course we capture feed- or other needs? * As an independent valida- first 2 1/2 years of operation. back from our personal cus- After all, clients are the pri- Remember, nearly every- tion of achievement, and Core services are: client rela- tomers. Where we fall short is mary reason for being in thing you do makes an im- * As a contributor to prof- tionship management, tender- what we do with it.” business! They are the life- pression. It reflects your itable growth. ing and pitching, partner line of any business. If they ‘brand’ and what you stand training and coaching, and “We don’t feel comfortable are satisfied, it’s great to for as a firm. Asking for business development plan- asking private clients for know with certainty what feedback is part of that im- ning. For further information feedback on our services. Not has gone well. If there are pression. visit sure how to ask or why they hints of dissatisfaction or www.carolynrobersonconsulting.co.uk would bother to tell us.” suggestions for improve- So, in designing your satis- ment, it is far better to find faction/feedback pro- out and address them than gramme, I would look at Views from two law firms re- continue merrily ‘in the how a client interacts with Association of Partnership Practitioners - cently expressed to me. dark’. you. What were their first Capturing views of individ- impressions? How were North West ual clients - whether private In my own business, I ask they treated at the outset The Association of Part- leading accountants, clients requiring wills, pro- my clients to provide feed- and throughout their case? nership Practitioners lawyers, bankers and con- bate, family/matrimonial, or back at the end of a new en- Was the outcome as they (APP) has launched a sultants from across the personal injury services - gagement or after a major hoped or expected? What North West Group. North West met for the in- often proves to be a project. I use the services of could you do to give them augural APP North West dilemma for law firms. a former lawyer to contact an even better experience The APP is a multi-discipli- event at Baker Tilly’s Spin- ‘next time’? Would they nary organisation of part- ningfields offices. The recommend you? nership and professional Chairman of The Manches- Having asked clients for service firm practitioners. ter Law Society also at- their views do show that APP members include tended the event. you have ‘listened’! nearly all the leading practi- tioners from many disci- The event was opened by Also, do make the most of plines- including lawyers, Baker Tilly’s Office Manag- the feedback to create more accountants, tax advisors, ing Partner, Mark Blake- opportunities for your firm. management consultants more, who welcomed Some tips include: and bankers. Its services in- everyone to the event. Mark Blakemore * Analyse the data you re- clude a directory of experts Mark was followed by ceive back from clients - and of partnership arbitrators Simon Bevan, Chair of APP if you can have it ‘audited in- and mediators as well as and UK Senior Partner of dependently’, that always regular workshops and BDO, who welcomed the gives greater weight to the newsletters for the sharing group and noted that Man- results of knowledge between chester is a city that makes * With clients’ permission, members. things happen. Finally Mark Following last month’s arti- my clients, with their per- use quotes or feedback in Briegal, as Chair of the APP cle in The Messenger on- mission, to assess my own bulletins, testimonials, APP member Mark Briegal, North West, introduced the gathering feedback from performance and that of my blogs, tweets, seminars, net- who heads up the Partner- guest speaker. business clients, I have been business against technical working events, and PR ship Law team at Manches- asked by a number of firms and service criteria. This en- * Summarise the findings ter solicitors Ralli, has been Roderick I’Anson Banks is how to capture client feed- ables me to ‘continuously on your website and mar- a member of APP for a few the leading barrister in part- back from individual clients. enhance’ the services I offer keting material, in your sub- years but spotted that all nership law and editor of So, back by popular de- and am passionate about, missions to the legal their seminars , workshops the partnership law “bible”- mand is a focus on ‘the as well as to benchmark my directories and meetings and other events took place Lindley & Banks on Partner- Mark B riegal client’- this time the individ- firm against others in the with colleagues and influ- in London. Mark said, “I ship. Roderick gave an ual client — and apologies marketplace. It enables me encers looked at all the interesting overview of latest partner- to readers who were ex- to identify ways to differen- * Share the findings with APP sessions in London but ship issues, f ocussing on pecting to enter the world tiate my business. your clients never managed to coordi- LLPs and why they are not of tendering this month. * Share the findings with nate them with London what many people think Watch this space - tender- So, it won’t surprise you to your colleagues and staff in- trips. I also know that there them t o be. He pointed out ing will appear in May! know that I would always ternally are a number of profession- the pitfalls of relying on the advocate asking individual * Take the findings to peo- als with extensive partner- statutory provisions of the Arguably, the relationship clients, not just business ple or organisations respon- ship experience in the LLP Act if there is no valid between lawyer and indi- clients, for their views. sible for providing you with North West. I canvassed LLP Members’Agreement. vidual client is more per- work or referring clients to opinion, found there was in- sonal, more ‘intense’ and For individual clients, a you terest and support from the For membership enquiries more subjective than be- good time to do so is on * Use the findings in ten- APP committee, and so de- visit www.app.org.uk. For tween lawyer and business conclusion of a ma tter such ders, applications f or quality cided to set up a North West enquiries about the APP client. as a personal injury claim. standards and your own Group.” North West Group, contact For such clients, why not policies and procedures Mark Briegal on mark.brie- The individual client may be send a simple (single sided!) * Look at the ‘themes’ and On Monday night, over 50 [email protected]. Simon Bevan paying the bill him/herself, questionnaire with a final key messages and see what the circumstances which re- lett er or by email. I do mean they are telling you - your quire legal support may be ‘keep it simple’ though. strengths and an y areas very personal (such as a Form-filling irritates the which might need to be ad- family breakup) and the na- most patient of people and dressed ture of the legal work and its the objective of your feed- * Consider how you com- outcome may have far- back exercise should be to pare with competitors and reaching implications (such capture briefly and accu- how you compare or differ, as the extent of compensa- rately an impression which and why tion for an injur y which pre- has been formed about * Identify training needs vents someone working). your firm, services, people and provide training or So, will such clients be will- and approach. coaching where needed ing to provide feedback? Or will it be difficult for a law What makes an impression So to end where I began, firm t o ask and hard for a on a client? The legal work? not only would I say “yes”to clien t to be ‘frank’? Of course the legal work has capturing client feedback to be right - but clients but I would add “and make My own view is that if I re- rather expect that! What re- the most use of it”. Client ceive a service which is im- ally makes a difference is feedback - whether from in- portant to me and I am the value they perceive and dividual clients or business paying for, I’d like to be the way in which they are clients - is, in my view , worth asked how I feel about it. treated - so, for starters, ask its weight in gold. How was I treated? Was I about service, communica- happy with the outcome? tion, approachability, re- It can make a massive im- Roderick I’Anson Banks Do I have any suggestions sponsiveness, and price. pact: the Messenger Local News 23 Hammonds and Squire Sanders & Dempsey launch party Law firm Hammonds has celebrated its transatlantic tie-up with Squire Sanders & Dempsey at a launch party held at the Museum of Science & Industry last month.

Now known as Squire Sanders Hammonds, the combination of the two firms came into effect at the start of the year. The new firm has become one of the top 25 global legal firms with 37 offices in 17 countries and almost 1,300 lawyers.

The champagne reception was held at MOSI for clients, contacts and new colleagues.

Jane Haxby, Managing Partner of the Manchester office of Squire Sanders Hammonds and Joe Markosi of Squire Sanders & Dempsey LLP

Vladimira Papirnik - Jim Murphy both of Squire Sanders & Dempsey. Manchester sees launch of Trimega’s cutting-edge laboratory for substance abuse testing Sir Richard Leese, Leader which include local law encies. Hair testing can de- of Manchester City Coun- firms, social services and tect patterns of alcohol con- cil, unveiled a plaque in a adoption agencies, sumption over a period of ceremony that marked Trimega’s launch also many months as opposed the official opening of the hosted the High Commis- to more traditional methods 1,900 square-foot Man- sioner of South Africa in the which only register con- chester facility of Trimega UK, Dr. Zola Skweyiya, and sumption within the space Laboratories, the leading the renowned global ex- of just a few days. It is a fast- substance abuse testing perts on hair testing tech- growing industry with an company. nology, Professor Fritz estimated 20,000 hair alco- Pragst and Dr. Hans Sachs, hol and drug tests re- Trimega has invested ap- former President of the So- quested in UK child custody Darren Warburton of Squire Sanders Hammonds and Dominic Stranger of WT Gunson. proximately £1 million in ciety of Hair Testing (SOHT) cases each year. the state-of-the-art labora- and a leading expert in this itors and barristers who the Hexagon Tower. There is biotechnology company in Trimega’s Hexagon Tower tory, which is located in the field whose expertise has wish to learn more about a wealth of biot ech talent in a period of just five years . “ laboratory includes world- Hexagon Tower, Blackley. been called on for many the technicalities of hair Manchester and the North class substance abuse test- The company currently em- high profile legal matters, testing in the legal process. West and we look forward Judy Birchall, North West ing technology that can ploys 42 people, with 10 including the Harold Ship- to building our team here in Regional Coordinator for determine patterns of alco- based at the Hexagon man case. After speeches by Trimega’s the coming months and NACCC, said: “As an organi- hol or drugs consumption Tower and plans to hire a South African-born founder years.” sation funded entirely by for periods longer than further 10 staff this year in Hair testing is a ten year old and CEO, Avi Lasarow, and donations, we are delighted three months. The lab also Manchester. technology that is vital to Sir Richard Leese, Trimega Sir Richard Leese, Leader of to accept such a generous includes a suite from where protecting children from presented a cheque for Manchester City Council, contribution. Trimega has Trimega will provide com- Attended by representa- parents and guardians with £5,000 to Judy Birchall from said: “Trimega is a world- sponsored us before and we plimentary training for solic- tives from major clients, alcohol and drug depend- the National Association of class firm and this expan- are very pleased to extend Child Contact Centres sion is very welcome and our relationship further in (NACCC). The NACCC is the represents excellent news pursuit of our mutual goal supporting membership for the local area and the of securing a stable environ- body of 350 centres across city. It embeds our reputa- ment for a child to grow up England where children of tion as a city that is at the in.” separated families can have cutting edge of the hi-tech contact with their non-resi- industries. We look forward On Wednesday 2 February, den t parents and other fam- to the ongoing success of Trimega hosted journalists ily members in a the company and the posi- from across Europe as part comfortable and safe envi- tive impact it will have on of an initiative organised ronment. After the unveil- our communities in Man- jointly by the UK Trade and ing ceremony, the chester and across the Investmen t department attendees were given a tour country.” (UKTI) and Manchester’s In- of the laboratory. vestment and Development Dr. Zola Skweyiya, High Agency (MIDAS). The ob- Avi Lasarow, CEO of Trimega Commissioner of South jective of the visit was to Laboratories, said: "We are Africa in the UK, said: “Avi showcase the life science in- very proud to be at the fore- has raised the bar for South dustry in Manchester and to front of the hair alcohol test- African entrepreneurs promote the city as a high ing and forensic toxicology abroad but remains firmly quality investment location industries, which are im- committed to share this for the sector. proving the lives of many technology back home. It children across the countr y, has been very rewarding to and we are delighted to see him develop Trimega open our new laboratory in into a world-leading 24 Local News the Messenger

than the National Insurance chase scheme meets the rele- primary threshold will be able vant quality requirements will WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOU to opt-in to their employer’s be simplified into a simple designated scheme and re- three step process. ceive an employer contribu- Professional Indemnity Insurance tion if they want to do so. Next steps * There is no change in the The Government will work age limits between which au- This month, we have a de- for the previous three tax sion funds, even when retired with employers over the next new regulations would work tomatic enrolment will apply parture from our usual arti- years. For example, if some- and determine their own level few months to determine in practice. (22 and pensionable age). cle on Professional one earning £130,000 con- of income, depending on what measures can be put in * Individuals must be auto- Indemnity Insurance be- tributed £20,000 in the their future requirements. place to ensure they are not On 27 October 2010 the matically enrolled before they cause the Life and Pensions 2009/10 and 2010/11 tax This will not be the correct so- held liable for their scheme Government announced the can opt out; they cannot Landscape is also a-chang- years, they may be able to lution for everybody and will choice if they choose NEST or outcome of the ‘Making Auto- choose in advance of being ing, at somewhat of a pace. carry forward £60,000 to the need to take into account a a bespoke pension scheme as matic Enrolment Work Re- automatically enrolled not to 2011/12 tax year. Therefore person’s financial circum- the scheme they use to auto- view’ and which join. Phil Mugan, an Executive with the maximum they could stances as a whole, so it is enrol their employees. recommendations it will * Very small employers will our sister company, McPar- contribute in the 2011/12 tax more crucial than ever to take adopt from the review. not be excluded from the re- land and Partners Ltd Finan- year would be £110,000. advice for pre- and post re- The Government will also quirements. cial Management, has Don’t forget that Tax Relief on tirement planning. work with the Recruitment Automatic enrolment into * The National Employment prepared the following round contributions will be available and Employment Confedera- workplace pension schemes Savings Trust (NEST) will be up of the main changes and at an individual’s marginal tax ANNUITIES AND SEX ? tion to ensure as smooth a will be staged according to retained and measures will be how they will affect both indi- rate. As a result all tax payers, transition as possible for em- the size of the employer, be- taken to ensure small employ- viduals and companies, large including additional rate The European Court of Jus- ployment agencies. tween October 2012 and ers have easy access to it. and small. (50%) and higher rate tax pay- tice, in its wisdom, has re- There will not be any legisla- September 2016. The largest * There will be an optional ers (40%) will normally be cently seen fit to rule that the tion at present to remove the employers will have to com- three month waiting period THE CHANGING PENSIONS able to claim tax relief on their use of Gender in assessing cap on contributions into ply first from October 2012. before an employee needs to LANDSCAPE - AGAIN! pension contributions. Tax re- risk for insurance products NEST, which is intended to be automatically enrolled into Pensions are changing. lief on employer contribu- will no longer be appropriate. stay in place until at least The purpose of the review a pension scheme. During Again? Surely not? You proba- tions remains unchanged. This will cover all personal in- 2017. The Government will was to ensure that there is a this period, individuals can bly already know about the surances, including Pension wait to see how the reforms balance between costs and choose to opt in to start sav- reduction in Annual Al- Therefore, whilst the annual Annuities. This will mean that roll out before deciding benefits for individuals and ing straight away. lowance with effect from April allowance has been reduced, men and women will poten- whether to allow increased that automatic enrolment will * The largest employers who 2011 to £50,000. You may also the new rule changes will tially be offered exactly the contributions. They will also not create a disproportionate are due to be brought into know about the introduction simplify and in many ways re- same annuity rates when re- consider the general issue of burden on employers. the reforms between 1 Octo- of Flexible Drawdown for indi- duce the high earners tax re- tiring, subject to other criteria, how pension transfers can be ber 2012 and 1 November viduals retiring from April lief restrictions imposed by such as marital status, age simplified to make it easier for The main points of the an- 2012 will be allowed to start 2011 onwards and you may the previous Government. and health. people to transfer between nouncement were as follows: auto-enrolment from as early have read about the recent pension schemes, as there do * The earnings threshold at as July 2012. ruling by the European Court FLEXIBLE DRAWDOWN Previously, as statistics show not appear to be any propos- which an individual is auto- * Employers will be given the of Justice regarding the use of One of many measures com- that women on average live als at present to remove the matically enrolled into a pen- flexibility to re-enrol employ- Gender in assessing risk for in- ing into effect on April 6 2011 longer than men, insurance restriction on transfers into or sion will be aligned with the ees three months either side surance proposals, including is the ability to take an ‘unse- companies would pay a out of NEST income tax personal al- of their automatic re-enrol- Annuities. Finally I am sure cured pension’from your pen- higher annuity to men, as lowance (£7,475 in 2011/12). ment date. you are aware of the move to sion fund. This may appear to they would potentially pay Phil will be more than happy * The threshold at which con- * The facility for certain em- Automatic Enrolment for em- be nothing new, but there will this for a shorter period of to answer any questions or tributions become payable ployers to postpone auto- ployees into workplace pen- be a number of significant time, on average. Under the provide further advice. He will be aligned with the Na- matic enrolment will be sions, due to start in October changes, not least of which new ruling, men will be paid can be contacted on tional Insurance primary removed. 2012. You would be forgiven, will be the opportunity to less of a pension annuity and phil.mugan@mcp- threshold (£5,715 in 2010/11). * The process for employers to however, for wondering if any take ‘Flexible Drawdown’. This women slightly more in the financial.co.uk * All individuals earning more certify that their money pur- of this affects you, your em- means that provided you future. The impact of this will ployees, or your clients. The have already secured a guar- not be fully understood until answer is almost certainly yes. anteed annual pension in- it officially comes into force in ALLOCATION OF CASES TO LEVELS OF JUDICIARY come of £20,000 per year December 2012, but it will CHANGE IN ANNUAL (from state pensions, occupa- certainly impact on individual Under paragraph 14.1 of Practice Direction 2B, the following arrangements have been made by ALLOWANCE tional pensions, or annuities) retirement incomes. me in Manchester in relation to case management and interim applications. From April 2011 the Annual you can withdraw unlimited Allowance (the amount you taxable amounts from your AUTOMATIC ENROLMENT Upon allocation to track, claims in the categories of case set out below will be assigned to one can put into pensions in any remaining unsecured pension AND WORKPLACE SAVING of the judges specified. Whilst the court will make every effort to adhere to these arrangements, one tax year) will reduce from pots, subject to your individ- The Occupational and Per- there is also a responsibility on practitioners to assist e.g. by drawing specific attention to the fact £255,000 to £50,000. This ual tax status. Also , and here sonal Pension Schemes (Auto- that there is a nominated judge when filing an application. means that total contribu- is the beauty of this change , matic Enrolment) Regulations tions from you and/or your 25% of the withdrawals will 2010 introduced the rules re- Clinical Negligence District Judges Haigh, Harrison, Stonier, and Wheeler employer will be limited to be tax free , thus a basic r ate garding how Automatic En- Mesothelioma, District Judge Iyer £50,000 each year and any ex- taxpa yer will effectively pay rolment was going to work cess will be subjec t to an an- tax at 15% on withdrawals , a and gave a start date of Octo- Other Industrial Disease/ District Judges Harrison, Iyer and Wheeler nual allowance charge. higher r ate taxpayer will ef- ber 2012 for the first set of Stress At Work Is this bad news? Not neces- fectively pay tax at 30% . employers to be subject to sarily. Individuals will be able Many individuals will see this the new regulations. In June Equality Act District Judges Harrison, Matharu, Obodai, and Stonier to carry forward any unused as a sig nificant opportunity to 2010 the Government con- part of the £50,000 allowance stay in control of their pen- ducted a review of how the Chancery District Judges Khan, Matharu, Obodai, Richmond and Smith

Bullying/Sexual Abuse District Judges Fairclough and Stephens

Housing involving a difficult District Judges Hovington and Smith issue of law

Defamation District Judges Obodai and Richmond SSG& Malicious Prosecution/ Judges Holman, Armitage QC and Platts STRANGE,STRANGE & GARDNER False Imprisonment (where Consulting Forensic Engineers a jury trial is sought)

Accident Investigation. Expert Witness Services In any other type of claim, if more than one case management conference is necessary, the claim To the Courts and the Legal Profession will be assigned to the District Judge conducting the first of such conferences, unless he or she Let Us Investigate the Accident directs otherwise. As Experts we have experience in many fields including: The fact that a claim has been assigned to a particular judge does not prevent, if the circum- ● Use and Abuse of Machinery ● Occupational Health and Safety stances require, (a) the matter being referred to a High Court or Circuit Judge, or (b) another ● Road Traffic Reconstruction ● Mechanical Engineering District Judge or Deputy District Judge dealing with the matter. ● Building/Civil engineering ● Respiratory Diseases ● Slips, Trips and Falls ● Leisure and Play Activities This direction replaces all previous directions and takes effect from 1 April 2011.

Call us now. We are here to help... Email: [email protected] His Honour Judge Richard Holman Website: www.ssandg.co.uk Designated Civil Judge, Manchester Tel: 08707 446962 Fax: 0161 876 5914 the Messenger Local News 25 Fran’s Foray This month Fran talks to Stephen Goodman of Goodman Harvey LLP

Name of Firm and date of establishment Most famous client Goodman Harvey LLP Ricky Hatton

Areas of Practice What were the biscuits like- biscuit bench- Commercial Property mark Commercial Litigation Double choc chip cookies.

Senior team Why would someone want to work at your firm? Stephen Goodman Double choc chip cookies Mark Jones Where do you see the firm in five years Who’s been at the firm the longest Where we were three years ago. Stephen Goodman/Ann Lomas Which firms have joined you, if any, over the years Who’s the newest No firms, but we welcomed the head of commercial litigation at George Davies Shirley Dewhurst, who joined the firm in February 2011 Solicitors LLP and his team in 2009.

What do you do for Christmas party Does the firm have a saying? Eg live to work and work to live If not what do you We like to do something a little different at Christmas, in that past having travelled think it would be to Dublin, Amsterdam and Edinburgh. Last year we were scheduled to go to London “Nil Satis Nisi Optimum”or “nothing but the best is good enough”, which also happens by luxury coach, take a spin on the London Eye, have dinner at Langan’s then move to be Stephen’s beloved Everton’s motto . on to a club. However, the severe weather at the beginning of December dictated otherwise and we hastily relocated to Cafe Istanbul, the Christmas markets and a local club.

Most famous case Bill Graham v Ricky Hatton 26 Local News the Messenger Maurice Watkins helps College Help For Local Heroes of Law celebrate success Manchester personal in- ing recovery.” am extremely grateful for jury firm Freeclaim Solici- the generous donation by tors have donated £2,000 The fundraising event was Freeclaim Solicitors and the to the local Royal British held to support the club, recognition of the work that Legion branch and the Veterans International the Royal British Legion Michael Swindells who Agency (VIA) and local hero does in helping ex-Service suffered major injuries Michael Swindells from men and women, as well as whilst serving in Wythenshawe. Whilst serv- raising money for good Afghanistan. ing in Afghanistan, Michael, causes through their tireless aged only twenty five, lost fundraising.” Senior Associate, Robert his left leg and also suffered Jones, attended the damage to his right leg, as The Royal British Legion fundraising night on the well as losing colleagues Club is the oldest and last 19th February. Robert com- whilst on his tour of duty. remaining military club in mented, “We are proud to Michael however is making the Wythenshawe area. It be working with the Royal good progress with his re- has served as a base for ex British Legion, helping to habilitation and is now out servicemen and women for raise awareness and much of a wheelchair and learning over sixty years. The branch needed funds for ex-Service to walk with the aid of is responsible for looking men and women. The crutches. after the welfare and the fundraising evening was a needs of ex-Service people great success and we wish Mr Herbie Roberts, Club and their families and de- Michael well with his ongo- Chairman, commented, “I pendants. Maurice Watkins meets staff and prize-winning alumni from The College of Law in Manchester. Left to right: Tricia Chatterton, Business Development Director for The College of Law; prize-winners Katy Show- man and Lauren Fisher, MUFC solicitor Maurice Watkins, prize-winner Tara Mukerji and Richard Haggett, head of The College of Law in Manchester. The College of Law in Man- graduates an entry route city, which provide legal ad- chester celebrated its into the legal profession, and vice to local people other- above-target success and the Legal Practice Course wise unable to afford it while double digit growth since (LPC), the next step towards at the same time giving stu- bursting onto the scene in a career as a solicitor. A num- dents invaluable experience 2009 when it held its first ber of the prizes were spon- of dealing with clients. These alumni gathering and sored by regional and include a Personal Injury Ad- prize-giving ceremony at national law firms and legal vice Line, run in conjunction the city’s Lowry Hotel on organisations, including with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Saturday Feb 5. Manchester Law Society. and the Manchester Employ- ment Rights Advice Line. The Guest speaker at the event Maurice Watkins said: “Man- College also collaborates was well known local lawyer chester is the UK’s leading with other organisations, in- Maurice Watkins, a Director centre for legal activity out- cluding the University of of Manchester United Foot- side of London. The College Manchester, in running a ball Club Ltd and the club’s of Law’s decision to open a legal advice clinic in East solicitor as well as Joint Se- centre here demonstrated its Manchester and provides nior Partner of law firm Brab- commitment to the North regular legal advice columns ners Chaffe Street in West and to meeting the de- for The Big Issue in the North Robert Jones, Senior Associa te, Tranters Freeclaim Solicitors, Herbie Roberts, Club Chairman Manchester. mands of the region’s law magazine. and Michael Swindell firms for access to first class The New York Street centre legal training. A new development for the dramatically exceeded ex- current year was the intro- pectations by attracting “The College has built a rep- duction of a part-time more than 500 students, utation for excellence and in- evening Legal Practice double its target figure, novation and I am delighted Course run over 16 months, when it opened in Septem- that its investment in the city which helps open up legal ber 2009. This year the num- has paid dividends. The next training to people with work ber of students has grown decade will be one of great and family commitments. again to more than 600, a change for the legal profes- rise of 20 per cent. sion in England and Wales. It Also new this year is a series is therefore vital for the fu- of workshops to help stu- The College of Law is the ture of the region’s economy dents develop their com- leading provider of post- that we retain legal talent by mercial awareness and a graduate legal education investing in the training and competition which tests and training in Europe and development of our next their business know-how by the Manchester centre be- generation of lawyers and giving them the opportunity came its seventh nationwide equip them to deal with the to advise local companies on location. unique challenges that they their business strategy. will face.” At Saturday’s event, at- Head of The College of Law tended by nearly 150 guests Since it opened The College in Manchester, Richard including the Manchester of Law in Manchester has Haggett said: “We’ve been centre’s first graduates, its formed exclusive partner- phenomenally successful staff and representatives ships with seven Manches- since we opened and now from local law firms, Mr ter-based law firms to attract some of the best Watkins shared his insights provide bespoke training. It postgraduates not only from on how the North West legal has also cemented its c entral England and Wales but also market has developed over role within the region’s legal internationally. Saturday’s recent years and what he community by hosting event gave us the chance to sees for the future. He also events for The Law Society, celebrate the achievements gave advice to trainee the Legal Services Board and of both the centre and our lawyers on how to progress numerous local law firms. In students and we are very their legal careers in the cur- July 2010 the centre held its grateful to Maurice Watkins rent market. first law fair enabling stu- for giving us his support and dents to make valuable con- helping to inspire our alumni In addition 25 pr izes were tacts with na tional and to go on and get as far as presented to former stu- regional firms. they can in the legal profes- dents for their performance sion.” on the Graduate Diploma in It has also set up a range of Law, which gives non-law pro bono ac tivities in the the Messenger Lifestyle 27 Culture Corner Neil Myerson reviews Private Lives by Noël Coward at the Royal Exchange

Deep down, everyone loves How to start a row. Elyot to on, but the frisson when Simon says, although I moving, other times quite And they have it. Even a good argument. However his wife - “Don’t quibble, Elyot and Amanda first know now the conse- hilarious - and more great though the play was written good your relationship is Sybil!” meet again on the terrace is quences. Politically correct Coward lines sprinkled over 80 years ago, Coward’s with your partner/spouse, both electric and very it most certainly isn’t, but in throughout. In truth that understanding of relation- inevitably tempers boil over. Brilliant! funny. context, hilarious! scene could have done with ships and his ability to por- And a row begins. You some judicious pruning - it tray the tensions and know you are completely in And then it really gets The acting is quite superb. Imogen Stubbs as Amanda dips slightly in the middle - excitements of them, tran- the right. And you will want going. Simon Robson as Elyot is is feisty and sharp with but it is worth it just to see scends time and speaks to to win using all your intel- suave, elegant and languid, great comic timing and ter- Imogen Stubbs dancing. us all clearly today. Except lectual skills and your wit. The play is set in the late and has Coward’s best lines rific physicality. The rela- Ridiculous! that Coward speaks in a way You’re a lawyer - this is what 1920’s South of France. which he delivers in such a tionship between her and that is far wittier and clev- you are good at! Elyot and Amanda divorced cool laid back manner. You Elyot is the basis of the play The rest of the cast are ex- erer than any of us lawyers five years earlier, are on the have heard many of them - and it is the case of a love cellent and the sets - two can ever muster. But we can Well, maybe you are. But I’ll first night of their honey- before - “very flat, Norfolk” - so deep but where they completely different ones - learn - and no doubt borrow bet the masterclass that is moons with new, totally un- and, on being accused of can’t live with - or without - giving the Royal Exchange some of his lines. Noël Coward’s Private Lives suitable, partners. They having hit Amanda, saying each other. Hence the rows. team a massive logistical 15 at the Royal Exchange will arrive at the same hotel in “Certain women should be One minute very loving, minute change in the inter- I do wish I had married teach you some humility. rooms with adjoining ter- struck regularly - like a next trying to kill each val - elegant and atmos- someone called Because no-one can write a races - and the inevitable gong”. I dare you to say that other. The second scene pheric. But however good “Sybil”...... row better than Noël happens. You know before in the heat of the moment. ebbs and flows with their re- the cast and the sets, they Coward. the characters what is going I’d just like to try it the way lationship, some times very need a really good play. John Wolfson reviews Mogadishu at the Royal Exchange

the run will all be over bar when the white liberal fe- reaucracy investigating place within a fenced stage, very funny lines delivered the shouting, and if you did- male teacher (Amanda) in- Amanda who has to be sus- emphasising the drama. with quality timing. deliv- n’t see it, you have missed tervenes, assaults her. She pended pending her inves- ered with quality timing. one of the finest produc- does not want to report tigation and his lack of It is customary to name and And certainly this is not lan- tions the Exchange has put him, as she fears he would support for her; Jason’s be- praise, but to do so individ- guage for the faint-hearted, on. be excluded due to his past haviour to his father; the ually would be tantamount but it is used for proper ef- behaviour, but she men- ‘foreigner’ Saif and his play- to a full listing of the entire fect, after all this is twenty If by now you are getting tions the incident to her ground status; parent cast. That said, Shannon Tar- first century playground. the feeling I thought it fabu- head (Chris)just in case. power and pupil power; bet (Becky) and Malachi lous, w ell, yes you would be Jason reports her for as- racial stereotyping and not; Kirby (Jason) for the young, The whole production was right. saulting and racially abus- single parenting; self-harm- and Julia Ford for the adults, stunning. Well done every- ing him. ing; winners (there are stand out. one, or to put it as it would Vivienne Franzmann is none) and losers. be said in the play, f***ing (with her first ever play)the The play examines many as- If I was pressed to find fault, well done. winner of the Bruntwood pects - Jason’s bullying lead- If this sounds far-fetched, it it would only be that I playwriting competition ership of his friends, isn’t; it is frighteningly real. missed some of the won- John Wolfson. and sets her play very much obliging them to back up Vivienne Franzmann has derful lines due to their From time to time there today in an inner city sec- his story; Amanda’s relation- used her teaching experi- rapid fire deliv ery – maybe comes along a play so good ondary school . The story ships with her daughter ence to hit the spot. it’s my age. Whilst in many tha t all that really needs to follows the consequences (Becky) also a pupil and her All the pupils are played by ways depressing, there was be said is : this is great. of a black boy (Jason) as- (Amanda’s) black partner, young actors with astonish- some very funny dialogue, saulting and racially abus- and his with Becky; Chris’s ing credibility and ability Whilst in many ways de- When you read this review, ing a Turkish boy (Saif) and powerlessness with the bu- and all the action takes pressing, there were some Massage and Marathon Running “The factor that probably boosted Paula Radcliffe’s performance more than any other of both blood and lymphatic fluid, moving toxins out of your body and bringing fresh is her ability to regenerate. Her regular massages were to give extra maintenance to blood flow to your muscles so that they can repair and recover. the whole body. Above all it’s to give Paula’s muscles and tendons the best chance to recover from the heavy workloads she puts them through” Following previous and old injuries you will have a buildup of scar tissue, regular sports massage helps breakup this tight and inflexible tissue. The breakdown of this tissue pos- The training secrets of Paula Radcliffe article written by Orlando Pizzolato in TN40 July itively affects the efficiency, performance and recovery of your muscles, ligaments and 2003. tendons.

There’s no doubt that training for a marathon is a very vigorous and hard regime. This Promoting the release of endorphins sports massage naturally acts as a natural painkiller. training is often the hardest runners will ever train with the marathon being their ulti- This natural affect further helps calm anxiety, maintaining a positive attitude, improving mate goal. Bearing this in mind overuse injuries are very frequent and happen all too mental toughness and reducing the delayed onset of muscle soreness creating by a vig- often. Helping to avoid these injuries will not only aid and speed up muscle recovery, orous training program. but improve nutritious blood flow and also aid mental preparation leading up to the event. Here are some further benefits of sports massage to distance runners: Regular sport massages will definit ely help to keep your body in shape as you prepare for any running event. As well as aiding recovery from any training session, sports mas- Regular sports massage increases the health of the muscle tissue, encourages blood cir- sage will help with your performance if used prior to an event. For maximum results hav- culation, allowing fresh oxygen and nutrients to flow increasing muscle recovery. The ing a sports massage 2-3 days prior to any event will aid performance and efficiency of lymphatic system depends on movement in order to function, unlike the circulatory sys- your whole body. tem, which relies on your heart in order to pump blood through the body. Because your muscles are tight and contracted they can’t get the blood flow they need. The motions used during a massage will not only r elax that tension but will then encourage the flow 28 Interview the Messenger28 Lawyers Against Fraud Interview with Julie Twist, Business Development Q: What can the group offer that other organisations do not offer? A: We offer each other support and advice on what “tricks” the fraudsters are using, we ex- Partner in Coyne Learmonth LLP and Co-Ordinator of change information on hot locations and repeat patterns of behaviour that we have iden- tified “Lawyers Against Fraud” We maintain a warning list of bad referrers of business some of whom may be no longer regulated by the Ministry of Justice but we keep their names on the list to ensure that if the Q: “Lawyers Against Fraud”what is the nature of this group and how did it come into names of individuals appear in a Phoenix company that we are aware of their old identity. existence? Recommendations are made within the group of good suppliers such as barristers reha- A: We are a group of largely North West Lawyers who originally got together in a very small bilitation and investigation agencies. group, at my instigation; to discuss a particular supplier of business whom we suspected might be passing to us a volume of fraudulent cases. There were other lawyers taking work Statistics on “drop out rates” on the Portal for the CMC derived work are exchanged to en- from the same source so we agreed to meet informally in a hotel in Manchester and able us to see how our respective businesses are operating in the same sphere. “Lawyers Against Fraud”was born. We collectively agreed to stop taking work from this sup- Q Can you give examples of what you mean by ill-founded intelligence? plier and effectively put them out of business. We also brought with us a list of bad suppli- ers whom we had all had past dealings with a view to exchanging that information to The fact is that the insurers and their lawyers will not allow us access to information they protect others from making the same mistake. hold about our clients and their claims histories and are reluctant to share information Q: How often do you meet and where? which might not be true. If they gave us the information earlier we could take our client’s instructions and this may stop the matter any further and save money. A: Last year we met about 6 times but the frequency of the meetings is dictated by the Q Where do you see the future of the group? membership. We meet at the Mint Hotel (formerly known as the City inn) in Auburn Street Manchester for convenience and accessibility A: The group is in its infancy and we are actively deciding to make the Insurance Industry Q: How many members do you have? and Judiciary aware of our presence and to re-assure those interested parties that we are doing our utmost to stop fraudulent cases getting into the system by the best methods we At present we have 25 law firms listed but the more active members are as follows: can. Without access to the insurers intelligence we are however being asked to do so with Beardsells (Stockport), Colemans (Manchester), Coyne Learmonth (Liverpool), Davies Grib- our arm tied up behind our back. The aim to agree a method of group reporting for them bin (Ormskirk), Easthams (Blackpool) , Eden and Co (Manchester), Glaisyers (Manchester), to take notice, take action and prevent others from dealing with immediate effect. We also Hilary Meredith (Manchester), Hughes Carlisle (Manchester), Kippax Beaumont Lewis hope that in the future insurers will meet with us to look at ways that data can be exchanged (Bolton), McAlinneys (Wakefield), Mellor Hargreaves (Manchester), Mohindra Maini (Man- to reduce fraud. chester) Pabla and Pabla (Manchester), Simpson Millar (Manchester) and Wosskow Brown Q: How does a new firm join? (Sheffield) The larger firms have been invited but not yet sought any interest in joining the group and A: Send an email me at [email protected] with a brief overview of the firm’s pro- in my view the bigger the volume of work you take the larger your exposure to blind ac- file and the membership will decide at the next meeting. ceptance of fraudulent cases without tight operational systems in place. DISCOVER THINGS YOU NEVER DREAMT WERE THERE…

The Royal Exchange Theatre’s Community Membership scheme is a new way to support our education and outreach work. Membership enables your business to enhance its corporate profile by demonstrating an active involvement with arts and culture in the community.

Engage your staff, customers and stakeholders and meet Corporate Social Responsibility priorities by supporting the work of our Exchange Education department. From developing stronger community links to nurturing new talent, theatre-based work makes a real impact in offering life-changing experiences.

We offer three levels of Community Membership, plus bespoke packages can be arranged on request.

DREAMER £500 Benefits include: 30 tickets for school pupils/ community participants for a performance at the Royal Exchange Theatre and accreditation as a Community Member on relevant publicity materials

INVENTOR £1,000 Benefits include: 30 tickets for school pupils/ community participants for a performance at the Royal Exchange Theatre, free tour of the Great Hall and Theatre, provision of transport to and from the Theatre and accreditation as a Community Member on relevant publicity materials

EXPLORER £2,500 Benefits include: 60 tickets for school pupils/ community participants for two performances at the Royal Exchange Theatre, two free tours of the Great Hall and Theatre, two taster work- shops, provision of transport to and from the Theatre and accreditation as a Community Member on relevant publicity materials

Join as a Community Member and show your commitment to engaging with the communities in which we live and work. Your support will help make a real difference in helping encourage, excite and inspire new generations of theatre-goers.

To find out more about becoming a Community Member please contact: Rebecca Muir, Senior Development Officer, Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH Tel 0161 615 6790 or email rebecca.muir@r oyalexchange.co.uk

The Royal Exchange Theatre is a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity, number 255424. As one of the UK’s leading producing theatres we exist to provide entertaining, educational and enriching experiences for all members of the community through our work both on and off the stage the Messenger Lifestyle 29

Charlotte talks Perfume…

The Arabian Nights

Middle Eastern aromatic harmonies merge to produce this beautiful oriental collection by Kil- ian. ‘Arabian Nights’will be composed of five perfumes all built around essential oils with strong symbolic values from the East: Oud, Rose, Incense, Amber and Musk.

Oud is an incredibly rare and precious oil found in Agarwood, possessing a complex scent, both warm and woody, yet strongly animalistic. In the Middle East, Oud is believed to be worth more than its weight in gold, as represented by the engraved gold plaque decorating the perfume bottle.

Incense Oud….

Incense, the mystic perfume whose smoke was said to be one of the links between mortals and gods, is combined with oud to create a mysterious, warm and modern fragrance. Kilian invites us once again to discover the fragrant charms of the Middle East.

Incense Oud is available in store, joining Pure Oud and Rose Oud on the Harvey Nichols Man- chester Beauty Floor. The rest of the collection will be available later in the year.

Price List:

1.7oz PURE OUD spray - £260

1.7oz ROSE OUD spray - £260

1.7oz INCENSE OUD spray - £260

Harvey Nichols Manchester 21 New Cathedral Street | Manchester | M1 1AD | Tel: 0161 828 8888 Visit www.shop.harveynichols.com to see more…. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HN_Manchester 30 Classified the Messenger Classified Directory

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