The
LegalSheffield & District Law Society Issue Twenty October 2014
Photograph: Nigel Barker
Tried and tested mock trial winners form part of our criminal focus
The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 The
Sheffield & District Law Society 8 Campo Lane, Sheffield S1 2EF Tel: 0114 2723655 www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk LegalSheffield & District Law Society Contents President’s Column 4 Sheffield & District Law Society President Steven Dawson talks socials, CPDs and a new look for the Law Society Hall. The Legal makes Legal News 5 awards shortlist Irwin Mitchell has appointed a new medical negligence partner in Sheffield and partner Martin Loxley is in the running for a national award (page 7). Legal News 6 The national Law Society President Andrew Caplen has joined calls for a digital bill of rights. Legal News 7 Howells Solicitors in Sheffield is supporting SAFE@LAST as its charity of the year. The firm has also gained two shortlistings in the Yorkshire Legal Awards. Criminal Focus 8 A day in the life of Cartwright King criminal lawyer and SDLS Vice President Rachel Baldwin. It’s not quite an episode of 24, but it’s not far off. The Legal is going head-to-head Criminal Focus 10 with some of the region’s biggest Hester Russell, head of criminal law at Harthills in Rotherham, on why she has never and best-known brands to regretted her decision to support the underdog. compete for the title of Best A quiet moment for Giles at the Publication at the Yorkshire and Yorkshire Law Banquet. Criminal Focus More pictures from11 the event are Lincolnshire PRide Awards. on the following pages Grayson Willis Bennett partner Michael Jones considers the potential implications of digital working on the criminal lawyer. It is one of five publications shortlisted and will compete with Movers & Shakers 12-15 East Coast Trains, Anchor Housing Katie Hunt of CRA on the importance of preparation in a competitive jobs market, and Morrisons, with the winner plus three pages of key moves and appointments in the region. announced in November. Criminal Focus 16 Organised by the Chartered Institute Bank House Chambers barrister Angela Wrottesley examines recent developments of Public Relations, the PRide awards and changes in the criminal law sector. are the only UK-wide awards Criminal Focus 17 scheme to recognise excellence in Another successful mock trial competition at Sheffield Hallam University is our public relations and communications cover story this issue, and High Court Judge, Mr Justice Coulson, was full of praise work. The entry was submitted by for the young advocates. Cannon PR, which has published The Legal on behalf of Sheffield &
Society News 18 District Law Society since 2012. Catch up with the latest dates for booking your CPD courses with the Sheffield & District Law Society this autumn, plus there’s news of a great wine tasting event. Society News 19 Editor David Todd Society members and guests headed for the Peak District for a session of clay [email protected] pigeon shooting, followed by a meal at the Fox House Inn. So who proved to 07403 322351 be the legal hot shots? Designer Sian Puckrin Society News 20 [email protected] We take a close look at the work of Roundabout, the Sheffield & District Law 0333 5775 300 Society’s chosen charity for 2014. Contact The Editor The Legal welcomes editorial contributions such as Legal News 21 features, letters and news stories. To discuss any DLA Piper’s famous giant Monopoly extravaganza returned for the seventh year opportunities in forthcoming issues please contact; running as part of the Master Cutler’s Challenge [email protected] 07403 322 351 Question Time 22 Jonathan Holsgrove and Simon Pallo from Zenith Chambers come up with the No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission answers in our regular lifestyle feature. from Sheffield & District Law Society. 3 Comment President’s Column By the time this issue of The Legal In other news from the Society, we reaches you we will be firmly in what are about to embark on a scheme of I refer to as ‘late summer’, which is my refurbishments and decorations to the way of trying to avoid the word ‘autumn’, Law Society Hall. It’s safe to say that a coat at least until after I’ve had my summer of paint was a few decades overdue but holiday! very soon the hall itself and the access ways should be sympathetically brought Some of the nicer parts of the Presidency back to some of their former glory. So I are some of the invitations you get to would remind any individuals seeking a functions. In amongst the work I have venue for any training days or meetings been doing for the Society (and trying We have also had some great socials of of the availability of the hall for hire at to squeeze in the day job!) the summer our own organised over the summer really good rates. Just contact Liz or Faye months have been packed with some months, with the evening clay pigeon for details. amazing events taking in such places as shooting being a particular highlight (see the Cutlers’ Hall (always a pleasure to visit, And finally, to the issue at hand. You page 19). I don’t know if marksmanship especially in early February - as he gets a will notice a distinctly ‘criminal’ feel to is part of the in-house training at Bell & cheap early plug in for our annual dinner), this issue, as we shine the spotlight on Buxton but the members of their team the newly refurbished cathedral and the one of the hardest working areas of seemed to be worryingly good with the great Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which I must our profession. We all know how hard shotguns! Our next set of socials are now have driven past dozens of times and not the last few years have been for those almost upon us, including what should known it was there! practising in this area, and reading the be a great night of wine tasting in mid articles and attending meetings of I’ve also been invited to assist with the September and a further quiz in early late with colleagues practising in this judging in the upcoming Yorkshire December with a (cringes as he says it) discipline have only increased what was Lawyer of the Year Awards. The shortlists Christmas theme. So a chance to break already a lot of respect I have for defence for each category have now been out the bad Christmas knitwear! practitioners. announced and it is great to see many It would also be remiss of me to not individuals and member firms from As a fresh-faced, enthusiastic young give a mention to the end of the CPD our area shortlisted. It serves as a real trainee coming into the profession year and the changes to the CPD system reminder of the depth of legal talent in all those years ago, I, like many others, coming in. Liz and the team here at the the South Yorkshire region. So good luck intended to practice as a defence lawyer, Society put in a lot of effort arranging to all of those shortlisted and I hope that until at some stage I got side-tracked talks that are reasonably priced (many many member firms gain the recognition into being a private client lawyer instead! free to members) and useful across a they deserve. But I have the highest of respect for the wide range of subjects. So if, like me, you lawyers practising in this discipline, which Whilst on the subject of awards, I am need roughly 15 hours still as October is why it is crucial that we as a collective delighted to announce that The Legal approaches, please do cast an eye over profession resist any reforms that will itself has been shortlisted for an award the CPD available through the Society. It’s further pressure those practising in this in the Best Publication category at the also a great way of supporting the Society essential role. upcoming Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to support you too, as the revenue raised PRide awards in November. It is great by training is crucial to the long-term I hope you enjoy this issue and, as ever, if recognition for the team behind this survival of the Society. So even once the you have any feedback or suggestions for magazine to be shortlisted so I hope that system changes to a less formal method The Legal, or just want to get in touch for by the time the winter edition is with you of self certification, I would encourage any reason, please do so on president@ it can proudly be branded “the award- all members to still consider the Society sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk. I hope you winning Legal”. CPD courses for their training needs. enjoy the rest of your ‘late summer’!
4 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 Legal News Julianne joins Irwin Mitchell team
The Sheffield office of Irwin Mitchell has JulianneJulianne Moore, said: “I’m pleased to have joined recruited a new medical negligence partner. Irwin MitchellIrwin Mitchell in Sheffield as the firm is the market leader in this area. I am Julianne Moore, who has been a qualified solicitor for 12 years and is a leader in the looking forward to being able to work field of medical negligence, joined the alongside some of the best clinical firm from Pannone’s London office. negligence lawyers in the country with all of the resources available to them that Julianne has particular expertise in enables them to provide a holistic service helping victims of birth injuries and those to clients whose lives are affected by suffering cerebral palsy as well as cases medical negligence.” involving delays in diagnosing cancer, surgical accidents and representing Irwin Mitchell has now recruited six families at inquests in fatal cases. new personal legal services partners since the start of 2013 including Paula She is a member of the Association of Julianne Moore, Irwin Mitchell Myers as national head of contentious Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and has probate, three family law partners in volunteered for the Action Against Medical “We are delighted to have a lawyer of Manchester and Leeds and a serious Accidents (AvMA) helpline which provides Julianne’s calibre and experience join the advice to victims of medical accidents. injury lawyer in Bristol. The firm has also team in Sheffield. brought in many new partners to its Prior to becoming a lawyer, Julianne “The majority of the NHS carries out Business Legal Services division in the worked in the operating department fantastic work and saves lives on a same period. at the University Hospital of North daily basis, but mistakes do sometimes Staffordshire and has extensive medical Over the past year Irwin Mitchell has also happen and they can have a massive and surgical experience. Julianne has also acquired specialist personal injury firm impact on the victims’ lives. The work we represented the General Medical Council MPH Solicitors and opened new regional do provides the appropriate treatment, in regulatory proceedings against doctors. offices in Southampton and Cambridge. support, rehabilitation and care those Lisa Jordan, national head of the medical victims of injury need to help get their For more appointments, see Movers & negligence team at Irwin Mitchell, said: lives back on track.” Shakers, pages 12-15. Pumping station implications on future property purchases Safe-Move, a part of Yorkshire Part of this legislation was for on the location of private Water, is your primary source for water companies to take on the pumping stations and will all conveyancing searches across ownership of private pumping provide further information on the Yorkshire region and has been stations but this section doesn’t implications to the homeowner. working closely with the Sheffield come into force until October As these pumping stations are & District Law Society for the past 2016. As we are nearing this date currently in private ownership, two years. we thought it important to tell we need your help to let us know you how this may impact future In October 2011, all water where they are. If you know of any property transactions. companies within the UK private pumping stations within adopted and took on the Private pumping stations may have the Yorkshire region, please let us responsibility of all private sewers an impact on property transactions know by emailing Louisa.taylor@ and lateral drains. as, if these are in the boundary of yorkshirewater.co.uk. the potential purchase, Yorkshire This legislation change was Water will require regular access introduced to make things easier to maintain and repair the asset. and clearer to homeowners in relation to liability of private The CON29DW Search will be assets. changing to provide information 5 Legal News Call for international ‘digital bill of rights’ During a speech on mass surveillance Other topics on Andrew Caplen’s agenda During a session on lawyers for lawyers, by governments around the world, Law at the conference included business and Mr Caplen illustrated how lawyers Society President Andrew Caplen joined human rights and lawyers for lawyers. continue to be under attack in numerous calls from Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Al Gore jurisdictions. Talking about how the Law In the aftermath of the Rana Plaza disaster for a Digital Magna Carta. Society supports lawyers and judges in Bangladesh, Mr Caplen questioned facing intimidation for carrying out Addressing the American Bar Association, whether global enterprises have a their professional duties, he said: “We Mr Caplen said: “Legal privilege must responsibility for the staff in their supply intervene in cases. We write, we issue be protected from any system of chains as well as to their direct employees press statements, we send diplomatic surveillance. Against the backdrop of in the West. delegations. The Law Society has more mass surveillance, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, than 1,000 volunteers helping with this the inventor of the World Wide Web, has Referring to the UN Guiding Principles vital work and has investigated 80 cases called for a Digital Magna Carta. He has on Business and Human Rights, endorsed in 25 different jurisdictions this year been joined in this call by many others... by the UN Human Rights Council and alone.” including Al Gore. reflected in other global standards, he said: “The Law Society of England and Throughout the programme, Mr Caplen “Sir Tim envisages the development of Wales believes that the promotion of reminded delegates that next year the a ‘digital bill of rights’ in each country. business with respect for human rights UK will host the first Global Law Summit A statement of principles, providing an is of fundamental importance. Major - a one-off international summit which international standard for the values of companies are increasingly expecting will bring business and law together to the open web. their entire supply chain - including champion legal and business innovation “The development of a global digital law firms - to know and show they are in the 21st century. Magna Carta is an international effort respecting human rights.” The summit will be held from 23-25 that we consider should command the The Law Society set up an advisory group February 2015 in London. It will attract support of lawyers, their bar associations to consult with the legal sector, focusing world-class speakers, lawyers from the and law societies worldwide.” on education and raising awareness, UK and around the world, international The Law Society’s call follows the UK codes of conduct and regulation, and business leaders and government government’s emergency legislation on practical guidance. The group has set out officials to discuss, debate and develop data surveillance, which goes against a 11 clear recommendations and will be relationships across markets and court judgment on human rights. looking at how to implement them. jurisdictions. Graysons raises £1,300 for Macmillan Graysons WE has raised over £1,300 for Rob Turner, fundraising manager for Rob Turner of Macmillan Macmillan Cancer Support in a free Will with David Coffey Macmillan in Sheffield, said: “We are writing initiative in Sheffield. extremely grateful to Graysons WE for supporting Macmillan through this Lawyers provided their services free of initiative. Supporting us in this way, charge in exchange for clients making a either by making a donation at the donation to Macmillan of £50 for a single time of making the will – or by leaving will and £80 for joint wills. legacies, means Macmillan can develop David Coffey, head of the wills and new services in South Yorkshire. With the probate department at Graysons WE, saId: number of people affected by cancer “We are very proud to have volunteered in the UK and Sheffield predicted to our legal expertise to help Macmillan double by 2030, we have to act now, and Cancer Support and delighted with Macmillan has committed £2million to the money we raised, which will help develop new services which will provide Macmillan to provide vital support practical, emotional and financial support services to people affected by cancer.” to the people of South Yorkshire.” 6 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 Legal News Howells puts children’s safety first Howells Solicitors has named SAFE@LAST “The recent training event on Children to one support for children and their as its charity of the year. and Attachment Theory was a great families. success, attracting much interest. Raising Howells will dedicate their fundraising to n Howells has been shortlisted in two over £180 for SAFE@LAST made the event SAFE@LAST, a charity that assists young categories for the Yorkshire Legal Awards even more worthwhile and we hope to people at risk of running away from home. 2014. run similar events more regularly in future.” Kicking off the support, the children team The Sheffield firm is in the running for the Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their at Howells hosted a training event for staff Law Firm (11-30 Partners) category and first service this year, SAFE@LAST was and local professionals in which all fees were the Family Law category. donated to the charity, raising over £180. established to provide essential services for the one in nine children under the Sue Colven, deputy managing partner Doug Leach, partner and head of the age of 16 in South Yorkshire that are and family solicitor, said: “We are children team, said: “SAFE@LAST is a affected by running away. delighted with the news that we charity we are very familiar with in our have been shortlisted and it is great profession and they provide an essential The charity has since helped thousands to be recognised for our work and service for young people at risk. We of young people and provides services commitment to providing an excellent have seen first hand how important the from prevention to crisis intervention legal service.” service is that they provide and we are including a 24 hour helpline, the only very pleased to support them as our children’s refuge in the UK, a prevention The winners will be announced at a charity of the year. and education programme and one ceremony in Leeds on October 16. Quality Solicitors SSB Taylor Bracewell club call lands Lexcel approval Taylor Bracewell has become a business services sponsor of The Entrepreneurs Club. Launched in Leeds 15 years ago and in Sheffield law firm Quality Solicitors SSB has secured the national Sheffield four years ago, The Entrepreneurs Club delivers unique Law Society’s law management quality mark, Lexcel. business events. It aims to help a broad range of businesses Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession and is an source equity finance by matching their needs to the financial optional, recognised accreditation scheme for law firms and in- resources of private equity investors, for the benefit of both. house legal departments, giving assurance that a practice meets Sharon Beck, managing partner at Taylor Bracewell, said: “This is high client care and business management standards. a fantastic opportunity for our business team to work with an Quality Solicitors SSB partner Jeremy Brooke said: “While we are organisation which is well known for its quality events, the high proud to have secured Lexcel, it is our clients and staff who are calibre of attendees and successful business outcomes. We are the main beneficiaries. really excited about this new venture.” “They can be assured that the way we manage the practice has Further information about The Entrepreneurs Club can be found their interests at heart and runs efficiently.’’ at www.TheEntrepreneursClub.com. Martin makes shortlist for national honour Sheffield lawyer Martin Loxley has been the department pleased that we are being recognised for shortlisted as Partner of the Year at the which now our achievements. national Family Law Awards. operates in “The nature of my work means that eight regional Martin, who heads up Irwin Mitchell’s you are often helping people through national family law team, has been offices across the a difficult period in their lives, but it is selected by a judging panel made up country and is incredibly rewarding when you are able of the heads of the three family law ranked number to assist them in resolving their issues practitioners’ associations, the Family one in Yorkshire and see them come out stronger on by the Legal 500 Law Bar Association, Resolution and the Martin Loxley, the other side. I’ve been lucky to have Association of Lawyers for Children, along guide. He also Irwin Mitchell met some amazing people through with Family Law editors and publishing oversees the my work over the years and I wish to executives. firm’s wills trust and estates disputes team. thank all those that have supported me throughout my working life.” Martin has been a partner in Sheffield Martin said: “I’m proud to be shortlisted for more than 30 years and has led for this award. We have a highly well- The Family Law Awards ceremony is on Irwin Mitchell’s family law team for two regarded team with experienced family Wednesday 8 October at The Brewery in decades, overseeing significant growth in law partners across the country and I am London. 7 Criminal Focus 24 hours in the life of a criminal solicitor A working day in the The DSCC have called again, this time the case is at Ecclesfield. Again they won’t be life of Rachel Baldwin, ready for at least a few hours. I give some a criminal defence quick telephone advice and focus my mind back to the task in hand. lawyer and head of the Finally my case is called back on. It is prison law department nearly 12:30 by now but my client is sentenced and my case concludes. at Cartwright King, and As I head for the sandwich shop, my Sheffield & District Law phone rings and the police are ready to interview my client at Bridge Street. Society Vice President. Turning about heel I head to the station. Having recently watched the entire nine I arrive on time but the police are not series of 24, I was struck by how much there yet, they will be five minutes. That’s Jack Bauer manages to achieve in 24 five minutes I could have used for a
hours and how he still manages to look Rachel Baldwin, Cartwright King sandwich, but never mind. Five minutes pretty good by the end. become 15 and I’m getting impatient. I me chance to take instructions, prepare have an appointment in the office at 2.30 Having applied my mind to a typical day my case and be ready to go at 10am. If and time is pressing on. Finally the police for a criminal solicitor, I fear that we don’t I am lucky, I will get my case called on arrive and we get under way. quite live up to Hollywood’s standard. before a queue begins. Whilst I do not profess that every day is Thankfully, this job is a relatively short this intense, the following does happen My client pleads guilty and my case gets one and I am out of the station for 2.30. rather frequently. stood down for probation to prepare a Apologising profusely to my client for being late, I then crack on with the Just after 6am I am awoken from my fast delivery pre-sentence report. Whilst appointment. Just as the appointment slumber by the Duty Solicitor Call Centre this means that my case will hopefully is concluding, I am left a voicemail to (DSCC). The call handler is far more perky conclude today, it also puts me to the say that the police are ready on my and awake than I but I manage to take back of the queue. Ecclesfield job. I ring the police to let some basic information. I contact the Trying to use my waiting time them know I am coming and dash to the police station to be told that the client constructively, I begin by phoning the car. Twenty minutes later I arrive at the has just been booked in and the police police station for another update. They station and thankfully the police are on now have to take statements and the still don’t know what time the interview time. client will not be interviewed for hours will be. I am now beginning to stress that It’s 6.30pm and I am finally on my way – I am so glad I have been woken. I give the best-laid plans of completing my home. I notice my stomach is rumbling some telephone advice and am then court and then going to the station may and it dawns on me I never quite got faced with the dilemma of whether to not end up being so clever. try and achieve another hour of sleep or that sandwich. By 8pm I am feeling more whether that ship has passed. Sitting in court waiting for my case to be relaxed and, having finally eaten, settle called back on, I am taken aback by how down for some relaxation. My phone As a girl who loves her sleep, I try to our profession is ageing. Meaning no rings and it is a client who would like doze but before I know it the alarm has disrespect to my colleagues, at the age of to know if I can get his property back sounded and it is time to go to work. 30 I am one of the youngest. In fact, many from the police. I remind him of the Before leaving the house I ring the police around me have children my age. I can only office hours and remind myself that station, they have no update but will ring ponder where the profession will stand in some clients do not work on the same me when they know something. 10 years as over half of the advocates in timeframes as us. Off to court I go. Standard practice is that Sheffield will have retired. I guess that is everything is listed at 10am and it is pot the impact of constant cuts to legal aid – luck as to what time your case is called there is no incentive for young people to on. I tend to get to court early, this allows join the profession. Sad times. continued on page 20 8 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_March 2013 Criminal Focus Criminal legal aid... it’s not just for criminals! Hester Russell, head of Solicitors and barristers throughout the land take legal points and assist in ironing criminal law at Harthills out flaws by creating valuable case law. We don’t do it because it pays particularly in Rotherham, reveals well, we do it because we’re interested and why she has never because we care… would case law evolve as effectively if defence lawyers were regretted her decision downgraded, downhearted and working to support the underdog. simply to pay the bills? Of course not. When I qualified as a solicitor 15 years Ah, but won’t the Judiciary sort ago, I took a bold – and possibly foolhardy things out? – decision. I’d always enjoyed a good Well, they’ll have a very good try, but argument and my default position is one only needs to look at the problems to support the underdog; so criminal Hester Russell, Harthills already encountered as a result of family defence work seemed to be the natural legal aid cuts to see that they can only choice. As months turned into years, I Why do you help them? do so much. There is a vast difference rarely regretted that decision (even when I wouldn’t be much of a defence between a case defended by a solicitor Law School peers were driving around lawyer if I didn’t have a fairly loyal and a case where an unrepresented in increasingly flash cars, and friends following. Many of my clients are repeat defendant tries (often valiantly) to put his expressed amazement that I was still offenders, some are people who have case. Misunderstandings and confusion happily turning out to the police station been badly let down in the past (often reign and it is inevitable that the entire at 3am in the middle of a working week). during childhood). They need to talk system will be under severe pressure as A few examples might help you to somebody that they can trust, and more and more individuals are forced to understand why. because they trust me and accept my defend themselves due to lack of funding advice (most of the time) they plead or lack of lawyers. The wrongly accused guilty at an early stage – where Within the first few months of qualifying, And anyway, where do the Judiciary appropriate. The upshot is that victims and I represented an elderly man. He’d never come from? witnesses are told at a very early stage been in trouble in his life, had a good Well precisely, they are well-qualified, that they will not have to go into a pension and a loving wife. This man was, experienced lawyers, and many have witness box, public money is saved and sadly, unwell. One day, just before an honed their experience within the the court is not clogged up with appointment with his GP, he went to the criminal courts , dealing with legal aid unnecessary hearings. As a taxpayer, a supermarket in order to do the weekly cases. mother and a citizen it’s difficult to see shop. He was distracted and he left a few any sense in removing access to skilled So why am I writing about this? “fragile” items on the child seat in the and trusted lawyers, we save time, money As you’ve undoubtedly heard, our Lord trolley, and forgot to pay for them. He and heartache. Chancellor and Secretary of State for was arrested and charged. The couple Justice is intent upon “remodeling” the were heartbroken (not least because And victims/witnesses to crimes? way in which we work. The Ministry of nobody would listen to them). Armed We have robust professional standards, Justice claims that it has paid heed to the with medical evidence, we went to court we cross-examine properly and – where conclusions contained within a recent where, quite rightly, the magistrates required – sensitively. We know which study compiled by Andrew Otterburn. acquitted him. Whether or not I “won” for questions to ask and that we will not The report raises significant concerns him, I can’t say. I can say with certainty be able to ask them more than once. about the sustainability of criminal legal that the whole painful, unfamiliar Cross-examination is a skill; one can aid work, not least due to underfunding. experience would have been far more only imagine the upset caused by traumatic without legal help and unrepresented defendants at trial, let representation. This man is one of many alone the additional costs and delay. innocent people that I have helped, over And what about the bigger picture? the years, with the benefit of legal aid. Who plugs the gaps in shoddy or Ah, but what about the guilty? outdated legislation? We do, of course. continued on page 20 10 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 Criminal Focus Digital working coming to a court near you, sooner than you think vision the future of criminal practice work. Michael Jones, partner Michael Jones, Grayson Willis Bennett If and when the platform becomes a at Grayson Willis reality, the CPS will deposit the evidence into secure cloud-based storage to which Bennett, takes a look (with a secure key) defence practitioners at the looming digital will have access. No more unanswered emails to CPS, just a few clicks and the challenges facing the evidence is all yours. criminal legal sector. Of course, one of the issues for all of For a long time now, criminal defence us is what kit do we buy in order to practitioners have lived with the spectre take advantage of digital working and, of “digital working” but to date most have perhaps more importantly with the avoided having to work digitally for a Information Commissioner looking variety of reasons.The Crown Prosecution over our shoulder, so that we can work Service moved to digital working in the securely. magistrates courts some time ago with The combined effect of the Solicitors’ the introduction of laptops for all its gradually taking over the administration Code of Conduct and the Data Protection prosecutors, but it has taken until earlier of criminal legal aid from HMCTS at your Act 1988 means that we must go to this year for digital files for overnight local court. significant lengths to protect personal remand cases to become commonplace. To help with this transition, HMCTS data from accidental disclosure as Two years ago the Law Society and has been given the funding to install the Scottish barrister learned to her the representative bodies proposed to Wifi in every court room, court corridor, considerable cost when she had her Government that grant funding be made court cell area and advocates room. The unencrypted laptop stolen. available to finance the capital cost of the 18-month roll-out process is due to begin The first line of defence must be new hardware required to work digitally. in Autumn 2014. encryption of all portable devices used to As we know this was turned down as the The CPS no longer wants to produce store and transmit personal information. Ministry of Justice knew that it intended paper initial disclosure of the prosecution The US Government computer security to make digital working mandatory from case, but wants us to request it via secure standard FIPS is the one to look out for the new Criminal Contract, which we email. As we all know, there are problems and ensure that all devices meet FIPS now know will start on 1st July 2015. with this as clients often don’t instruct 140-2 or FIPS-197. us until the day of their first appearance The Legal Aid Agency promises and certainly don’t come to the office In October 2012, the CJS Efficiency us mandatory electronic working between being charged and making Programme published its legal guidance requirements and the new contracts their first appearance. on digital working across the criminal include a requirement that providers justice system, which is still worth reading have a secure email address through For several years I have been a defence as your starting point to all things digital. which they can send and receive practitioner representative on what is documents over the GSI and a system now the Digital Practitioners Working Within a year, the coming together of capable of being used to work group of the CJS Efficiency Programme. electronic legal aid applications, wifi in electronically within the criminal justice The CPS originally proposed that the court and prosecution evidence being system and with other criminal justice need to email requests for IDPC would be stored on the platform should mean that agencies, e.g. police and prosecution which replaced by storing the files in “the cloud”, old fashioned manila files containing can be accessed remotely (e.g. at court). but this proved too difficult and that idea paper will be a thing of the past. was shelved. We are told that from 1st July 2015 I suggest that you follow the link to the onwards, applications for legal aid in The cloud has, however, been resurrected, CJS Efficiency programme:www.justice. criminal cases will have to be submitted re-named “The Common Platform” and gov.uk/about/criminal-justice-system- via the eform direct to the LAA, which is much work is being done to make this efficiency-programme. 11 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 Movers &
Katie Hunt Shakers of CRA Legal Standing out from the application crowd Katie Hunt of CRA • Personality injected into applications firm’s size, practice areas, culture - • Demonstration as to why you are the whatever you can pick up from the explains how to make perfect candidate website or other knowledge. Use this • Commercial awareness of what’s going information in your interview. It will the most of your on in the legal business world give you a perfect framework to select interview opportunities • Corporate style – clear concise accomplishments or characteristics from explanation of career history your own background and experience in a competitive • Knowledge and background about the to work into the interview that are most employment market. firm you are applying to relevant to that job. • Detail of how you are targeted and Common mistakes at interview Over the last 12 months there has been how you have performed to target Forgetting the information you have a distinct change in the jobs market for Common mistakes in applications included on your application or CV. law firms. The number of roles that we at Check for spelling and grammatical CRA have been recruiting for has grown Not being able to talk confidently about errors - This is something that we cannot by 60%. targets and performance to target. emphasise enough. It’s often worth We are seeing increasing confidence in asking someone else to double check Not preparing questions to ask at the end the market and thus people see now as your application to make sure that of the interview. the best opportunity in a long time to nothing has been missed. Look at things from the interviewer’s consider their next career step. However, Communication - Every sentence, phrase perspective. If you were interviewing this creates a lot of tough competition for and word on an application should be someone yourself, what key traits would those roles. It is now more essential than concise and to the point. Ask yourself if you look for? What behaviour signals ever to make sure you shine in applications you can reword any part of your application. would put you off? and during the interview process. Make sure any achievements are It is important to remember that the law CRA are often the first point of contact displayed clearly. firm wants to find the perfect candidate for both candidates who are considering for their vacancy. You could be that person, a change of position or career and Avoid a “one size fits all” approach - In order you just need to demonstrate the right employers who are looking for exciting to stand out, tailor your application for the attributes and experience to match what new people. It is therefore essential that role and company you are applying for. they are seeking. Careful interview we provide the utmost support and high What are law firms looking for at preparation will support you to stand out level of service to those candidates and interviews? from the crowd. our clients in order to ensure they find First impressions - Confidence is key, an exactly what they are looking for. To assist candidates during this process, excellent candidate comes across as both we have recently launched our CRA Here are some simple – yet crucial and professional and engaging. Your Career T.V. It’s a tool to ensure our often neglected – areas of the process interviewers are trying to imagine working candidates are fully prepared for that, once honed and polished, can help with you every day, and they want to feel interviews. Should you be considering a you stand out in that ever-growing crowd: like it will be a pleasant experience. move or looking for advice, please contact What are law firms looking for in Research - Gather 3 to 5 “unique” facts me in confidence on 0114 241 8030 or applications? about the company. This could be the email [email protected]
12 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014
John takes on Six promoted at Alex Ross, head of Bell & Buxton’s commercial services department, said: top APIL role Sheffield office “We are really pleased to welcome Sam DLA Piper has announced the promotion and Rebecca to the firm. Both are very of six of its Sheffield-based lawyers. experienced in their respective fields and their credentials will further enhance There have been two promotions across the services we are able to offer to our the office to legal director –litigation and commercial and property clients.” regulatory specialist Paul McNamee and intellectual property and technology Fay Bunting receives lawyer Amanda Pilkington. approval from the FMC Four people have been promoted to senior associate – litigation and John Spencer, Spencers Solicitors regulatory lawyers Timothy John Evans, John Spencer, director of Chesterfield Harriet Farrant and Michael Lawlor, and law firm Spencers Solicitors, has become Rob Shaw in real estate. President of the Association of Personal Office managing partner Richard May Injury Lawyers (APIL). said: “I am delighted that the hard work APIL is a not-for-profit organisation that and dedication of these individuals has has been campaigning for improvement been recognised. The promotions in the services provided to injured people highlight the valuable contribution these for over 20 years and its 4,300 members lawyers give to the firm and to our clients and demonstrate the high levels of quality are dedicated to changing the law to and service delivered by our teams”. protect and enhance access to justice. Overall, 45 lawyers worldwide were John will use his 35 years’ experience of promoted to DLA Piper’s partnership. working within the legal sector to support APIL achieving its objectives of securing support and a fairer deal for the victims New recruits boost of all types of personal injury. He has a Bell & Buxton team Fay Bunting (left), and Michaela Heathcote long association with the organisation A family law expert at Sheffield’s having been an APIL member since 1995 Taylor&Emmet has achieved official and an elected member of its Executive acknowledgement of her mediation skills, Committee since 2011. after receiving clearance to handle legal John assumed his presidency in May at aid cases. the APIL Annual Conference held at Celtic Fay Bunting has approval from the Manor, Newport. Family Mediation Council (FMC) to offer As APIL’s new president John has said he mediation to local couples needing will champion “right” and “ethical” reform Sam Price and Rebecca Holding, Bell & Buxton legal aid, complementing her work with to the legal system, after a barrage of private clients. change which has “left injured people the Solicitor Sam Price and paralegal Rebecca losers”. John told the assembled delegates Holding have further strengthened the Michaela Heathcote, Taylor&Emmet’s in his inaugural speech: team at Bell & Buxton. head of family law, said: “We are extremely proud of Fay’s achievements. The Sam has joined the busy conveyancing “We must redouble our efforts to portfolio of work upon which she was department and has more than eight persuade everyone who is involved with assessed was the result of many hours’ years in practice. Previously he has developing and delivering legal reform hard work and dedication. She is a finally to do the right thing for injured gained experience in helping local small to medium businesses with talented solicitor and mediator who can people. Being injured is, in itself, bad now offer clients a much broader range enough. What injured people need is property and business matters and this will complement the work that Bell & of legal services, enabling divorces and justice and care. This is their basic right; it’s Buxton already carries out for Yorkshire- separations to be handled sensitively and the mark of a civilised society.” based independent retailers. He also appropriately.” John also outlined some of APIL’s has extensive knowledge of residential From April this year, all separating couples campaigns for the year, which include conveyancing so will be supporting this are required to attend a mediation lobbying for flexibility in the law on busy department too. information and assessment meeting psychiatric harm for secondary victims, Rebecca has previously worked in before submitting legal proceedings. safeguarding patient safety in hospitals commercial law at both regional and Despite cuts to the legal aid system, and promoting rehabilitation. international law firms, and contributes funding is still available for those willing “We will never cease to expose every a wealth of knowledge and experience to attend mediation, to encourage more shoddy agenda which puts profit before to Bell & Buxton’s expanding commercial families to resolve disputes without court injured people” John said. services team. intervention. 13 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014
Camilla adds to Dean Thomas & Co from Tracey Barlow Furniss & Co. Michelle qualified as a Liam and Barney clin neg strength solicitor in 2010 after practising in join DLA city team matrimonial law for several years. She DLA Piper has announced the specialises in all areas of family law, expansion of its litigation & regulatory including domestic abuse, divorce, and real estate teams with two new matrimonial and non-matrimonial appointments in the Sheffield office. finances, co-habitation disputes, and children issues including cases involving The Sheffield real estate team has social services. recruited Liam Staniland as associate. Joining from Ford & Warren in Leeds, Divisional role for Liam joins Nigel Howard and colleagues Nigel in RKH move working across a diverse range of real estate clients . Nigel Bennett has joined the RKH Professional Risks team as divisional Barney Connell has also been recruited director. as associate in the Sheffield litigation and regulatory team. Barney, who joins from Camilla Attwood with James Drydale the London office of US law firm Sidley A specialist solicitor is swapping Oxford’s Austin, has three years of professional dreaming spires for Sheffield’s seven qualified experience and will work under hills to help Taylor&Emmet develop its partner, Richard Norman. reputation for clinical negligence. Sam to head SSB’s Camilla Attwood joins the personal legal business law line-up services team to handle all types of clinical negligence work for both local Quality Solicitors SSB has appointed Sam and national clients. Sellars as the head of its new business law division. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2012, Camilla has practised at Bower and Bailey Sam, who has extensive experience in Oxford, where she managed a wide working within commercial law with range of cases, with a particular focus firms across the region, said: “Many SMEs on obstetrics and gynaecology. She was are finding that while money is a little also the regional co-ordinator of the more available now, the purse strings can Acquired Brain Injury Forum, organising still be a little tight but that doesn’t mean Nigel Bennett, RKH lectures and talks for those affected by you can’t find the right legal advice at an the condition. Based in Leeds, he will bring RKH’s affordable price.’’ consultative approach and wide insurer Head of clinical negligence James SSB partner Jeremy Brooke said: “Having choice to law firms in the north-east. Drydale said: “Camilla brings a wealth of launched an extremely successful industry knowledge to our department, He has over 25 years of corporate employment law division in the past along with a fresh perspective on and professional insurance broking year, we recognised business law South Yorkshire’s legal sector. She is a experience, the last six years solely as an obvious area for subsequent resourceful and determined advocate focused on servicing law firms development. of those suffering the effects of medical throughout Yorkshire and the north of “Small businesses in particular have been complications and I have no doubt her England. apprehensive in the past about seeking expertise will help us build on the results He said: “The market is gearing up for legal advice but our system of one free we have achieved for clients and further yet another uncertain renewal season, initial telephone consultation and then develop our reputation.” possibly operating on significantly a clearly defined price list means you different minimum terms and conditions know immediately how much you will Solicitors switch to to previous years. Dean Thomas & Co be paying and there is no need to worry “As RKH is independent, it is not tied about rising costs.” Rachel Pritchard is the latest addition to to any one insurer for solicitors’ PII. This the property team at Dean Thomas & year we are very excited that our direct Co, working out of the Worksop office. capacity with A-rated Endurance should Rachel qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and translate into more choice for sole has worked across Yorkshire, specialising practitioners and 2-3 partner firms.” in commercial and residential property. Chris Allen, executive director of RKH Rachel has experience in all property Professional Risks in London, said: matters including residential sales “Having Nigel based in the north will and purchases, commercial leases and give law firms in the region access to a property finance. combination of personal client servicing Michelle Lawton has recently joined with expert London market broking.” Sam Sellars, SSB 14 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014
Paul homes in on UK and Hong Kong. Paul is the author of New partners in the private client Cyberlaw in Hong Kong 1st, 2nd & 3rd team in Sheffield are Owen Brown, a Zenith Chambers editions published by LexisNexis. personal injury lawyer, and Alex Guy, who specialises in court of protection work and is the only court of protection- hlw Keeble Hawson appointed deputy in South Yorkshire. partner promotions Managing partner Paul Trudgill said: One of Yorkshire’s largest law firms, hlw “These four new partners have a wealth Keeble Hawson, is further strengthening of experience and specialist skills. its commercial and private client teams in They have already made significant Sheffield and Doncaster with four internal contributions to the firm’s success and promotions to partner. will be integral parts of the firm’s future
Paul Stephenson, Zenith Chambers In the commercial department the growth and development.’’ new partners are dispute resolution Paul Stephenson has joined Zenith specialists Sarah Burton, based in Deborah Laidlaw moves Chambers, bringing a wealth of Doncaster, and Roisin McCory, from the experience and expertise to the team. firm’s Commercial House office, Sheffield, to Stowe Family Law Deborah Laidlaw, a specialist in family law He has until recently been living and who has particular expertise in disputes including divorce, finances and children working in Hong Kong and now returns involving intellectual property and disputes has joined Stowe Family Law in to the UK to establish his practice. information technology. Leeds from Irwin Mitchell. Paul has extensive experience in intellectual property law, interlocutory She has worked in Yorkshire all her career injunctions and equitable remedies, and has close connections to Leeds, in contract matters including e-contracts, particular, where she attended BPP Law privacy, internet related legal issues and School, prior to commencing her training advertising law (comparative advertising, contract in 2010. labelling and trade descriptions). She has previously worked closely with He undertakes hearings before the Owen Brown, Alex Guy, Roisin McCory, Paul Court of Protection clients and is a member Trudgill and Sarah Burton Intellectual Property Department in the of both Resolution and Young Resolution. Criminal Focus Counsel’s case note corner Angela Wrottesley, justices must be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the respondent has barrister at Bank been violent or threatened violence to the associated person and that the House Chambers in making of the order is necessary to Sheffield, comments on protect the person from violence or threat of violence. If made the order will recent legal changes. last for 14-28 days and cannot be varied Angela has been in or revoked. chambers since 1999 Breach of a DVPN carries a power of arrest and a duty to remand in custody and maintains a mixed until the application for a DVPO is made. practice. Breach of a DVPO is a civil contempt under section 63 of the Magistrates Court As I write, the weather is warm and the Act 1980 (maximum sentence: £5000 fine requirement of court dress makes me or two months imprisonment) and the yearn for the autumn. No more the principles of sentencing for breach of a historic long summer vacation; work civil order apply. Remember that there carries on. is no power to suspend the sentence. In the magistrates court, the Domestic Public funding is available for matters Violence and Protection Order (DVPO) is including Breach DVPN or DVPO and on being sought with increased frequency. application for a DVPO ( SI 2011/1453). The police apply on complaint for In other developments, the Court of the order. It has similar features to Appeal continues to approve robust Occupation /Non molestation Orders case management. Be ready in case granted in family proceedings. The ethos management hearings to give assistance of the DVPO is to provide ‘seamless to the court as to the proposed defence. protection to victims at ongoing risk of violence’ enabling police to seek these For those regularly engaging in trial orders when the matter is unsuitable for, Angela Wrottesley, work, don’t forget the Advocates or there is insufficient time, to institute Bank House Chambers Gateway website. Recent updates county court proceedings. include guidance on the questioning Associated persons are defined by of vulnerable witnesses and defendants Sections 24-33 of the Crime and s62 Family Law Act 1996 and include with mental health problems, and those Security Act 2010 provide the statutory cohabitants, spouses, civil partners and who are deaf. framework for the granting of a DVPO. relatives. The process commences by the Finally, the Probation Service is presently police issuing the respondent (alleged The DVPN must be served personally piloting a new Community Order perpetrator of domestic violence) with on the respondent and there are Requirement – Alcohol Abstinence and a Domestic Violence Protection Notice strict procedural requirements as to Monitoring. Orders will be enforced by (DVPN). The two grounds for the issue the contents of the notice which are means of a transdermal electronic tag of a DVPN are firstly whether there are contained within section 25 of the act. which can measure the level of alcohol in reasonable grounds for believing that These include a warning that an arrest a person’s sweat at set points throughout the respondent has been violent or can be made without a warrant if the a 24-hour period. Data is transmitted threatened violence to an associated constable has reasonable grounds electronically to a central monitoring person and secondly that it is necessary to believe that the respondent is in point where the data is analysed and, if to protect that person from violence or breach of the DVPN. The respondent there are indications that a breach has threat of violence by way of a DVPN. is also notified of the timetable for the occurred, the enforcement authority is application for the DVPO and served with notified. The police should be satisfied that the notice of the hearing. process is the only option to reduce the It will be interesting to see if the pilot is risk of further violence to the victim by The application for a DVPO must made successful. I wonder what those lawyers continuing to exclude the respondent within 48 hours of service of the DVPN of yesteryear, who enjoyed those long from the home. The welfare of any and section 28 sets out the criteria for vacations, would have made of the new child under 18 in the home is crucial. consideration at the DVPO hearing. The technology? 16 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 Criminal Focus Students in courtroom showdown Potential lawyers of the future took part in a courtroom showdown as they battled it out to be crowned the winners of the 2014 inter-school mock trial competition. A team of sixth form students from The Priory Academy Lincolnshire School of Science and Technology (LSST) got the verdict they wanted after a jury comprising of Sheffield Hallam University academics and local solicitors said the team had put forward the best argument. They marginally beat fellow finalists, Sheffield’s Notre Dame High School, after successfully defending a fake trial based around an assault charge and a self-defence claim at Sheffield Law Courts. The winning team from The Priory Academy The two teams were allocated a role of prosecution and defence The winning team were rewarded with work experience and had to prepare their cases to present before the jury. opportunities organised by the competition’s partners, Sheffield Acting as the trial judge, Mr Justice Coulson, a High Court Judge Law Society. based in London, said: “This has been a very good exercise with Jade Cormack who took on the role of lead barrister for The very articulate students. I thought the performances were really Priory Academy, said: “This has been an amazing and eye- very good and a lot of it wouldn’t have been out of place in your opening experience and has been so much fun. There’s a few of average court hearing. us that are interested in law but we’re not actually studying it “I know I certainly couldn’t have done that at their age and I found at A-Level but after this, I think it’s something that we all would the whole experience very enjoyable and very well organised.” consider as a potential career.
Mr Justice Coulson in court and, below, with the finalists
“Just being able to address the judge, and present to the jury and then waiting for the verdict was a really thrilling experience and I’d love to do it all again.” Eight schools and colleges from across the region took part in this year’s competition, organised by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with Sheffield Law Society, Howells Solicitors and Banner Jones Solicitors. Now in its third year, the competition was set up to give young people the chance to gain the skills and confidence to debate, challenge and influence others and provides a creative insight into the legal profession. 17
Society News Top events and CPD dates • Wednesday 24th September, 10am – 12pm – The True Costs of Don’t miss out on the latest CPD Trusts and Deputyships: How to Reduce and Control Them courses from the Sheffield & District • Wednesday 24th September, 3pm – 5pm – Mutual Mirror on Law Society. All courses are at the the Wall: What is the difference between them all? • Monday 29th September, 9:30am – 12:30pm – Conveyancing Law Society Hall in Sheffield unless Law Update • Monday 29th September, 1:30pm – 4:30pm – Commercial otherwise stated. Property Update In terms of CPD training dates, the • Tuesday 30th September, 9:30am – 12:30pm – Leading and Participating in Meetings following have been confirmed: • Wednesday 1st October, 9:30am – 10:30am – Conflicts of Interest • Tuesday 16th September, 4pm – 6pm – Hearness, Nearness • Wednesday 1st October, 10:45am – 11:45am – Mortgage Fraud and Dearness (with His Honour Judge Robinson) • Monday 6th October, 10am – 12pm – Drafting Contract Clauses • Wednesday 17th September, 9:30am – 10:30am – Risk • Monday 6th October, 1:30pm – 3:30pm – Client Care Management (free for our members) • Tuesday 7th October, 9:30am – 12:30pm – Communicating For • Wednesday 17th September, 10:45am – 11:45am – Client Care Success and Complaints Handling (free for our members) • Tuesday 7th October, 1:30pm – 4:30pm – Developing • Wednesday 17th September, 1pm – 2pm – Equality and Commercial Awareness Diversity Workshop (free for our members) • Thursday 9th October, 4pm – 5:30pm – Property Disputes and • Friday 19th September, 9am – 3:30pm – First Aid at Work: Civil Procedure Update (post-Denton) Employers’ Legal Duties (no CPD points for this course) • Friday 10th October, 10am -12pm – SRA Accounts Rules Update • Tuesday 23rd September, 10am – 12pm – Law Firm Structures (free for our members) • Wednesday 15th October, 4pm – 5pm – ABS in Practice (free for our members) • Thursday 16th October, 9:30am – 12:30pm – CON29DW and Groundsure Contaminated Land and Flooding (free for our members). This talk will be held at the Holiday Inn Doncaster. • Friday 17th October, 4pm – 5pm – Regulatory Concerns for the Legal Sector • Tuesday 21st October, 12:30pm – 2pm – The Coroner’s Investigation • Tuesday 21st October, 4pm – 5pm – Law Firms and the Risks Facing Them in 2014 (free for members) • Wednesday 22nd October, 9am – 5pm – Management Stage 1 (compulsory course) • Thursday 23rd October, 3pm – 5pm – The Importance of Environmental Due Diligence for business owners (free for our members) • Monday 27th October, 9:30am – 12:45pm – Commercial Leases: Getting Your Advice Right First Time • Monday 27th October, 1:45pm – 5pm – Freehold Easements and Covenants: A Practical Approach and Update • Tuesday 28th October, 12pm – 1:30pm – Capital Gains Tax Update • Wednesday 29th October, 9:30am – 4:30pm – How To Develop a Marketing Plan in a Day • Thursday 30th October, 12pm – 1:30pm – Tax Avoidance and Evasion: The Changing Face of HMRC • Thursday 13th November, 9:30am – 12pm – CON29DW and Groundsure Contaminated Land and Flooding (free for our members) For more information and updates, visit www.sheffieldlawsociety.co.uk The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014
Society News Society’s shooting stars Sheffield & District Law Society President Steven Dawson and Vice President Rachel Baldwin were joined by local lawyers for a clay pigeon shoot in the Peak District. The group headed to Hathersage for the shoot, followed by a meal at the Fox House Inn. Steven first suggested the idea when planning his presidential year as he thought it would be an interesting alternative to the Society’s usual social events. He said: “While the quiz nights and wine tastings that the Society tends to run every year are well attended, I wanted to offer our members something different which would allow them to meet new people and chat to each other without being a typical networking event.’’ The day certainly provided a chance to try to something new as most of the attendees had never held a gun before. Despite the group’s inexperience, no one decided to take up Steven’s offer Dickinson and MKB Solicitors and were given prizes as the Best to write their will before the shooting began and some even Overall Shooter and Best Female Shooter. discovered a hidden talent. Polly said: “This was a truly unique networking event, and one Solicitor Ben Lyon and trainee solicitor Polly Coram, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. The instructors were helpful, patient, Bell & Buxton, beat the competition from Cartwright King, Hill and had a good dose of Yorkshire humour which helped me overcome my initial nerves. I take great pride in my new-found shooting skills and cannot wait until next year!”
Law Society manager Liz French and next year’s President Rachel Baldwin have already decided to hold the event again in response to requests from the members and sponsors who attended. The Society’s next social event is a wine tasting evening which will take place on Tuesday 16th September, at The Wig & Pen in Sheffield. 19 Society News Roundabout’s supporting role Roundabout is a local youth housing charity which provides shelter, support and life skills to 150 young homeless people in Sheffield every day. The charity has now opened a service based at 22 Union Street, in the city centre, and is offering advice and support to young people aged 16 to 21 who are close to becoming homeless due to the breakdown of family relationships. The new service is open Monday to Friday from 1-4pm and aims to help the young people return to their family when it is appropriate and safe to do so. Roundabout CEO Ben Keegan commented: “We have a commitment to try to end homelessness for young people in Sheffield and this new service will be an essential new addition to our services. We will do our utmost to help young people stay alternative to custody. This was based upon research which with their families but, for those that aren’t able to return home, found that ex-offenders released from custody who are we help them find alternative accommodation that will keep homeless are more likely to re-offend. them safe and supported.” Roundabout’s services have shown a positive impact on “The benefits of staying in the family home, particularly for 16 reducing reoffending and enabling young people to obtain and and 17-year-olds, are huge. The young people will have much maintain accommodation and develop independent living skills higher chances of achieving educational success and be far less which in turn enable them to reintegrate into society and desist likely to commit crimes, for instance, if they are able to stay in the from criminal pathways. family home and have a healthy relationship with their parents.” For more information about Roundabout, visit: www. Roundabout also works closely with both victims and roundabouthomeless.org perpetrators of crime and developed a service in partnership with Sheffield Youth Justice Service to support and enable n Roundabout is one of the charities Society President Steven young people aged 16 to 18 to live in accommodation as an Dawson has chosen for his year of office.
Rachel Baldwin continued The reality is that the MOJ wants hlw Keeble Hawson from page 8 mega firms to carry out work that is currently carried out by small high street goes international I finally climb into bed and drift off practitioners. hlw Keeble Hawson has become the first to sleep. The DSCC then wake me at legal practice in Yorkshire and the North In a recent KPMG report – prepared at the 2am and 4.30am with duty calls. Both East to be accepted as a member of an behest of the MOJ – the author noted clients are intoxicated, both will not be international network of independent interviewed until the morning and both with surprise that the economies of scale law firms and professional advisers. times it takes me about an hour to fall that they had expected within bigger back to sleep. firms did not appear to be reflected The practice is one of just four in the UK within their study sample (about 10% to join the Consulegis network. At 7am the alarm sounds again and of firms). another day begins. Having not dodged With a membership extending across bullets or saved lives in the past 24 hours, The reality is, in my opinion, that bigger more than 45 countries and 150 cities, it’s not quite up to the standard of Jack does not mean cheaper and that fewer the network connects businesses and Bauer, but it was one hell of a day. Feeling competitors will lead to reductions in individuals who are seeking advice, and looking rather frazzled, I get back on both quality and efficiency. guidance and opportunities across the roller coaster and thank the stars that As a byproduct, hundreds of firms will international and cultural boundaries. I love my job. face closure, dedicated lawyers will leave hlw Keeble Hawson managing partner the profession and the criminal justice Paul Trudgill, who has led the application Hester Russell continued system as a whole will be damaged, and attends best practice conferences from page 10 probably beyond repair. in the UK and overseas, said: “Increasing The conclusion reached by the MOJ is Please support the CLSA and LCCSA in globalisation is bringing a wealth of to cut costs (an 8.75% reduction has their Judicial Review fundraising efforts at opportunities in international markets already taken place) then seek to force http://www.lccsa.org.uk/donate-towards- - both for us as a practice and for our consolidation and cut by a further 8.75%. the-cost-of-judicial-review/. clients. 20 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 Legal News DLA Monopoly magic boosts local charities
For the seventh consecutive year, the special edition Sheffield Monopoly Hospitals Charity and the Whirlow Hall Sheffield city centre was turned into a board, teams rolled their first dice at DLA Farm Trust, which are the Master Cutler’s giant Monopoly board by lawyers from Piper’s office and raced around the Challenge chosen charities of 2014. DLA Piper, as teams from across the city city, visiting as many places on the board battled it out in the challenge to raise to collect as many DLA Piper dollars as Robert McKie, partner at DLA Piper, who funds for local charities. possible, avoiding fines, taxes and jail. arranged this year’s challenge, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took The team from P&A Partnership collected With Mistress Cutler Jane Pedder on hand part in helping us raise a great sum of to set the teams off on their challenge, $4,000 and were crowned champions by Beverley Ensor, senior associate at money for this year’s charities.” the event saw 12 teams from local DLA Piper. businesses competing in a Monopoly n Pictured Mistress Cutler Jane Pedder game around the city’s streets. Using All money raised goes to The Sheffield launches the Monopoly challenge. Lifestyle Question Time Barristers Simon Pällo and Jonathan Holsgrove are colleagues at Zenith Chambers. They reveal why Jedi mind powers would be useful and why The Wirral is definitely not Liverpool. Simon What’s your favourite book? and get annoyed when people call it To Kill a Mockingbird. Liverpool!
What’s the one thing you can’t live What piece of advice would you give without? Oxygen (too literal??). to someone starting a career in your profession? Make sure before you What’s the most rewarding part start out that this is the career for you by of your job? Client satisfaction and getting as much and as varied experience ensuring clients are helped through the as possible. court process without too much distress. What would you say your life motto is? What’s your biggest achievement? Perseverance pays. My two lovely children. Which three words would you choose Where would you like to be in five to best describe yourself? Calm, funny, years’ time? At Zenith Chambers. motivated. What makes Zenith Chambers stand After a long day at work, how do you out from other Chambers? Zenith What was your dream job when relax? I like to cook. I can’t cook to any Chambers are a well-known progressive you were a child? Archeologist – like decent standard but it just gives you time set on circuit with an excellent reputation Indiana Jones! to unwind. It helps to have some booze across many disciplines. whilst doing it as well. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why? Jonathan If you could have any super power, Paris – could never get bored there. what would it be? To be able to fly.
What single fact about you do What was the last film you watched? you think people would find most Her. A very random Oscar-nominated film surprising? I actually enjoy DIY. with Joaquin Phoenix. Don’t watch it if What piece of advice would you give you’re a cat lover. to someone starting a career in your What’s your favourite band/ profession? Work hard and enjoy the job. musician? The Ting Tings and their song What would you say your life motto ‘It’s not my name’ is a favourite. is? “Life mottos are not for me.” What’s your favourite book? Which three words would you choose One Red Paperclip by Kyle MacDonald. to best describe yourself? Hard- What’s the one thing you can’t live working, humorous, human without? My MacBook Air. What was your dream job when you After a long day at work, how do you were a child? RAF pilot. What’s the most rewarding part of relax? Wine. your job? Helping clients get through If you could visit any place in the the difficult situations in their personal or If you could have any super power, world, where would you go and why? business lives. what would it be? Jedi mind powers – A road trip along the Gulf Coast of USA. useful for the job. I was born in Louisiana and lived there What’s your biggest achievement? What was the last film you watched? until I was three and would like to go and Getting a training contract and then Edge of Tomorrow. The last good film I see what life might have been like. cross qualifying and getting pupillage. watched was 12 Years a Slave. What single fact about you do Where would you like to be in five What’s your favourite band/ you think people would find most years’ time? Retired after winning Euro musician? The Beatles. surprising? I grew up on The Wirral Millions. 22 The Legal_Sheffield and District Law Society_October 2014 Lifestyle Show’s the best baa none The 184th Bakewell show in August saw the launch of the Show Us Your Sheep competition. The competition was split into four main categories, primary schools, secondary schools, groups and individuals and each category had the chance to win great prizes. The event was judged at the show by two teams of judges including two from the main sponsors of the competition, Banner Jones Solicitors. Ann-Marie Lowe, marketing manager at Banner Jones, said: “When the competition was launched (in conjunction with the show organisers and Peak fm) back in April this year we had no idea how many entries we would get or what the standard would be and we were blown away by over 100 entries. Many of the sheep were life-sized and when they were all displayed in a pen at the show it looked amazing”. Banner Jones director Simon Wright said: “It was clear to see from the entries how much local schools and community groups had got from the planning, making and naming of their entries. It was great to be involved in such a well-represented community project. When appearing in court it is usually the solicitor under the scrutiny of the judges. It was quite daunting to have the Anne-Marie Lowe and Simon Wright with Blossom, winner of the primary schools category tables turned!”