North West Law

The Monthly Publication of the Manchester Law Society

August 2014NewsFairpoint Group completes acquisitionof Simpson Millar page 6

Double success for SAS Danielspage 7

Hill Dickinson strikes golden deal withGB Taekwondo page 8

QualitySolicitors Abney Garsden celebrate 20 years page 9

Andy Booth joins SAS Daniels page 11

FeaturesTalking HeadsInducements in PI work - the unacceptable faceof law firm marketing? page 12

Meet the NeighboursWTB Solicitors launch community initiative page 13

Pannone CorporateJulia Baskerville talks to Managing PartnerPaul Jonson page 15

RegularsManchester Law Society Conferences

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Single issue £3.50, 12 month subscription £54.00free to members

Lawyers On Demand heads to theNorth WestUK’s original alternativelegal services providerlooks for local legal talentas it launches Manchesterhub for pilot LOD servicein North-West

Lawyers On Demand (LOD),the alternative legal servicesprovider launched byBerwin Leighton Paisner(BLP) in 2007, today an-nounces the launch of aManchester hub, its first out-side of London. LOD will beoffering in-house legalteams across the North-West alternative cost-effi-cient ways of resourcingtheir legal work as well asproviding lawyers in the re-gion with new ways of work-ing.

LOD will initially launch theservice as a pilot and fromAutumn 2014 offer organi-sations across the North-West access to local, highly

qualified freelance lawyerson ‘secondment style’arrangements. This will bethe first service of its kind tobe launched in the North-West.

LOD’s model appeals to highquality lawyers looking formore flexible ways of work-ing and greater autonomy intheir legal careers. LOD hasalready begun recruitinglawyers in the North-West toadd to its current team ofover 200 lawyers who rangefrom those with a couple ofyears’ experience to thosewith senior legal experience.For LOD’s clients, which in-clude Google, BBC and Bar-clays as well as severalinternational law firms, theservice allows them to flextheir teams’ capability andcapacity without the over-head of a permanent em-ployee. LOD is also looking to ex-

pand its remote workingservice, LOD On Call, by re-cruiting local lawyers towork remotely with itsclients. LOD’s clients use OnCall as a more cost effectivealternative to outsourcing toa law firm.

LOD was originally createdby BLP and is now a separategroup company. The launchfollows BLP’s recent an-nouncement regarding itsintentions to open an officein Manchester in Summer2014 and a new IntegratedClient Service Model offer-ing. LOD’s pilot will be runfrom BLP’s Manchester of-fice following a local recruit-ment drive for lawyers. LODlawyers have access to BLPknowhow, professional sup-port and training, allowingLOD to provide a servicewhich combines the ap-proach of an in-house re-source with the support and

quality assurance of a majorlaw firm.

LOD was founded by SimonHarper and Jonathan Bren-ner, both originally from theNorth-West, and has quicklybecome one of the City’slegal success stories. Start-ing as a pilot internally atBLP, it has grown rapidly andnow offers a variety of differ-ent services to clients,boasts over 200 specialistlawyers and has turned over£9m in its first year sincespinning out from BLP, com-pleting over 400 assign-ments for a range of bluechip clients.

LOD Co-Founder, SimonHarper, said: “Twenty yearsago, when I was looking fora legal training contract,local options in the North-

Remembering Manchester Solicitorswho gave their lives in WWIThis year the world commemorates 100 years since the start of WWI. During the conflict therewere 16 million deaths and 20 million wounded ranking it among the deadliest conflicts inhuman history. Of these 1016 were solicitors and 716 were articled clerks. Julia Baskervillelooks at the role of Manchester legal profession in the conflict...

The War Memorial in the Law Society Hall

I begin this article with anapology. I have gleanedinformation from a varietyof sources, including oldcommittee records held byManchester Law Societyand military records butthere may be a number ofommissions. However Ihope that this will serve asa tribute to those solicitorsand articled clerks wholost their lives in the GreatWar.

At the beginning of 1914the British Army had around710,000 men including re-serves, of which around80,000 were regular troopsready for war. By the end ofWorld War I almost 1 in 4 ofthe total male population ofthe United Kingdom ofGreat Britain and Ireland hadjoined up.

Many Manchester solicitorsand articled clerks either

volunteered or were con-scripted. As the war pro-gressed, with major losseson all sides the War Officemade a call for more men tovolunteer. Manchester LawSociety held a Special Com-mittee Meeting on 27thMarch 1917 to discuss a re-quest from the War Recruit-ment Office. The minutessaid ...

“That the larger firms inthe city had made less sac-rifice in proportion thanthe smaller firms and thatthe solicitors had not doneso well as ether thebankers or the account-ants.”

The Committee then wenton to select a number of so-licitors and clerks from thelarger firms who would en-list. Sadly many of thesemen never returned to prac-

tice.

The majority of Manchestersolicitors went into the Man-chester Regiment. The Regi-ment formed an extra 38battalions in addition to thepre-war establishment oftwo Regular and two Militiaand six Territorial Battalions,

this was mainly due to thevolume of volunteers, it wasawarded 72 Battle Honoursand 11 Victoria Crosses los-ing 13770 men during thecourse of the war. A numberof solicitors were awardedmedals for gallantry, one of

Continued on page 16

Continued on page 5

3Manchester Law Society President’s Column

President’s ColumnThe Court of Appeal has nowhanded down a crucial judg-ment that will apparentlymake civil litigation in Eng-land and Wales less adversar-ial and more co-operative. Inthree linked appeals, guid-ance has been given that willhelp to clarify the interpreta-tion of Civil Procedure Rulesand the Court of Appeal's ear-lier guidance in Mitchell -v-News Group Newspapers Ltd,which led to significant issuesfor all solicitors involved in lit-igation.

We are now told that the de-cision in Mitchell was soundbut that the problem was theway it had been interpreted.In my view the Mitchell deci-sion has had a significantlydetrimental effect on theconduct of civil litigation asthe judgment’s strict applica-tion of case managementrules has led to satellite litiga-tion. It has also led to incon-sistent lower court decisionsand a much more adversarial,non-cooperative litigationculture with increased costs.

The Court of Appeal has nowset out and explained athree-stage test to be appliedsuch that a contested appli-cation for relief from sanc-tions should now beexceptional. Opportunism isto now be penalised. I am of

the view that this is a decisionfor common sense as the im-position of disproportionatepenalties on parties has un-doubtedly added to the costsof litigation, an increase in in-surance premiums and awindfall for one party.

Regrettably and despite sub-missions to the contrary, in-cluding a submission by MLS,the SRA has not shown suchcommon sense in deciding togo ahead with reducing theminimum level of compul-sory professional indemnityinsurance cover per claim to£500,000 and to introduce anew compulsory outcome inthe Code of Conduct to re-quire firms to assess and pur-chase an appropriate level ofinsurance cover.

This has still to be ratified bythe Legal Services Board butsurely this will increase expo-sure to risk for firms and forclients. How can any firmdealing, say in property, besatisfied with £500,000 PIIcover? Will this lead to a re-duction in premiums? I verymuch doubt it. Who wouldbe a COLP/COFA?

I discussed this very pointwith the Law Society Presi-dent Nicholas Fluck when on9th July I attended atChancery Lane for his last of-

ficial engagement as Presi-dent of the Law Society. Heshared my view that againthere was simply no evidenceof the SRA listening to andconsidering the views of theprofession.

We also chatted about thereal concerns of employmentlawyers. I made reference toin my June Messenger col-umn to the number of em-ployment tribunal claimsplummeting by around 80%for the second consecutivequarter and whether thismeant that employees werebeing priced out of justice.

The President said that theLaw Society was concernedand was consulting with theprofession. This and other rel-evant issues will be discussedat the forthcoming MLS em-ployment conference on 23rdOctober at the Hilton whereJudge Peter Russell, the Act-ing Regional EmploymentJudge for the North West willdeliver a keynote address ontribunal practice and reform.This is a not to be missedevent for any employmentpractitioner.

I will be sad to see Mr. Fluckgo. He has had the most dif-ficult year facing a challengeto his authority in December2013 and trying to appease

such a diverse profession butin my view he has carried itthrough with great dignity.He is replaced by Hampshiresolicitor Andrew Caplen sup-ported by Vice PresidentJonathan Smithers. Mr.Caplen told me that he wantsthe Law Society to “refocus”(whatever that means) andplans to lobby the govern-ment to make legal aid morereadily available. “Access tojustice ensures the basicfunctioning of our demo-cratic society, and is what en-ticed many of us to becomelawyers.” Impressive wordsthat we all support. All I canadd is the very best of luckMr. Caplen.

Whilst on the subject of theLaw Society I would like tocongratulate SteveKuncewicz who following acontested election has takenthe second council seat forManchester, Salford andStockport District joiningNigel Day as our appointedrepresentative. I now knowthat the long standing goodworking relationship be-tween MLS and the Law Soci-ety will continue.

Indeed I had a good chat withSteve at the recent MLS Pro-fessionals’ Dinner Club at Har-vey Nichols. 60 or soprofessionals gathered to-

gether for a great evening.The dinner club will resumein September after the sum-mer break. If you have not at-tended then I urge you to.You will make some new con-tacts and have a really enjoy-able time.

Another excellent event wasthe International Festival forBusiness in Liverpool. Therewere a series of events spreadover 6 weeks with a numberof high profile speakers in-cluding the Prime Minister. Itis hoped that this will be re-peated in 2016 and that MLSand our members will take a

leading role.

Talking of success, pleaseallow me a moment to blowmy Gunnercooke trumpet.We have now reached a totalof 50 partners across officesin Manchester and London,and all in just 3 years. Havingjust moved into new prem-ises at 53 King Street it is, Ihope, onwards and upwards.

Wishing you all a great sum-mer.

David JosephPresident

4 Manchester Law Society News

News from Bridge Street CPD ProgrammePA and Secretarial ConferenceThursday 4th September 2014 CPD: 3 hoursExpert speakers will provide a quality, constructive, interactive and inspiring programme which will give you theinformation and skills you need to cope with the challenges you face in an ever changing environment.Venue: Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQRegistration: 12:30 Conference: 13:00 – 16:40 Cost: £55 + VAT (£66.00)

Management Stage OneTuesday 16th September CPD: 7 hoursHave you or any of your team qualified since 2011? Management Stage 1 is a compulsory course all Solicitors mustcomplete before the end of the third full CPD year.Mike Ode of Potential Unearthed will provide delegates with a practical foundation of essential management skillsthis course is approved by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA). Venue: Clarke Willmott LLP, 19 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 1FB Registration: 09:15 Training: 09:30-17:30Cost: Member rate £120.00 + VAT (£144.00 total) Non-member rate £170.00 + VAT (£204.00 total)

Insurance Law – Better Protection for Consumers Wednesday 17th September 2014 CPD: 1.5 hoursThis talk is an essential for all insurance lawyers, as the better protection afforded to consumers under the 2012 Actpresents an entirely novel approach to insurance law.Venue: St John’s Buildings, 24a-28 St John Street, Manchester M3 4DJRegistration: 5:30 pm Seminar: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pmCost: Member rate £20.00 + VAT (£24.00) Non-member rate £40.00 + VAT (£48.00)

Annual HR Lunch in association with Manchester Law Society and HR in LawFriday 19th September 2014Join us for the popular annual lunch for HR professionals with guest speakers including Christine Heyting, ChangeManagement Consultant for the United Nations. Venue: The Lowry Hotel, Manchester, M3 5LHRegistration: 11:30 Lunch: 12:15 – 16:00Cost: MLS or HR in Law Member rate £40.00 + VAT (£48.00) Non-member rate £50.00 + VAT (£60.00)

Fatal Accidents UpdateWednesday 1st October 2014 CPD: 3 hoursAre you aware of the latest changes to fatal accidents litigation? Matthew Stockwell and Wendy J Owen of St JohnsBuildings Chambers will provide a comprehensive practice and damages update which will guide you all the waythrough the conduct of a fatal accident claim from the perspective of both the claimant and defendant lawyer.Venue: JMW Solicitors LLP, 1 Byrom Place, Manchester, M3 3HG Registration: 09:00 Seminar: 09:30 – 13:00 pmCost: Member rate £45.00 + VAT (£54.00) Non-member rate £65.00 + VAT (£78.00)

Get Social and Engage: Explaining Social MediaThursday 9th October 2014 CPD: 2 hoursDo you know how to engage with social media, use it to increase your industry profile and win work? Discover thebenefits of embracing social media be that Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or Google Plus, and find out which plat-forms are most appropriate for your needs.Registration: 08:00 Seminar: 08:30-10:30Cost: Member rate £20.00 + VAT (£24.00) Non-member rate £40.00 + VAT (£48.00)

Personal Injury ConferenceTuesday 21st October 2014 CPD: 5.5 hoursOur annual Personal Injury Conference returns in October with an exciting programme taking a strategic look at thefuture of the sector focussing on how to market firms and secure work. Cost budgeting being a serious concern forPersonal Injury litigators the day will also explore techniques to maximise profitability and the future of funding. Venue: Hilton Hotel, Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQRegistration: 09:00 Conference: 09:30 – 17:00Cost: Member rate £150.00 + VAT (£180.00) Non-member rate £175.00 + VAT (£210.00)

Employment Law ConferenceThursday 23rd October 2014 CPD: 4 hoursReturning for 2014 the Employment Law Conference tackles the pressing issues that concern the sector with a mix-ture of presentations and interactive workshops. Judge Peter Russell, Acting Regional Employment Judge for theNorth West of England, will be delivering a keynote address on tribunal practice and reform. Additional topics cov-ered will include collective consultation and redundancy, the admissibility of pre-settlement negotiations in em-ployment tribunal litigation and how to handle the misuse of social media. Venue: Hilton Hotel, Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQRegistration: 08:30 Conference: 09:00 – 13:30 Cost: MLS Members £45.00 + VAT (£54.00) Non-members £65.00 + VAT (£78.00)

Dates for your diary: • 3rd October: Trainee Conference• 15th October: Managing your Stars, Steadies and Slackers• 25th November: Travel Law Conference

Keep up to date with the latest event information at www.manchesterlawsociety.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @ManLawSoc

To book a place on any of the above events, please email CarlaJones@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk

Costs budgeting and CAT claims proceedingat Manchester Civil Justice CentreFollowing a query received, District Judges Hassall and Iyer would remind practitionersthat CPR 3.13 provides:

“Unless the court otherwise orders, all parties except litigants in person must file and ex-change budgets as required by the rules or as the court otherwise directs. Each partymust do so by the date specified in the notice served under rule 26.3(1) or, if no such dateis specified, seven days before the first case management conference.”

Although each claim is considered on a case-by-case basis, in Cancer, Asbestos & TerminalIllness (‘CAT’) claims issued at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre District Judges Hassalland Iyer often consider the court file prior to the preparation and service of any notice bythe court office under rule 26.3(1) and give directions that include dispensing with direc-tions questionnaires and the listing of a First CMC and a subsequent Costs CMC. Such or-ders typically refer expressly to CPR 3.13 and direct that the parties shall not be requiredto file costs budgets prior to the First CMC but are required to file them by seven days be-fore the Costs CMC.

Practitioners are reminded however that CPR 3.13 remains in force unless and until such adirection is given in each individual case.

It follows that in some cases (for example, those that are issued in other courts or via theCounty Court Civil Business Centre in Salford) the obligation to file and exchange costsbudgets may arise before any such direction has been made – even perhaps before thefile is transferred to Manchester CJC. In those circumstances the file is likely to havereached this court following directions questionnaires and the issue of a rule 26.3(1) no-tice, the time for compliance with which will by definition already have elapsed.

Furthermore, in any case issued at Manchester CJC the obligation to file and exchangecosts budgets could arise before an order is made – if, for example, a notice is served bythe court office under rule 26.3(1). In this circumstance parties are reminded of the facilityto put the matter before one of the District Judges before any time limits elapse by send-ing an immediate application by email to the specialist CAT address and our personal ad-dresses.

It remains the responsibility of practitioners in each case to consider the application ofthe Civil Procedure Rules to costs budgeting in that case and, in particular, when the obli-gation to file and exchange budgets first arises.

District Judge HassallDistrict Judge Iyer26th June 2014

Manchester Law Society welcomesits newest member of staffWe are delighted to introducethe newest member of ourteam, Oscar John Ridge.

Victoria and Ben were proud towelcome Oscar into the worldon the 29th May (after a fiftytwo hour labour!!!!) weighing 9lbs 5 oz.

Victoria bought Oscar to meeteverybody in the office recently

and as you can see , he was a hit – even “Franma” put down hermobile for a cuddle but not be-fore Oscar had had his first selfiewith her!

We all send our best wishesand congratulations to Victoria and Ben on the safearrival of Baby Oscar and lookforward to regular visits tothe office.

Regulatory Affairs Committee UpdateI was wondering how to in-troduce the seventh regula-tory update of the year andthen I remembered that thenumber seven is used tosymbolise perfection. Forsporting fans like me, hav-ing Wimbledon, Tour deFrance, the British GrandPrix and the World Cup inthe same month is probablyabout as close as you canget. But is the regulatedcommunity currently expe-riencing a similar state ofnirvana?

The second Risk OutlookAccording to Chinese cul-ture “good things come inpairs” and now we have asecond risk outlook fromthe SRA which sets out itstake on the primary threatsto the delivery of compe-tent and ethical legal serv-ices. The document, whichis available online, is enti-tled Risk Outlook2014/2015: The key risks tothe regulatory objectivesand I encourage everyoneto take a few moments toreview the thematic risk sec-tion of your risk register andcheck that you have theSRA’s top priorities on yourradar. These include:

•Misuse of client money orassets. Primarily arisingfrom poor systems and con-trols and/or unethical be-haviour;•Money laundering. The SRA is investigatingmore firms who appear tobe getting lured in either asa result of a complete lack ofappreciation of the dangersor, more worryingly, indif-ference and/or deliberatedabbling. Our regulatorspecifically mentions con-cerns that the Russian Mafiais finding bedfellowsamongst the regulatedcommunity;• Bogus firms. One quicklook at the SRA scam alertswill confirm that this is be-coming the new modus

operandi of con-artists andthat client monies and con-fidential information arebeing put at risk as a result.•Lack of a diverse and repre-sentative profession;•The quality of legal servicesprovided to vulnerable con-sumers.

Interestingly the SRA’s gen-eral concern over the lack ofdue diligence conducted byfirms before entering intooutsourcing agreementshas been replaced by amore targeted focus on therisks outsourcing poses inthe context of cybercrimeand client confidentiality.

SRA warns of disciplinaryaction regarding boguslaw firmsKeeping with this month’snumerical theme it is nowthe turn of eight. In somecultures number eight is re-garded as “lucky” althoughthis month the eighth chap-ter of the code of conductmay prove to be the undo-ing of some of our in-housecompadres.

On the 8th July (you could-n’t make this up) the SRA is-sued a warning notice to allin-house solicitors to re-mind them about their re-sponsibilities when it comesto publicity. It is no co-inci-dence that this comes hoton the heels of Wonga, theUK’s biggest payday lender,being slapped by the FCAfor sending out letters todebtors under the guise offictional law firms and theStudent Loans Company(SLC) being criticised formisleading debtors into be-lieving that it had instructeda third party debt collectioncompany to recover arrears(the letters were sent from awholly-owned subsidiary ofSLC). At the time of going topress there has been no in-dication that any in-houselegal personnel at eitherWonga or SLC had any in-

volvement in this debaclebut it does serve as a timelyreminder for those workingin-house to familiarisethemselves of all their obli-gations under the code ofconduct and not just chap-ter 8 (Publicity). The Compliteam here at Weightmansregularly act for lawyerscaught on the wrong side ofa regulatory breach and canassure readers that the SRAexpects those it regulates tobe fully conversant withoutcomes-focused regula-tion and its application totheir day-to-day workinglives.

The Perfect TenWhilst the number ten maybe the Pythagorean symbolof completeness it is proba-bly best not to read toomuch into the fact that theSRA just published thetenth edition of its Hand-book.

The most significant changeis the fact that the “old” SRATraining Regulations 2011Parts 1 and 2 have been re-placed by the “new” SRATraining Regulations 2014 -Qualification and TrainingProvider Regulations, whichset out the education andtraining requirements thatare to apply up to the pointwhere an individual is ad-mitted as a solicitor. Anytraining principals or futuretrainees who want to get upto speed with the SRA’s newagenda should take timeout to read the SRA’s paperTraining for Tomorrow or at-tend one of the regulator’sworkshops (being held na-tionwide) to learn moreabout the rationale for thechanges.

This latest version alsotweaks the SRA FinancialServices (Scope) Rules 2001to extend the transitionalperiod the regulator agreedwith the FCA so that it nowexpires on 1 April 2015, or

the date on which a firm’sinterim permission is con-verted to full authorisation.During the transitional pe-riod affected firms can con-tinue to benefit from thePart XX exemption in the Fi-nancial Services and Mar-kets Act 2000. For those ofyou who stayed awake longenough to finish readinglast month’s update you willrecall that the exempt pro-fessional firm regime doesnot apply to FCA-authorisedentities so firms who reliedon the exemption to under-take certain regulated activ-ities provided that they are“incidental” to the profes-sional services being of-fered will no longer benefitfrom this ‘get out of jail free’card.

Fortunately, the Handbookis available in its entirety onthe SRA website but thoseof you who are racing off to

press “print” and run off anup to date copy for your li-brary might want to bear inmind that the SRA has al-ready confirmed that edi-tion eleven is just aroundthe corner……

And finally…..The Law Society has re-leased a new practice noteon Professional IndemnityInsurance which neatlysummarises the current pro-fessional indemnity posi-tion and is worth reading aswe are poised to enter an-other renewal season. An in-teresting point it makes –and one which we are oftenasked about – is the factthat participating insurersare not required to providecover for defence costs if alawyer comes under theradar of the SRA or the SDT.Some insurers will providethis comfort but again, fromour experience of defend-

ing solicitors, we recom-mend that all law firm man-agers consider this coverand seek advice early.

Michelle GarlickChair, Manchester Law SocietyRegulatory Affairs CommitteeWeightmans LLP

West were very different. Butover recent years, the legalmarket has fundamentallychanged. Manchester is theUK’s second largest legalmarket and now seemspoised for further growth.We have been impressed bythe huge appetite for inno-vation here so we are de-

lighted to bring the LODbrand back to our roots inthe North-West.

We want to hear from tal-ented lawyers in the areawho have a desire to prac-tise law on their own termsbut without compromisingon quality and interest in the

Lawyers On Demand continued...work they do.”

Julia Baskerville talks toTim Bratton, Practice De-velopment Director ofLOD on page 11

6 Movers & Shakers

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He also has wide experience in medical negligence claims.

Listed on the UK Register of Expert Witnesses, an APIL expert, Mem-ber of Society of Expert Witnesses and Expert Witness

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He covers Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and London.

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Manchester-based per-sonal injury law firm, Ex-press Solicitors, haspromoted Gavin Redmanand Carole Jones to asso-ciate partners.

Redman now heads up thesales and marketing depart-ment and Jones heads upthe human resources de-partment at Express Solici-tors, which was granted anAlternative Business Struc-ture (ABS) licence from theSolicitors Regulation Au-thority (SRA) on 1 April2014.

Managing partner at Ex-press Solicitors, JamesMaxey said: “As part of ourABS status we can make upnon-legal partners and it’sfantastic to be able to re-ward Gavin and Carole witha promotion for their hardwork and expertise. Bothhave been integral to theongoing success of the firmas it grows in an increas-

ingly competitive marketand in what is a very difficultclimate for the legal sector.“Gavin has worked ex-tremely hard in a marketingrole to get us the media andonline exposure that has ledto significant growth for thefirm while also experiencinghuge success in bringing innew business.

“At the same time, Carolehas overseen the companyincrease from 90 to 148 em-ployees and worked withthe partners to improveprocesses and performancethroughout. Carole has alsodeveloped our talent man-agement, which makes usstand out as an employer ofchoice due to high levels ofcommitment to trainingand development, as well asan appetite to make thenecessary changes to sur-vive and thrive.

“For some time the firm’sstrategy has been to de-

velop a management boardwith top lawyers and pro-fessionals, in order to give ita more corporate gover-nance structure.

We’ve had consistentlystrong growth in profitabil-ity over the years - last yearreporting a 35% increase infee income to £7.2m for theyear end in 2013 - despitethe changes in law that ac-tually make it harder for per-sonal injury law firms tosucceed. We believe operat-ing as an ABS will keep uson the right track going for-ward.”

Express Solicitors currentlycomprises 148 employeesincluding 13 partners and47 earners.

The firm specialises in per-sonal injury and accidentclaims, medical and clinicalnegligence claims and seri-ous injury cases.

Express Solicitors makes two non-legalpartners following ABS conversion

Carole Jones and Gavin Redman

New £20m funding facilityto enable further consoli-dation in debt solutionsand legal services mar-kets.

Fairpoint Group plc is de-lighted to announce its offi-cial entry into the UK’s legalservices marketplace fol-lowing receiving approvalfrom the Solicitors’ Regula-tion Authority (SRA) for itsacquisition of Simpson Mil-lar LLP.

Under the Fairpoint Groupumbrella, Simpson Millarwill now have enhanced ca-pability to execute its strat-egy of consolidation,targeting appropriate legalservices businesses aroundthe UK. Simpson Millar con-tinues to be run by thesame management team,using its existing tradingbrands and operating as abusiness unit within theFairpoint Group. ManagingDirector Peter Watson says:"We have developed a verypositive reputation in thelegal sector for the mannerin which we have con-ducted our consolidationactivities and the additionalresource and expertise

which Fairpoint brings tothe table will enable us toaccelerate that activity anddeliver substantial growthfor the legal services part ofthe group."

Chris Moat, Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Fairpoint Group,says:“We are delighted tohave completed the acquisi-tion of Simpson Millar,which represents an impor-tant step in diversifying ourincome streams into legalservices, in line with ourstated strategy. SimpsonMillar has already made sig-nificant progress in devel-oping a powerful consumeroffering, through the com-bination of strong legalskills with the innovative ap-plication of technology andlegal processes. From thissolid platform, we look for-ward to working together tofurther develop the Group’senlarged consumer-focusedlegal services business, ac-celerating the growth of theGroup in this market anddelivering enhanced earn-ings.”

The Simpson Millar transac-tion is Fairpoint’s third ac-quisition this year, the other

two being in the debt solu-tions market. Fairpoint re-cently announced that ithad agreed a new £20mbanking facility with AIB tohelp facilitate its consolida-tion strategy.

Chris Moat adds: “This is afantastic stage of develop-ment for both Fairpoint andSimpson Millar. The newbanking facility supportsthis transaction and pro-vides long term financing tounderpin the group`s strat-egy of diversification of itsincome streams, by both or-ganic growth and acquisi-tion in both our coremarkets.”

The directors of Fairpointand Simpson Millar’s part-nership reserved particularpraise for the regulator.

“On behalf of everyone atSimpson Millar I would liketo thank the Solicitors’ Reg-ulation Authority for theirsupport in giving their ap-proval for this change ofownership in only nineweeks,” adds Peter Watson.“The SRA has shown itself tobe helpful and responsivethroughout the process.”

Fairpoint Group plc completes acquisitionof Simpson Millar LLP

Bury based Clough &Willis - one of the NorthWest’s leading mid-sizedlegal firms – has this weeklaunched a new fixed feeservice that has been de-signed to help clients whoneed advice on a commer-cial property lease.

The new service will includea meeting with a fully qual-ified, specialist commercialproperty solicitor who willreview the terms of thelease and provide advice onany major issues, the signif-icant terms and any mattersof concern.

The fixed fee service, whichcosts £600+VAT, has beencreated for those tenants

who do not feel the need -or who cannot afford - for alawyer to negotiate on theirbehalf. It will provide theprospective tenant with aquick and simple way of en-suring they have the infor-mation needed tosuccessfully negotiate withtheir landlord.

David Leviten, head of thecommercial property teamat Clough & Willis, said: “Wehave seen an upturn in thenumber of people wantingto take more control overtheir lease negotiations sothis is a response to that. It’sdesigned to be flexible, costeffective and complemen-tary to our existing com-mercial property law

services.”

For more information,please visit:h t t p : / / w ww . c l o u g h -willis.co.uk/commercial-law-services/commercial-property/fixed-fee-commer-cial-lease-advice.html

Clough & Willis launches fixed fee CommercialLease advice

David Leviten

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The deadline for the September edition of The Messenger is 14th August

Rapidly expanding newmodel law firm gunner-cooke has reached 50partners, a significantmilestone in the business’development.

The Firm has recently se-cured panel appointmentsfrom five FTSE 250 or equiv-alent businesses, and is fastbecoming a challengerbrand to much larger con-temporaries, providingclients with senior, city qual-ity lawyers, and certainty onfees. The model continuesto attract lawyers from lead-ing national firms and sen-ior in-house positions, andthe latest recruits are un-doubtedly another coup.

Ammar Al-Tabbaa joinedgunnercooke as a Regula-tory Partner having previ-ously worked at McKinsey &Company, where he was thefirm's Public Sector Counselfor Europe, Middle East andAfrica. He previouslyworked at Simmons & Sim-mons where he specialisedin regulated public and util-ities procurement.

Vincent Coppinger joined asa Commercial Litigation andRegulatory Partner with ex-tensive experience dealingwith aviation liability insur-ance work, direct aviationlitigation, ICC arbitrationmatters and aviation regula-tory work for airlines andother aspects of leisure in-dustry work. Vincent previ-ously held partner positionsat Stephenson Harwoodand DLA Piper.

Laurence Katz joined thefirm as a Litigation Partnerhaving been a Partner atPaisner & Co, Holman Fen-wick Willan and most re-cently CKFT. Laurencespecialises in fraud andasset tracing claims, insol-vency and commercial dis-putes. He is named in Who’sWho Legal as a specialist inAsset Recovery, and theChambers 2014 guide de-scribes him as a ‘hands-on’practitioner and ‘good tacti-cian’ with a ‘calm and meas-ured approach’ and‘excellent’ attention to de-tail.”

Francess Deigh joined as a

Corporate and Commercialpartner, with over 15 yearsof experience across a rangeof business sectors. Francesshas worked for FTSE 100Companies and interna-tional key players in theMining, Energy, Oil & GasSectors and Telecommuni-cation sector followingqualification as a non-prac-tising Barrister, and islauded for her in-housecounsel expertise.

Hannah Beko became aPartner within the Real Es-tate team. She trained atBeachcrofts and worked forEversheds in Manchesterbefore joining gunner-cooke. In the last year Han-nah has worked in house forDerbyshire County Councilmanaging their propertydepartment and providinglegal advice for their extracare project.

Rob Fawke joined as a Bank-ing Partner having previ-ously been a Partner andHead of the CorporateBanking team at PannoneLLP. Rob is a highly ratedbanking lawyer, with an ex-cellent reputation andproven track record of act-ing for financial institutionsand corporate borrowers ona wide range of complex fi-nance transactions.

Steve Esmond joined as anEmployment Partner. Stevejoins from Nabarro havinggained most of his experi-ence at national firms in-cluding Hammonds andShoosmiths. Steve has also

been a Partner at SimpsonMiller LLP and Ison Harrisonin Leeds. He advises PLCs,private companies andowner managed businessesof all sizes on the full rangeof contentious and non-contentious employment is-sues.

James Nichols joined as anInsolvency and Restructur-ing Partner, having previ-ously run his own specialistinsolvency and restructur-ing practice for 6 years, inaddition to 24 years experi-ence as a partner at a na-tional law firm. Beforejoining the legal profession,James spent eight yearsworking in the insolvencyindustry at KPMG and BDOStoy Hayward

Speaking on the new re-cruits, founding partnerSarah Goulbourne said;“gunnercooke is a really ex-citing place to be right now,and we are delighted towelcome our new partners.They are all experts in theirpractice areas, which willcontinue to strengthenboth our offering to clientsand our brand. In the pastfew months, gunnercookehas secured some signifi-cant panel appointments,and this is undoubtedlyowing to the quality of ourgrowing partner group, andthe way in which our modelprovides value to clients.Fifty partners was a bigmilestone for us to reach,and it’s really inspired us tolook ahead.”

gunnercooke surpasses 50 partnermilestone with 8 new recruits

Sarah Goulbourne

Leading North West lawfirm, SAS Daniels LLP, hasreinforced its commit-ment to excellence afterachieving its 10th success-ful Lexcel assessment, aswell as being re-awardedits Investors in People ac-creditation.

Lexcel is the Law Society'sinternational practice man-agement standard and isonly awarded to law firmsand in-house legal teamswho meet its rigorous crite-ria for business manage-ment and client care.

SAS Daniels has upheld itsIiP status for 15 consecutiveyears, and was noted forperforming “at a level well inexcess of the Investors inPeople Standard” by asses-sors, demonstrating thefirm’s dedication to lookingafter its team.

With more than 70 legal ad-visors, including 24 part-ners, SAS Daniels operatesout of offices in Stockport,Macclesfield, Chester andCongleton.

Richard Smith, Partner andHead of the Quality Groupat SAS Daniels LLP, said:“These are both highly cov-eted hallmarks of excel-lence.We’re proud to receiveformal recognition for theway in which we work, asboth achievements are tes-tament to our commitmentto upholding exacting stan-dards.”

Dolores Conville, ProductManager for AccreditationSchemes at The Law Society,added: “Lexcel is a qualitymanagement system that isindependently assessedand can demonstrate apractice’s commitment andability to consistently de-liver services that meetclient expectations, improveoverall satisfaction and as-sist regulatory compliance.“Research conducted in2014 with over 300 accred-ited practices shows that92% of practices were able

to improve their client serv-ice as a result of holdingLexcel accreditation. 96%reported that Lexcel helpedthem improve compliancewith regulatory require-ments and 3 in 4 said theiroperations became more ef-ficient.”

SAS Daniels is keen to notonly maintain its existingstandards, but continuallyraise the bar when it comesto quality management,client care and investing inits people.

Double success for SAS Daniels LLP

Richard Smith

www.PrestigeMedicalLtd.co.uk – info@prestigemedicallegal .co.ukTel: 0161 833 1030 - Fax: 0161 839 2642

Suites 2Q & 2R, Queens Chambers, 5 John Dalton Street, Manchester M2 6ET

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Personal Injuryranging from straight forward liability to more complex claims.

Testimonial

Breda Azariah, Joint Managing Director at Beardsells Solicitors, Cheadle, Cheshire.

8 Movers & Shakers

Leading international lawfirm Hill Dickinson hasbeen appointed the offi-cial legal services supplierto GB Taekwondo. Underthe three year deal thefirm will work with GBTaekwondo coaches andstaff in delivering the GBTaekwondo world classperformance programmeand athletes, such asOlympic gold medal win-ner Jade Jones, trainingtowards success at the RioOlympic Games in 2016.

As well as providing legaladvice and services, thepartnership between HillDickinson and GB Taek-wondo will see both organ-isations working closely ongrassroots CSR campaignsto benefit schools and local

communities across theNorthwest.

The announcement comeson the back of GB Taek-wondo’ s best ever finish atthe recent European Cham-pionships with a haul ofseven medals. Three addi-tional medals were alsowon this month at theSwiss Open.

“Our preparations on theroad to Rio are looking verypromising after strong per-formances at the WorldGrand Prix last Decemberand more recently at theEuropean Championships.We are delighted that HillDickinson are now on-board as a partner to GBTaekwondo to support uson the journey,” said Steve

Flynn, GB Taekwondo oper-ations director.

GB Taekwondo athletessuch as Jade Jones, LutaloMuhammad, Mahama Choand Asia Bailey train hard onthe performance pro-gramme, but they alsospend considerable time inlocal communities andschools, helping to promotehealthy eating and activelifestyles.

Hill Dickinson will be pro-viding a wide range of legalsupport to GB Taekwondoand the firm’s specialistsports team will also be ad-vising individual athletes onthe run up to the OlympicGames in 2016.

Hill Dickinson strikes golden dealwith GB Taekwondo

L to R: Jade Jones, Bianca Walkden, Geraldine Ryan, Ian Gillis, Sabina Davis, Christian McNeish,Lutalo Muhammad, Michael Harvey.

Justine Clowes, Partner atleading North West lawfirm, SAS Daniels, hasbeen appointed to therole of Chair at Solicitorsfor the Elderly (SFE) andwill sit on the organisa-tion’s Board of Directors.

Elected to the voluntary po-sition by the SFE directors,Justine will work in partner-ship with SFE’s CEO, Lak-shmi Turner, to lead on theorganisation’s strategy andensure its members arewell-equipped to provideadvice to older and vulnera-ble people.

Demonstrating her commit-ment to the community andlocal elderly care, Justinebecame involved with SFEas a regional coordinatorand set up the Cheshire andStaffordshire regional groupin 2005. She became a di-rector in 2010 and has been

SFE’s Vice Chair for the pasttwo years.

SFE is an independent, na-tional organisation consist-ing of lawyers, barristers,solicitors and executives,which provide specialistlegal advice for older peo-ple as well as their familiesand carers.

As Head of the Private Clientteam at SAS Daniels, Justinespecialises in providinglegal advice on all aspects ofcare funding and has astrong interest in elderlyclient law. Outside of thefirm, she is a member ofSTEP (Society of Trust andEstate Practitioners) and Pri-vate Client Selection, and isa Trustee at Age UKCheshire East.

Commenting on her ap-pointment, Justine said: “Iam honoured to have been

elected by the committee tothe position of chair of SFE.“As the organisation plays avaluable role advising onkey issues affecting olderpeople and their carers, I amlooking forward to workingwith the Board to deliverour strategy and vision forthe organisation as well asraising SFE’s profile.”

SAS Daniels LLP Partner appointed toChair role at Solicitors for the Elderly

Justine Clowes

Slater & Gordon is pleasedto announce the locationfor its new flagship officein Manchester.

More than 700 staff will bemoving into 58 MosleyStreet in what will be the in-ternational firm’s largest of-fice anywhere in the world,as well as being the largestoffice of any legal firm inManchester.

Neil Kinsella, Head of UK,said “We want to be able toprovide a first class officeenvironment for our clientsand staff in Manchester.”

Slater & Gordon has officesin 17 locations across the UKand 70 across Australia.Slater & Gordon has ac-quired a number of leadinglaw firms since entering theUK market, the largest ofwhich have been FentonsSolicitors and Pannonewhich completed in Sep-

tember 2013 and February2014 respectively, bothadding to its existing pres-ence in Manchester. TheManchester staff will allcome together at the newsite in early 2015.

Neil Kinsella said “Our staffhave been based aroundseveral different sites in thecity for a number of monthsand everyone is excited thatwe now have a schedule forwhen we will all be workingout of one Manchester of-fice. It was always central toour integration plans tobring the teams at Pannoneand Fentons together alongwith our pre-existing Man-chester staff. 58 MosleyStreet provides us with anexcellent central location toachieve that goal at 105,000sq ft provides us with capac-ity for future growth.”

Refurbishment of the sevenstorey building will now

commence, central to whichwill be a new ground floor‘community space’ whichSlater & Gordon is develop-ing as a fresh way to engagewith its clients and the localcommunity.

“Our feedback from clientsand prospective clients isthat they want lawyers andlegal advice to be accessi-ble.

The high street communityspace will be an area wheremembers of the local com-munity can just drop in, talkto a lawyer over a coffeeand access legal informa-tion and resources in an ap-proachable and relaxingenvironment. Our goal is al-ways to engage with clientsin a way that works for themwhether that be over thetelephone, in writing, onlineor in person.”

Slater & Gordon announce new Manchester Office

Just Costs Solicitors thisweek moved to new citycentre offices at 53 KingStreet, Manchester inorder to facilitate its on-going expansion.

The firm has relocated itsManchester head officefrom Pall Mall Court whichaccommodates over 60 staffsplit across 2 floors. Onmoving to 53 King Street,the firm has taken up 4,320sq ft across just 1 floor to en-sure consistent and effec-tive communications acrossall departments. Staff willalso benefit from free gymmembership.

Built in 1913, 53 King Streetis an impressive EdwardianBaroque Grade II listedbuilding. It stands on thesite of the old ManchesterTown Hall and more re-cently housed Lloyds TSBfor a number of years.

Commenting on the firm'srelocation, Client ServicesDirector Mark Hartigan said:"Having considered a num-ber of options, 53 KingStreet was very much our

preferred choice.

The refurbishment of thebuilding has created a firstrate working environmentwhile the location, in closeproximity to so many of ourclients, is ideal."

Just Costs Solicitors has alsoannounced that a recentlylaunched funding scheme,equivalent to invoice dis-counting, is now lendingover £1 million every monthto law firms.

Set up late last year by JustCosts Solicitors and NovitasLoans, the costs advancescheme does not requireany personal guaranteesand helps firms bridge thegap between applying forand receiving their casefees.

The scheme allows law firmsto draw down up to 70% oftheir likely recoverable costsonce they have successfullysettled personal injury, clin-ical negligence and indus-trial disease cases.

Operated online, it works by

Just Costs assessing a caseand then advising NovitasLoans on what it considersto be a reasonably recover-able amount. Novitas thenmakes funds available todraw down within 48 hours.The loan is then repaid toNovitas once Just Costs hasreceived funds from the de-fendant.

As firms receive their moneyupfront of costs being set-tled, this provides moretime to push the third par-ties harder and to hold outfor better offers which inturn improves overall recov-ery profitability for the lawfirms.

Just Costs moves to new Manchester head office

Mark Hartigan

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QualitySolicitors AbneyGarsden are marking the20th anniversary of theirdedicated abuse depart-ment.

The firm, which is home tosome of the most highly re-spected child abuse lawyersin the country, took on theirfirst abuse case in 1994.

Established in 1985 as a fullservice firm, it went on todevelop a niche market inchild abuse compensationclaims. Apart from repre-senting clients in obtainingcompensation for the abusethey suffered, the firm isalso known for campaign-ing for the rights of childabuse victims.

Working with survivorgroups such as NAPAC (Na-tional Association for Peo-ple Abused in Childhood)and Survivors Manchester,the firm has been involvedin a number of successfulcampaigns over the years.

One campaign was set up toprevent the governmentfrom implementing theirsupplementary legal aidscheme which was de-signed to take 25% of theclaimant’s compensationeven after all money ad-vanced by the Legal Serv-ices Commission wasrepaid. In September 2012the Government reversedtheir legal aid policy, whichwould have taken moneyfrom victims.

In 2007 the firm launchedtheir dedicated abuse site,the aim of which was to pro-vide easy access to informa-tion for child and adultsurvivors of physical, sexualand psychological abuse.The site was well receivedby survivor groups and legalprofessionals alike.

Peter Garsden, the principalof QualitySolicitors AbneyGarsden and the head ofthe abuse department, con-tinues to campaign for theintroduction of a manda-tory reporting law in his ca-pacity as President of ACAL(Association of Child AbuseLawyers).

Along with four further sur-vivor charities, he is peti-tioning Education SecretaryMichael Gove to introduce anew law forcing schools,faith groups, sports bodies,the NHS, and nurseries, toinform their local authorityof all allegations and inci-dents of suspected andknown abuse. Presently, nosuch legal obligation exists.

The firm of specialist abusesolicitors are also the leadsolicitors representingabuse victims in the largestever group action for al-leged child abuse againstManchester City Council, forabuse in children’s homesrun by the city council’s so-cial services from the 1950’sto the 1990’s. In 2007 thefirm represented 168claimants in the first groupaction in which they man-aged to secure compensa-tion amounting to nearly£2,260,000. In 2009 HighCourt clearance was givento set up a second group ofalleged victims.

The two group actionsadded together mean thatthe compensation paid outto date amounts to£4,302,510, which is thelargest ever pay out in anyabuse group action.The eventual payout is

likely to be over £5 milliononce all the cases settle.

Commenting on this latestmilestone lawyer Peter

Garsden said: “When I thinkback to the first child abusecase we took on back in1994, it makes me realisehow different life at the firmwas in those days, and howmuch we have achieved in20 years. The firm has growninto a nationally recognisedsolicitor’s practice with anenviable reputation in avery worthwhile, specialisedarea of law. We have won astring of awards, and helpeddevelop the law into thestate it is today.

“We could not haveachieved so much withoutthe support of an outstand-ing team, who have manyessential qualities requiredin the area of child abuse –passion, empathy, determi-nation, tactical skill, andmost important of all, loy-alty to not only our clients,but also the cause of childabuse. We have cam-paigned endlessly, and suc-ceeded in many worthycauses. We have fought andwon many cases, some ofwhich have established im-portant legal precedent. Fi-nally, life was souncomplicated before childabuse came along, but Idon’t regret one minute ofit.”

Award winning child abuse lawyersmark 20 years of excellence

Peter Garsden

The corporate team atbusiness law firm TurnerParkinson continue torank highly in North Westdeal tables, following astrong first half to 2014and significant marketuptick.

Having been consistentlyranked as one of top 3 mostactive advisory teams forthe last 3 years, the teamonce again has the NorthWest’s most active individ-ual team members, with thetop 3 performers for 2014YTD, a position held for thelast 18 months. Robin Hast-ings once again tops the list.The strong performance for2014 to date can be putdown in part to a growingclient base with an appetiteto embrace increasinglypositive market conditions.The other factor at play is

the seismic shift in focus ofTurner Parkinson’s competi-tors’ focus and ambitions asthey continue to becomemore institutional and to in-vest in London and overseasmarkets. Allied with clientslooking for relationship-driven legal services at asensible price, we are seeingthe Turner Parkinson offer-ing very well placed for theneeds of North West busi-nesses.

Deal volumes grew in theHealthcare and TMT sectors,with consolidation key inboth Recruitment andTravel sectors in which theteam is active.

James Sheridan, who headsTurner Parkinson’s Corpo-rate Group, commented “Iam delighted with our re-peated and consistent suc-

cess which is down to thecalibre and ambition of theclients we advise and thetop quality service we offer.Compared to many of ourcompetitors, we have asmall team, but today’sbusiness climate combinedwith our ability to providebig firm quality is present-ing us with some goodgrowth opportunities. Weare growing our team andthe offering of the firm as awhole.

The team recently com-pleted five £5m+ deals infive weeks over June andour most recent additionDavid Easdown has sup-ported our growth with ad-ditional client wins, whilstranking second in the re-gion individually for dealscompleted”.

Turner Parkinson deals strengthin H1 2014

10 Feature

Good client service: it’s a personal matter

Technological advancements in recent years have and continue tochange almost every facet of business and society. The legal sectoris not immune from this and there is much talk about disruptive in-novation and alternative law firm business models. Reducing costand improving efficiency and access to services is essential but, likeinsurance, the legal sector is a personal-service industry.

It’s hard to believe that the first iPhone was only launched in 2007.We’ve since seen an unprecedented pace of change, a revolution inhow people interact, buy and consume services: we now read ournewspaper online and it’s updated throughout the day; we shop24/7 and before buying place great emphasis on social media feed-back and reviews; and we expect to be able to not only access ourbanking information but to undertake basic service routines onlinewhenever we want.

Many would suggest we are seeing the commoditisation of services,whilst others point to changes in service demand but that clientsstill have many of the same values. What is indisputable is that busi-ness and personal legal firms are facing opportunities that couldtransform their businesses but at the same time new and emergingthreats from what many label as “disruptive innovation”.

The insurance sector faces many similar challenges and this led us atJLT to delve deeper into discovering the factors that generate goodclient service and to help us expand our understanding of emergingclient needs. We commissioned an independent research company,Circle Research, who developed a specific question set and then ap-proached our clients. It was clearly something our clients valued asalmost half of those approached responded.

We discovered that five factors were seen as key drivers of client sat-isfaction and led them to recommend our services to others. Con-versely, there were five other factors that led clients to be unhappy.When we looked closely at these 10 factors most came back to trustand the quality of our staff. How responsive they were, their under-standing of the clients’ sector, business and needs, their responsive-ness and the continuity of the team. Interestingly, changes in theaccount team became less important after two years as clients be-come more loyal to the company brand.

Based on these factors it was pleasing to see that 84% rated ourservice good or excellent and 42% had actually recommended JLT inthe past 12 months, both improvements over the past survey we ranin 2012. This reflected the Law Society’s own PII survey which sawJLT listed top for client satisfaction and service quality.

Whilst we celebrate these results we also have to make sure we lis-ten to areas where we need to improve. Interestingly, most of theseare in the use of technology to improve documentation processesand access to service information. Whilst these are not client satis-faction drivers they are becoming more important and we mustmake sure we listen and improve, but above all not lose sight of thepersonal nature of our service and the value people place on rela-tionships during key service episodes.

Tony recently joined JLT to spearhead service tolaw firms in the North-West of England. If you’dlike more information about our survey then feelfree to email him tony_brown@jltgroup.com

By Tony Brown, Partner, JLT Specialty Limited

Julia Baskerville talks to Tim Bratton, PracticeDevelopment Director about the launch of LODin Manchester and the North West...

LOD has been operating in London since 2007, and as theservice has expanded and consolidated a decision wasmade to replicate the service in another location. Tim saysthat Manchester was chosen because it is now the UK’s sec-ond legal city and has a reputation for innovation. He adds“Bringing LOD to Manchester made a lot of sense, it haschanged significantly over the last 10 years, the City is nowhome to Media City and has a growing creative and mediaservices industry. We already have a few lawyers from theNorth West and want to expand on this.”

LOD have already been talking to potential clients about thelaunch of the service in the North West and want to recruitmore solicitors and barristers to meet the needs of legalclients. Tim says “We are offering lawyers a different way ofworking. It is an alternative career option for those not want-ing to become a partner or head of legal, but still offers theopportunity to undertake high quality legal work.”

LOD offers two models of working - the ‘LOD On Site’ modelwhere lawyers work within an in-house team on a second-ment-type basis or “ LOD On Call’ where they work remotely- offering flexibility for both the lawyers and for the clientswhose needs may change on weekly/monthly basis.

Quality is key for the team at LOD. According to Tim, only 1in 40 applicants are successful but those who do join can ex-pect a rewarding and fulfilling career. Remuneration isagreed at the outset with the client and can be a daily,weekly or monthly rate and the lawyer is paid according toexperience, although not necessarily based on PQE. LOD hasa management team to maintain the relationship with thefirm. Tim says “This is an ongoing strategic relationship. Weare a small team and have a good view of what the clientwants and the type of lawyer that they are looking for.”

LOD initially began by providing lawyers fromcorporate/commercial backgrounds, but since the launchthis has organically expanded to include real estate and em-ployment law. Tim adds “This is really driven by what theclient wants.”

LOD would like to hear from solicitors and barristers in theNorth West who are interested in joining the team. Theyshould email Emily Townsend at joinus@lod.co.uk or visitwww.lod.co.uk

On 19th June the Court ofAppeal handed down itsjudgment in the Dawson VThomson Airways case,opening up an additionalfour years’ worth ofclaimable flights.

Lord Justices Moore-Bick,Kitchin and Fulford dis-missed the airline’s appealand found in favour of MrDawson, ruling that con-sumers have six years tobring a flight delay claim inEngland and Wales underEU regulation 261/2004, inaccordance with Section 9of the Limitation Act 1980.

Bott & Co estimates theDawson ruling affects over11 million passengers and isworth in excess of £4 billion

to consumers. The law firmhas hundreds of litigatedcases which have beenstayed pending the out-come of the Dawson case,and thousands more readyto issue proceedings.

On 11th June Bott & Co wonMr Huzar’s case againstJet2.com. The case clarifiedthat a technical problem isnot considered an extraor-dinary circumstance. There-fore airlines must still paycompensation pursuant toarticle 7(1)(b) of Regulation261/2004 when delays orcancellations are caused bya technical problem.

David Bott, Senior Partner atBott & Co said: “This hasbeen a great week for air

passengers’ rights and weare delighted to have beeninvolved in two huge victo-ries for consumers. It hasbeen superb to take thesetwo issues to the Court ofAppeal and clarify regula-tions that fundamentally af-fect hundreds of thousandsof people on a yearly basis.

“In the face of hugechanges in the personal in-jury space we decided sometime ago that Bott andCompany had to diversify.We chose a niche whichcomplemented our IT skillsand fitted in with our pas-sion for claimant and con-sumer rights. We hope thatthis consumer niche will bethe first of many that we ex-pand into.”

Flight delay specialist Solicitor Bott & Co securessecond Court of Appeal win in just eight days

David Bott

Andy Booth, a musiclawyer who has advisedartists such as JohnnyMarr and The Coral, hasjoined leading North Westlaw firm, SAS Daniels LLPas a Partner in the Corpo-rate team.

Recommended as an expertin music in the Legal 500and one of the most experi-enced legal advisors in theindustry outside of London,Andy joins SAS Daniels fromTurner Parkinson, where hewas Head of Commercial.Andy’s career route marks adeparture from tradition,having originally studiedhistory at university andspent four years touring in aband, before embarking onhis quest to become a legalexpert. He qualified as a so-licitor at the age of 30 andhas gone on to make aname for himself workingwith major players in themusic scene.

Leading North West music lawyer signswith SAS Daniels LLP

A Director of Manchestermusic venue, Band On TheWall, Andy also continues tobe an active member ofelectronic rock group, TheCassandra Complex, withwhom he regularly tours.

In his role at SAS Daniels,Andy will enhance the Cor-porate team’s service offer-ing and work with thePartners to grow the firm aspart of its business strategy.Commenting on his moveto SAS Daniels, Andy said:“This is an exciting time tobe joining the firm as it con-tinues on a strong growthcurve. There is a misconcep-tion that city-centre loca-tions are a must but theindustry is changing and soare client priorities. Serviceexcellence is essential andso is added value. Based inStockport, Macclesfield,Chester and Congleton, SASDaniels provides outstand-ing expertise across theareas in which it specialises.”

Jonathan Whittaker, SeniorPartner at SAS Daniels,added: “Andy has excep-tional industry credentialsand has worked with someof the biggest stars from theManchester music scene onmajor deals. His fresh think-ing and pioneering spirit are

L to R: Jeremy Orrell and Andy Bootha great fit with the firm and reinforce our ‘No ordinarylaw firm’ proposition, whichchallenges the norm and fo-cuses on shaping servicesaround the client in a rap-idly evolving legal land-scape.”

Send your Movers & Shakers toj.baskerville@jbaskerville.co.uk

The deadline for the September edition is14th August 2014

12 Feature

Andrew TwambleyAmelans

There is a body of tradition-alists in our profession whoare totally against induce-ments in whatever form.They are the people who re-main opposed to lawyers ad-vertising….and wearingopen necked shirts at work. Ifeel that such a viewpoint isoutdated ….the stable dooris open and the stallion hasnot only bombed off…he’sinto the next county and ismounting a mare of hischoice.

I am not opposed to induce-ments per se as :-

•They are just a form of mar-keting•They are impossible to de-fine•They are impossible to po-lice

What I am vehemently op-posed to is those ads thatpromise “ £2000.00 up front”or “Giz yer case and get a feeiPad” These are distasteful asleast, not just because theoffers are made by colourfuldancing dinosaurs or drunkssinging in front of old ladies,but because :-

1.They prey upon the vul-nerable in society2.Like The Holy Grail, the“gifts” are virtually unob-tainable. If you study theterms and conditions, themajority of cases will notqualify for the “gift”…..and ifit does, it will be subject to“director’s discretion”…andwe all know what thatmeans

I realise that legally, theclient should read the termsand conditions but comeon…..the average injuredclient cannot see throughthe veils of misinformationand misdirection promotedby these tones of legalese.So many delays are built in,so that even if a client everdoes qualify and all the con-ditions are met, then either:a) The compensation is

available anywayb) An interim should be re-quested /applied for

THUS…the upfront pay-ment…..does not exist.

The clear message given bythese ads is that if you givethem your case, then theywill immediately send you£2000.00 or an iPad. Sadlythis is never the case and assoon as the redtops realisethis it will be more bad pressfor PI lawyers and moreammo for The ABI to assaultus with.

Our reputation is currentlyjust above the tide line onLiverpool dock. Soon it willbe below the water alongwith the dead fish and aban-doned shopping trolleys.

The opinions given in this in-terview are the author’s andthe authors alone. They do notrepresent the views or opin-ions of The Manchester LawSociety, who love Scousersand feel that singling themout as perpetrators of thisheinous crime is unfair(even iftrue).

Talking HeadsThis month we asked practitioners “Inducements in PI work - the unacceptableface of law firm marketing?”

Hilary MeredithHilary Meredith Solicitors

Inducement or assistive??

Much has been said aboutinducements to make aclaim and mostly this existsin the personal injury indus-try; money up front offers orkindles or ipads.

In realty inducements havebeen part of business life for100yrs, whether it be backhanders, brown envelopes, aday at the races, free ski trips,hampers at Christmas,where do you draw the lineand are these a thank you foryour business or an induce-ment for more?

The difference with the per-sonal injury industry is thatthese inducements are not Bto B inducements they are Bto C, to the public at largeand whilst possible distaste-ful are they actually immoralor wrong?

If someone suffers financialhardship as a result of injuryand a firm offers them whatis the equivalent of a loan, anupfront payment to be de-ducted from damages at alater date is this really aproblem?

For my own part, I have

worked in maximum sever-ity injuries for over 27 yearsmostly with the armedforces.

Every conflict I have coveredfrom Northern Ireland toGulf War1, Bosnia, Iraq andnow Afghanistan leave dif-ferent consequences of war.Having worked with DMCHeadley Court since 1990 Ihave currently never seen somany double and triple am-putees’ survivors, both menand women.

Having spent a long periodin hospital myself withmeningitis a few years ago Iunderstand the problemswith rehab and long periodsaway from home, family andloved ones.

I decided to look at some-way providing skype to mili-tary rehab centres as ameans of communicatingwith home.

This soon turned in to nu-merous trips to the applebusiness centre and an ideato pre load ipads with detailsof an individuals case, a re-habilitation diary, apps forbrain injury and hard ofhearing.

Apple were amazing as soonas they knew this idea wasfor our armed forces andwithin weeks we had the firstipad available and preloaded sent to HeadleyCourt. I even spoke toHeadley about Wi-Fi accessto make sure all was avail-able and we bought a desertcombat coloured skin to goover the ipad which the mil-itary like.

Our experience is that thisassistive technology has rev-olutionised rehabilitationwith regular contact viaskype not only with homebut us, their solicitors. It hasmanaged expectations, cutout formality and speededup the claims process. Theipad is recoverable as assis-tive technology in the spe-cial damage calculation andno one has ever questionedthis.

Is it an inducement to claim?

No its assistive technologywhich enhances the claimprocess and rehabilitation.

By Andrew WelchStephensons Solicitors LLP

We believe that clients wantus to be working hard forthem on their behalf to getthe best settlement for themthat we can, at the appropri-ate time. Obviously it is im-portant to settle caseswithout any undue delaysbut insurers often come inwith early low offers and it isoften possible to get a signif-icant amount more by press-ing ahead with the claiminstead of accepting early of-fers. We think that if we paidmoney out to a claimantfrom our own funds, thatputs pressure on us to settleearlier to get our costs andwe may therefore not getthe best final settlement forour client.

To avoid that conflict wedon’t do it and we believe

that leaves us free to get thebest outcome for our clients.

We are however very wellaware of the financial pres-sure that an accident can puton an innocent victim. If forexample you have beenstopped from working byyour injuries, debts can soonmount up. We have a probono welfare rights adviceunit that can advise accidentvictims, for free, on whatbenefits they are entitled to,how to claim them and as-sist with managing any cred-itors such as credit cardcompanies or mortgagecompanies, so that you don’tend up losing your house.We think that is more impor-tant than a free iPad.

Chris MurrayClyde & Co

Is working in the law a busi-ness or a profession?

I don't accept the two prem-ises are mutually exclusive. Alaw firm can still be both. Thecapture of personal injurywork remains an emotivesubject and one which con-tinues to interest the Min-istry of Justice who haverecently indicated their in-tention to ban the contro-versial use of upfrontincentives by lawyers.

I am sure those firms offeringinducements would ques-tion the difference betweentheir business model andother businesses who offercashbacks or free gifts as in-centives. Why shouldn't lawfirms be able to attractclients in the same way asevery other business? Part ofthe problem is the politicisa-tion of this area of work andthe general public percep-

Des HudsonChief ExecutiveThe Law Society

Inducements to claim arefast becoming the latest pethate of insurers but alsosome other commentators.Critics claim they encouragepeople into making spuriouslegal claims or embark on lit-igation just because theywere being offered a freetrinket but they provide noevidence for this assertion.Fraud is a real and pressingproblem, we are all thepoorer for it and should doall we can to root it out. butplacing the blame with in-ducements is a distraction atbest. The Law Society takesfraud very seriously, and iscurrently working on a data-sharing initiative with in-surer representatives, as wellas contributing to the Gov-ernment's whiplash reformprogramme.

We believe that clientsshould choose the most suit-able lawyer for them, not theone that offers them the at-tractive incentive - but thatas Government and our reg-ulators dive more competi-tion into the market fromnon lawyer owned playerswhy should solicitors not beentitled to market their serv-ices like any other modernbusiness? The Governmentcontinues to muddy theissue with the argument thatinducements feed into oursupposed compensationculture - so I'd like to addressthis directly.

The most recent report1looking into the issue - com-missioned by the currentGovernment, and prefacedby the Prime Minister - cate-gorically found that "theproblem of the compensa-tion culture prevalent in so-ciety today is one ofperception rather than real-ity". Mere perception is notwithout its costs - the reportidentified that even the per-ception of a compensationculture "results in real andcostly burdens for busi-

nesses up and down thecountry", singling out claimsmanagement companiesand insurance companies asthe worst perpetrators ofthis perception. I find it stag-gering that despite this un-equivocal finding, theGovernment continues toperpetuate the myth, havingbeen advised that doing soactively harms our economy- and we call on them to stopthis disingenuous rhetoric.

What the Law Society mustlook at in light of the report'sconclusions is the extent towhich inducements may becontributing to this percep-tion of a compensation cul-ture, and we will be speakingshortly to the SRA to see ifthere is any evidenced casefor a change in policy on thisissue.

1https://www.gov.uk/gov-ernment/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/60905 /402906_Common-Sense_acc.pdf

13Local News

Michael HardacreSlater & Gordon

Lawyers have, ever since theban on advertising was liftedover 20 years ago struggledwith how to promote andmarket their services. In per-sonal injury, when the refer-ral fee ban was lifted in 2003,claims management compa-nies and other intermedi-aries stepped in to perform afunction which law firms hadproved very poor at doingthemselves, that is “captur-ing” claims.

What nobody foresaw at thetime was that this wouldlead to claims being boughtand sold for very large sumsbetween insurers, CMCs andlaw firms. Many argued this

was just simple economics,supply and demand, butthat ignored the fact that aninjury claim isn’t just anotherproduct, like a box of wash-ing powder. It might be in-tangible, but the feeling thatyou shouldn’t buy and sellinjury claims at all is real andin my view, the failure of lawfirms to acknowledge thathas done significant damageto the reputation of our partof the legal profession.

After the referral ban was re-instated in April 2013, in-stead of buying claims fromintermediaries, some firms atthe outer fringes have beenadvertising direct to the con-sumer to bring their claim tothem for an upfront cashpayment.

The simple fact is thoughthat for any fast track claimnow subject to fixed costs, afirm that advertises a signifi-cant payment upfront(which an uniformed poten-tial claimant is likely to as-sume means money in theirhand immediately on sign-ing up) can only in reality beoffering an advance on ac-count of payment of dam-ages at a later date.

No doubt solicitors whooffer inducements will arguethat the claimant is informedof the relevant terms andconditions but I believe thisis disingenuous at best and Ido not believe that completetransparency for a potentialclaimant is achievable.

What’s more, cash induce-ments present the media, in-surers and MoJ with an easyopportunity to portray allclaimant personal injury lawfirms as ambulance chasersand in that respect we cansometimes be our ownworst enemies.

tion that lawyers earn toomuch money.

Would the offer of an iPodnano or an up front cashpayment encourage a mem-ber of the public to make aclaim that was not genuine?My view on this is not basedon any particular evidencebut I suspect the offer of afree "unconditional prize" atthe outset probably widensthe net of those individualsinvolved in an accident whomay make a claim. There iscertainly a range of opinionupon whether it is accept-able for law firms to encour-age genuinely injuredaccident victims to make aclaim by offering an induce-ment when otherwise theymay have chosen to waivethe opportunity. This is nodifferent to any other form ofmarketing but the perceiveddifference is the wider impli-cation for the entire insur-ance market and itscustomers in terms of thecost of purchasing insur-ance.

Whilst all of these are validarguments my personal con-cern regarding inducementsis that the clients are choos-ing law firms on the basis ofgimmicks rather than capa-bility. Inducements may be amarketing tool but they en-courage the wrong behav-iour in terms of potentiallyencouraging claims thatought not to be made and,more importantly, influenceconsumer behaviour by thewrong method. As often inlife, a few spoil it for themany. If banning induce-ments results in genuineClaimants seeking advicefrom law firms on their abil-ity, and not upfront gifts,then that benefits all parties.

Steve KuncewiczLaw Society Council Member & Bermans

The debate over the rightsand wrongs of offering in-ducements to potential PIclients isn’t going anywhere.Whilst the SRA and MOJwork on their own responsesto what’s perceived to be acontributor to the fabled“compensation culture” allwe can fall back on for asteer on exactly how farfirms can go to get clientsthrough the door in a post-Jackson world are the LawSociety Code Of Conductand the Advertising Stan-dards Authority’s CommitteeOf Advertising Practice Code

(the “CAP Code”, which is in-corporated into Rule 7 of theCode Of Conduct in anyevent).

For those who aren’t familiarwith how the ASA works, it isa self-regulatory body whichadministers and regulatesadvertising activity across allmedia in the UK, includingbroadcast and any market-ing communications in theonline environment (after itsremit was significantly ex-panded in 2011), includingcontent on social media andfirms’ own websites.

Much as we as an industryare arguably only really nowgetting to grips with how tobest market our expertiseand PI is leading the way inembracing new techniquesto generate new leads, it’sprobably fair to say thatwe’re also running to catchup on the working of theCAP code and the limits ofour freedom to advertise;we’ve seen some indicativeprecedents set via adjudica-tions on the content of firmwebsites recently, and seen ahigh-profile TV campaignsanctioned for non-compli-ance. Whilst the ASA can’tfine non-compliant advertis-ers directly, its most power-ful sanctions are arguablythe denial of future advertis-ing space and the bad pub-licity (if there is such a thingin this market) which followsan adjudication against aparticular firm.

Now more than ever, it’s im-portant to ensure that adver-tising and the claims madetherein aren’t misleading –the recent Hampson HughesAdjudication found theirs tobe as a result of the Ts & Cswhich applied to the awardof that inducement and theimplication that ALL clientswould receive an up-frontpayment of £2,000. Trans-parency and clarity are thebest principles to work from,as well as being able toprove every claim made inadvertising content, as theASA can take action fasterthan the SRA and Law Soci-ety can move, and even onecompliant can lead to awhole campaign needing tobe pulled.

WTB Solicitors LLP areproud to serve a diversecommunity in Manches-ter; however followingcuts to legal aid, fundingand services it becamevery obvious that vulnera-ble people were facing ex-treme difficulty.

Managing partner, ChrisBryan, confirmed that whenfamily solicitor, LauraHitchen, came to him withthe idea of trying to getcharities and communitygroups in the area to de-velop better relationshipsand work together to meetthe needs of the commu-nity he, and the firm, werebehind the idea 100%.“Meet the Neighbours” wasborn!

The event took place on 9thJuly 2014 and the attendeeswere treated to talks fromexperts about issues affect-ing the community includ-ing from the Police andCrime Commissioner forGreater Manchester, TonyLloyd. Afrah Qassim, theChair of the MerseysideForced Marriage and Hon-our Based Violence SteeringGroup, gave a talk aboutforced marriage, honourbased violence and the“One Chance” rule; whichwas extremely topical givenit was Forced MarriageAwareness Week from 7thto 11th July.

Ben Taylor and CouncillorRichards also gave fantasticspeeches; Ben, a founding

partner of WTB and special-ist housing practitioner whodeals with complex housingcases, discussed the rela-tionship between housing,mental health issues andanti social behaviour. Coun-cillor Suzanne Richards whowas elected to represent theLongsight ward in 2010 andserved as Lead Member forWomen on Manchester CityCouncil until 2012 dis-cussed current issues affect-ing the local communityincluding the impact of do-mestic abuse.

Chris Bryan explained thatthe firm had originally onlyasked the Police and CrimeCommissioner, Tony Lloyd,to attend as a guest as theyadmired his stance on do-mestic violence and legalaid but were extremelyhappy when he requestedto speak to the audience.“We are so grateful that MrLloyd could lend his sup-port to Meet the Neigh-bours, we care verypassionately about the is-sues affecting our commu-nity and it is good to knowthat this concern is shared”.As WTB have such strongties to the community, andthe founding partners havebeen working in the areasince 1981, it was thereforeno surprise that Meet theNeighbours was such ahuge success.

Attendees included repre-sentatives from Women’sAid, Shelter, IndependentChoices, Manchester MIND,

Citizen’s Advice Bureaux,Rainbow Haven, M.A.S.H,CAFCASS, Trafford DomesticAbuse Services, the AlbertKennedy Trust, GreaterManchester ImmigrationAid Unit, Rape Crisis andSouth Manchester Law Cen-tre… to name but a few! The attendees were encour-aged to network over foodand drinks to ensure thatold relationships betweenorganisations could bereignited and new relation-ships formed.

WTB Solicitors also pro-duced a “Community Direc-tory” of all the differentservices available to thecommunity which washanded to attendees alongwith an “information shar-ing gift bag” containingleaflets and guides from thedifferent charities and or-ganisations. The Commu-nity Directory is also goingto be distributed to doctor’ssurgeries and public placesand is available at WTB’s of-fice in Longsight,

Laura Hitchen commented“The response we have hadto Meet the Neighbours hasbeen phenomenal, it hasobviously addressed a needrecognised by professionalsworking with vulnerablepeople across Manchester.We intend to make it an an-nual event as part of our on-going commitment to thecommunity and we can’twait to make next year’sevent just as successful”.

Meet the NeighboursWTB Solicitors have spearheaded an initiative to bring local charities andcommunity groups together to develop anetwork which will work together tomeet the needs of the local community...

14 News

The North West Legal Sup-port Trust (NWLST) is acharity, formed in 2009, toraise funds for free legaladvice services in theNorth West of England.

The Trust works to enablethe provision of free legaladvice to members of thepublic who would other-wise be disadvantaged andalso supports other charita-ble work that promotes ac-cess to justice.

As readers will know all toowell, most employment,debt and welfare benefitcases have been removedfrom the legal aid schemesince April 2013, and a sub-stantial part of legal aidfunding for family, housingand immigration cases hasalso be removed. So theneed for free legal advice tovulnerable groups grows,whilst resources to meetthat need reduces.

The charities supported bythe NWLST provide freelegal help to people facingsuch problems. As part of anetwork of Legal SupportTrusts, working with the Ac-cess to Justice Foundation,the NWLST supports theprovision of specialist legaladvice through law centres,Citizen Advice Bureaux, ad-vice agencies and other free

legal advice organisationsby providing these organi-sations, on application, withgrant funding. The moneyfor grants is reliant uponfundraising events such asthe Liverpool Legal Walk.

The NWLST recently madegrants to Blackpool CAB,Cumbria Law Centre, Inde-pendent Choices (an em-ployment rights charitywho support victims of do-mestic abuse), LiverpoolCentral CAB, MerseysideEmployment Law and Vaux-hall Community Law & In-formation Centre. As theseservices adapt to the newfunding environment, ourgrants have helped them totrain more volunteers, up-grade their case manage-

ment software so they candeal with more cases eachweek or pay for salary costsof specialist caseworkers toensure their services cancontinue to meet the des-perate need in our commu-nities.

Show your further supportfor the principle of access tojustice for all, by joining inon the Manchester LegalWalk on the 2nd October, orjoin in at the Liverpool LegalWalk on 25th September.

For more details go to ourwebsite atwww.nwlst.org.uk or emailus at Manchesterlegal-walk@nwlst.org.uk and signup a team today.

Sign up for the Manchester LegalWalk and raise funds for NWLST

Alice Cooper made me be-lieve that Elections werefun. And involved Red,White & Blue Top Hats.And Snakes. That man hasa lot to answer for. Forthose that don’t get thejoke, search on YouTubefor his 1973 hit “Elected”and tell me that his ver-sion doesn’t reflect ourpolitical process. Answerscan be submitted to theusual details..

I’m writing this, in case youcan’t tell, in a bit of a state ofeuphoria. I’m not accus-tomed to winning elections,and there was certainly noguarantee I was going towin when I stood for an-other four-year term as oneof Manchester’s representa-tives on the Law SocietyCouncil. I was up against aseasoned and very vocalcampaigner, with one of thekey issues being the mostemotive affecting out pro-fession – the wholesaleculling of Criminal LegalAid. Oliver Gardner ran aprincipled, targeted and fair

campaign and he wouldhave made a worthy mem-ber of Council.

My stance was a little differ-ent from his.The changes (that’s the

kindest word I could thinkof rather than the more ac-curate “unprincipled andmisinformed smear cam-paign”) to our criminal jus-tice system were and are inmy view the thin end of thewedge in terms of thechange coming to our pro-fession. I believed it when Ifirst said it and I believe iteven more strongly havingjust attended my first Coun-cil meeting since re-electionat which The Law Societyquite rightly confirmed itsfinancial support of the on-going Judicial Review pro-ceedings against theSecretary Of State For Jus-tice. We’ve also encouragedboth sides to mediate, butthis may be difficult in prac-tice where one party simplydoesn’t feel obliged to doso. Nevertheless, we could-n’t turn our back on our

members and in this case(for once) a democratic voteled to the right decision.

Over the next four years, I’mgoing to try and convinceyou that this also applies toyour having voted for me torepresent you. I’m not ahard man to find and I takemy responsibilities towardsyou very seriously. I’ll beblogging and getting out tomeet as many of you as pos-sible at the meetings oflocal law societies as my cal-endar and family commit-ments will allow, I’ll beanswering the phone and e-mail whenever you get intouch, and I’ll rememberthat even though the Elec-tion is now over, the realwork of being a member ofCouncil has only just begun.

That works involves listen-ing to you, and doing mybest to ensure that The LawSociety does the same. It’snot a perfect institution(none are) and it has a longway to go to address thewidening gap between it-

self and its members who,at the end of the day, keepthe lights on in ChanceryLane.

It’s easy to feel as if yourvoice simply isn’t heard inthe Council Chamber and tothink that those responsiblefor representing the profes-sion are out of touch withthose working in it. All I canpromise you is this – giveme ammunition and I’ll domy best to make sure it hitsthe right target. Engagewith me and I’ll do my bestto make sure that the rest ofthe Society follows suit.You gave me your mandate,now help me to make itworth something.

You can contact me atsteve.kuncewicz@bermans.com, 0161 827 4608 or07949 137503. Engage atwill.

Council’s Opinion – Or, 1001 Other Terrible Puns Used As A Title

Steve KuncewiczElected to the Council of the Law Society

15Feature

Pannone Corporate - A boutique law firm for the futureIn February 2014, following the acquisition of the majority of Pannone LLP by Slater & Gordon, a group of the partners from the corporate and commercial divisions of Pannone acquired the bulk of those elements of the practice to form Pannone Corporate LLP.Julia Baskerville talks to Managing Partner, Paul Jonson, about his vision for the future of the firm.

It’s now several monthssince the commercial andcorporate teams of Pan-none set up as PannoneCorporate and Paul is de-lighted with the inroads thenew firm has already madeinto the market.

Paul says “ We were in a fortu-nate position to already havea very strong and loyal clientbase which includes a widerange of longstanding clientsincluding , amongst others,Manchester Airport Group ,Transport for Greater Man-chester, Boohoo, Brother, L’O-real and Manchester CityCouncil. I think one of the rea-sons that so many clientshave remained with us in thenew firm is that we are verystrong on client service. Ourability to create and sustainstrong client relationships isone of our core strengths. Ourclients value this and havesupported us in our plans.”

The firm currently has 12 part-ners and around 40 otherlawyers and has recently beenjoined by Richard James fromHill Dickinson to head the realestate practice. Pannone Cor-porate has gained a number

of new clients since formationincluding the internationalminerals business Sibleco, NGBailey, Nottingham basedBonnington Plastics, Gener-ate Housing and EM&I Groupamongst others.

Paul is pleased with theprogress of the firm over thepast few months, he says“Without being complacent,what we thought would hap-pen and planned for has beenborne out. We have a strongidentity in the legal marketparticularly in the North West.Importantly, the manage-ment team and other part-ners have a clear vision ofwhere we want to get to andhow we can succeed”

Part of the strategy is invest-ing the time to find the rightpeople to join the team. Paulsays “Having formed a firmwhich we believe is genuinelydifferent from most law firms,we want all our people toshare the vision of the part-ners and to stay with the firmand progress their careerswith us. We have created avery supportive and collabo-rative environment in whichto work and offer a real meri-

tocracy. Clients benefit fromdealing with the people theyknow and trust to deliver, notjust the partners and lawyersbut also the support teams.Our recruitment policy re-flects our vision and values”.

Looking further ahead Paulsees Pannone Corporate asthe leading non-national lawfirm in the North West andone that is synonymous withthe Manchester businesscommunity.

Paul argues there are manylaw firms in Manchester offer-ing similar services in acrowded market , but believesthat there is always a need fora firm that can put the clientat the centre of everything itdoes and is able to take deci-sions quickly and swiftlyadapt to changing demands .He adds “Manchester is nowthe leading legal centre out-side of London. Economicallythe region is strong with awide range of dynamic andcreative businesses and busi-ness leaders. The city is alsoblessed with a forward think-ing public sector. In my viewthere will always be room forambitious and innovative law

firms who can deliver whatclients really want from theirlawyers. Manchester is a greatplace to be right now. We rel-ish the challenge”.

The firm will be moving fromthe current premises in Lin-coln House within 6 months,and Paul says acquiring theright office space is crucial forthe firm. He adds “We nowhave the chance to do thingsdifferently and our new prem-ises will reflect our brand andculture. We do not want tolook and feel like any old lawfirm. Planning the move, andinvolving clients and staff inwhat they want from a newworking environment is veryexciting.”

Despite it being only a matterof months since the firm waslaunched, Paul believes theyhave made significantprogress . He concludes “De-spite it being early days, andwhile we are keeping our feetvery firmly on the ground, Iam delighted with theprogress we have alreadymade and our aim is to buildon this over the next 6 to 18months.”

Paul Jonson

16 WW1

whom was Myles Boddington. Myles, son of William SlaterBoddington, Chairman of the Boddington’s brewery. He wasarticled to Alfred Whitworth and enlisted in September 1914in the 5th Battalion of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantrywhen he was just 23 years old. He served in Belgium andFrance and was awarded the Military Cross. He was killed inaction near Ypres in 1916.

Lawson Coppock & Hart, a firm still in existence saw one oftheir founding partners enlisting. Alexander Lawson joinedthe 17th Lancers in 1915 and was promoted to Captain in theReserve Regiment of the Cavalry. It is thought he wasawarded the Victory Medal, also called the Inter Allied Vic-tory Medal. This medal was awarded to all who received the1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, tothose who received the British War Medal. It was neverawarded alone. These three medals were sometimes referredto as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

Another solicitor who gave his life for his country was RobertEdgar, a young solicitor from Boote, Edgar, Grace & Rylands- a predecessor firm to Bootes. He served in the Manches-ter Regiment and saw action in both Eygypt and at Gallipolli.He was killed in the attack on Achi Baba in 1915.

A name that is synonymous with Manchester is “Cobbett”. SirWilliam Cobbett was a solicitor and was President of Man-chester Law Society at some time between 1914-1918. Hisfirm was Cobbett, Wheeler & Cobbett and at least two solic-itors from the firm saw action. Richard Cobbett (relationshipto William Cobbett not known), who was admitted as a solic-itor in 1902 joined the Cheshire Yeomanry in 1915 andserved at home. Another solicitor from the firm Harold Fos-ter Hollinrake fought in Gallipolli, Eygypt and the Sinai Penin-sula from 1915-1916 and in France from 1917 - 1918. He waskilled in action at Herinnes-lez-Pecq, Belgium on 8th Nov.1918, just three days before the end of the war.

A number of solicitors joined the Public Schools Battalions.This was one of the first “Pals” regiments, originally made upexclusively of former public schoolboys.

The Pals battalions of World War I were specially constitutedbattalions of the British Army comprising men who had en-listed together in local recruitment drives. It was thoughtthat men would be more inclined to enlist if they knew theywould serve alongside friends and colleagues.

The Public Schools Battalion began recruiting on 1 Septem-ber 1914. Over 1,500 applications were received includingfrom retired officers who wished to serve in its ranks. In April1916, the 16th (Service) Battalion (Public Schools) joined the86th Brigade of the 29th Division, a regular division that hadserved with distinction at Gallipoli. With the 29th Division,the Public Schools Battalion first saw action in the Battle ofthe Somme. On the first day on the Somme, 1 July, the bat-talion advanced on the Germans, but became trapped in noman’s land unable to return to the Allied trenches. That nightthey were rounded up and made prisoners of war. On thatday alone the Public Schools Battalion suffered 522 casual-ties.

The battle on the Somme on 1st July marked the greatestsingle loss in Bristish military history, with 60,000 casualties,which included 20,000 deaths. A number of Manchester so-licitors and articled clerks were involved in the offensive onthe Somme, Percy G Haworth, Roland Minor and DonaldWright lost thier lives and George Parker Morris and PercyThornley were wounded. Percy Haworth, Roland Minor andDonald Wright were just 21 years old. Another Manchestersolicitor Herbert Fielding, a member of the 22nd Battalionsurvived the battle of the Somme, but was later killed in ac-tion in Croisilles, March 28, 1917.

Members of the Manchester Law Society Committee werenot exempt from military service. At a Committee Meetingon 28th July 1916, the comments of the President, Mr Pad-more were noted...

“ The President had referred to the absence of severalmembers on military service and expressed the hopethat health, strength and success would attend theirlabours and that sooner or later they would return insafety to resume their part in the deliberations of thecommittee.”

Towards the end of the war, whilst Sir William Cobbett wasPresident it was agreed that a War Memorial should beerected in memory of the solicitors and clerks who had losttheir lives. The Manchester Law Society formed a committeewhich would liaise with the national Law Society and otherprovincial law societies to plan for the memorial.

The Committee took the decision to make a donation of£100 (in today’s money £3972) for the design and erection

of the memorial which now stands in the Law Society Hall atChancery Lane.

Listed alongside (possibly incomplete) is a list of solicitorsand articled clerks who enlisted and saw action in WW1, andrecipients of medals.

If any firm has any further information on any of the individ-uals named or details of other Manchester solicitors, pleasecontact me and we can include this in future editions of TheMessenger.

Julia Baskerville j.baskerville@jbaskerville.co.uk

CHARLES ROYLE ALLEN. Admitted May 1899, prac-tised as Ormerod & Allen, atManchester. Rejoined 6th V.B.Manchester Regt. March1915 and was sent to FranceJuly 1916, attached to theRoyal Berkshire Regt., rankCapt. Awarded M.C. in Oct.1917. Killed in action Sept.27, 1918.

ARTHUR JAMES ALMOND. Admitted Nov. 1900. Memberof Edwin Almond & Sons, ofManchester. Joined Inns ofCourt O.T.C. Dec. 1915.Gazetted 2nd Lieut. Dec.1916, 1st Lieut. June 1918,Served in France Feb. 1917 toDec. 1918.

ARTHUR G. ANDERSON. Admitted July 1909. Memberof Roberts, Riley, Creeke &Anderson, of Manchester. En-listed April 1916, as Gunner,3/1 Home Counties BrigadeRoyal Field Artillery (T.). Com-missioned Dec. 16, 1916, as2nd Lieut., Royal Field Ar-tillery and attached RoyalGarrison Artillery, Sept. 1917.Promoted Lieut. June 1918,and A/Capt. and AdjutantAug. 1918. Once mentionedin Dispatches. Served inFrance.

JOHN ARMSTRONG. Admitted March 1908, prac-tising at Manchester. JoinedAug. 29, 1914, as 2nd Lieut.,7th Batt. Cheshire Regt., pro-moted Lieut. Oct. 1914, Capt.June 30, 1916, General StaffOfficer 3rd Grade Jan. 22,1918. Twice mentioned inDispatches. Awarded theOrder of the Nile 4th Class.Served at Gallipoli July to Au-gust 1915, Egypt and Pales-tine Feb. 1916 to March 1919.Wounded at Suvla, Aug.1915.

ROBERT S. ASHWORTH. Admitted Nov. 1909. Memberof Rowley & Co., of Manches-ter. Joined Oct. 7, 1914, as2nd Lieut., 5th Batt. Lan-cashire Fusilliers, promotedLieut. 1915, Capt. 1916, Temp.Major 1917. Served at Homeand in France.

EDWARD L BADDELEY. Admitted June 1893. Prac-tised at Manchester. Mo-bilised Aug. 1914 as Major,8th Batt. Lancashire Fusiliers.Served in Egypt and Galh-poh. Killed in action at Gal-lipoli, June 6, 1915.

GILBERT HOWARD BAILEY. Admitted April 1907. Mem-ber of Cooper, Sons, Marsh &Bailey, of Manchester. En-listed Nov. 1914 as Ord. Sea-man in R.N.V.R. and laterpromoted to Chief Petty Offi-cer. Transferred to the Armyin May 1916 and grantedcommission as 2nd Lieut.Royal Army ServiceCorps.Once mentioned inDispatches.

FRANCIS SHORLAND BALL. Admitted July 1901, prac-tised at Manchester. Servedas Lieut., 1st Batt. TheQueen's Royal West SurreyRegt

JOHN LESLIE BEECH. Articled to C. H. Beech, ofManchester. Enlisted Sept. 4,1914, as Private, 20th Batt.Royal Fusiliers, promotedLance-Corporal and trans-ferred to Royal FusiliersServed at Home and France.Wounded July 16, 1916.

THOMAS A. S. BERRY. Admitted June 1907. Practis-ing at Swinton, nr. Manches-ter. Enlisted Sept. 1, 1914, asGunner, Royal Field Artillery,Corporal Feb. 1915, SergeantApril 1915, Battery Quarter-master-Sergeant May 1915.Twice mentioned in Dis-patches. Awarded the M.S.M.

HENRY BLECKLY. Articled to E. L. Sandbach, ofManchester. Served as 2ndLieut., Cheshire Yeomanry,promoted Lieut.

MYLES BODDINGTON. Articled to Alfred Whitworth,of Manchester. Enlisted Sept.1914, as Private, 5th Batt.King's Shropshire Light In-fantry. Subsequentlygazetted 2nd Lieut. 6th Batt.of same Regt. and attainedthe rank of Capt. Awardedthe M.C. Served in Belgiumand France July 1915 to July1916. Killed in action nearYpres July 1, 1916.

HERBERT BOOTH. Admitted April 1910. Manag-ing Clerk with Robert Innes,of Manchester. Joined Nov.1915, as Sapper, Royal Engi-neers, promoted CorporalMarch 1916, Sergeant Oct.1916, Engineer Clerk with15th Divisional R.E. Head-quarters, B.E.F., from March1916 to March 1919. Servedin France and Belgium.

Minutes from Manchester Law Society Committee on 27thMarch 1917 on the selection of solicitors from larger firms

who were requested to enlist or volunteer

WWI Memorial at Chancery Lane

Myles Boddingtons’ Grave at Vlamertinghe Military Cemetery nr. Ypres;

17WWI

RAYMOND H. BRANTHWAITE. Admitted June 1913. Mem-ber of Lynde & Branthwaite,of Manchester. Joined Oct.22, 1914, as 2nd Lieut., 7thBatt. Manchester Regiment,promoted Lieut. June 1915,Capt. Oct. 1915. Once men-tioned in Dispatches. Servedin France.

PHILIP JOHNSON BROWN. Articled to H. P. Addleshaw, ofManchester. Served as Cor-poral, Army- Pay Corps

ERNEST THOMAS BUTLIN. Admitted May 1905, practis-ing at Manchester. JoinedAug. 21, 1915, as 2nd Lieut.,7th Batt. Cheshire Regt. (T.F.),afterwards attached to 2ndBatt. 1918. Served at HomeAug. 1915 to Oct. 1916, inFrance Oct. 1916 to Oct.1918.

ROBERT W. BUTCHER. Admitted June 1909. Mem-ber of Butcher & Barlow, ofManchester. 5th Batt. Lan-cashire Fusilleers, promotedLieut. Once mentioned inDispatches. Awarded theM.C. Served at Gallipoli.Wounded June 4, 1915.

THOMAS G. C. BUTT. Articled to Thomas Brandon,of Manchester. Served as Pri-vate, Duke of Lancaster's Im-perial Yeomanry.

THOMAS K. BUXTON. Articled to James Chapman,of Manchester. Jomed May21, 1917, as Private, 1st Batt.Herefordshire Regt., ap-pointed Lance-Corporal Dec.1917, promoted CorporalFeb. 1918 in the 4th (Reserve)Batt. Served at Home.

REGINALD HARRY CADE. Articled to J. OgdenHardicker, of Manchester.Joined Aug. 1914, as 2ndLieut., 7th Batt. LancashireFusilliers, and attained therank of Major. Served inEgypt, Gallipolli, and inFrance. Twice wounded.Killed in action Oct. 1918.

HENRY CARDWELL. Admitted Dec. 1914. Solicitorwith Tatham, Worthington &Co., of Manchester. JoinedAug. 1915, as Cadet, Man-chester University O.T.C. Lan-cashire Fusiliers. Wounded atArras May 3, 1917. Dis-charged on account ofwounds received in Feb.1918.

CHARLES E. CARPENTER. Articled to T. A. Needham, ofManchester. Joined Nov. 15,1916, as Private, in RoyalArmy Service Corps, on theAdjutant-General's Branch ofthe Staff at General Head-quarters France and Italy,

promoted Sergeant July1918, and Probationer forcommission in the Army PayDepartment up to date ofArmistice.

EDWARD A. CHATHAM. Articled to Edward Chatham,of Manchester. Joined O.T.C.at outbreak of war. Gazetted2nd Lieut. Shropshire LightInfantry July 13, 1915, trans-ferred to 13th Batt. West York-shire Regt. Dec. 1915. Servedat Home.

RICHARD COBBETT. Admitted Nov. 1902. Memberof Cobbett, Wheeler & Cob-bett, of Manchester. JoinedNov. 1915, as 2nd Lieut.,Western Command, March1917 to Aug. 1918. Served atHome.

HAROLD V. CLAYTON. Articled to H. J. Berry, of Man-chester. Joined Dec. 6, 1914.Gazetted Lieut. ManchesterRegt. Dec. 1916, promotedCapt. Oct. 1917. Awarded theM.C. Served in Gallipoli andFrance. Wounded Aug. 26,1916.

GEOFFREY H. COOPER. Admitted Nov. 1912, prac-tised at Manchester. Servedas 2nd Lieut., 2nd East Lan-cashire Brigade, Royal FieldArtillery (T.), and afterwardspromoted Lieut.

WILLIAM G. COOPER. Articled to T. A. Higson, ofManchester. Served as Pri-vate, Royal Army ServiceCorps (M.T.).

GEORGE W. CRICKETT. Admitted June 1908. Mem-ber of Charles Howard & Co.,of Manchester. Joined Aug.1914 as Private. Gazetted 2ndLieut. North StaffordshireRegt., and subsequently pro-moted Lieut. Served inFrance and India.

JOHN LEONARD CUNLIFFE Articled to T. H. Davies-Colley,of Manchester. Joined Nov.1914, as Lieut., 21st Batt.Manchester Regt., promotedCapt. June 1916. Served atHome Nov. 1914 to Sept.1915, France Sept. 1915 toSept. 1916. Killed in action atDelville Wood 1916.

HENRY EDWIN DANIEL. Admitted Jan. 1897, practis-ing at Manchester. Commis-sioned April 25, 1915, asLieut., No. 1 SupernumeraryCoy. 4th Batt. The Welch Regt.The Rifle Brigade (T.F.) Nov.1915. Served at Home and inEgypt, Cyprus, Lemnos, andThasos. Contracted malaria inthe Island of Thasos, and lostsight of left eye.

WILLIAM G. HOCKIN. Admitted Feb. 1904. Memberof Hockin, Beckton & Hockin,of Manchester. Joined Nov.29, 1914, as Lieut., 7th Batt.Lancashire Fusilleers, pro-moted Temp. Capt. Feb. 1915,Staff-Capt. Aug. 1915,Brigade Major Feb. 1916, Ad-jutant 1st Volunteer Batt.Manchester Regt. May 1917.Served at Home.

JAMES W. B. HODGSON. Admitted Aug. 1902. Memberof Allen, Whitfield & Hodg-son, of Man- chester. JoinedNov. 1916, as 2nd Lieut.,Royal Army Service Corps, at-tached Royal Garrison Ar-tillery Sept. 1917 to Nov.1918, subsequently pro-moted Lieut.

HAROLD F. HOLLINRAKE. Articled to Sir William Cob-bett, of Manchester. JoinedJune 19, 1915, as 2nd Lieut.,6th Batt. Lancashire Fusiliers.Resigned commission March1917. Served at Home, Gal-lipoli, Egypt, Sinai Peninsula1915 to 1916 and in France1917 to 1918. Killed in actionat Herinnes-lez-Pecq, Bel-gium, Nov. 8, 1918.

OLIVER WILLIAM HOLT. Admitted Dec. 1913. Memberof Lupton & Holt, of Man-chester. Joined Feb, 13, 1916,as Gunner, 287th Siege Bat-tery, Royal Garrison Artillery.Served in France and Bel-gium.

FRANK BOYD HOTCHEN. Articled to H. C. Lings, ofManchester. Joined Sept. 7,1914, as Private, 20th Batt.Royal Fusiliers. Gazetted 2ndLieut. East Lancashire Regt.Jan. 25, 1917, promotedLieut. July 1918, Capt. Nov.1918, attached to Royal Engi-neers. Served in France Nov.1915 to Aug. 1916 and March1917 to July 1919.

ALAN T. SELBORNE HOLT. Articled to J. G. Mahaffy, ofManchester. Joined Sept. 28,1914, as 2nd Lieut., 17th Batt.Manchester Regt., promotedLieut. Feb. 1917. AwardedM.C. Served in France.Wounded July 30 and Aug.17, 1916. Wounded andtaken prisoner while attack-ing Cherisy, near Arras, April23, 1917.

SAMUEL IRWIN. Articled to E. C. Pearson, ofManchester. Joined Sept. 8,1914, as Private, 20th Batt.Royal Fusilleers (U.P.S.)Gazetted 2nd Lieut. Man-chester Regt. about March1919. Served in France Nov.1915 to June 1918.

JOHN ARNOLD HANCOCK. Admitted April 1910, practis-ing at Manchester. Served as2nd Lieut., 7th (Reserve) Batt.Cheshire Regt. (T.).

JAMES O. HARDICKER. Admitted July 1893. Memberof J. Ogden Hardicker & Han-son, of Manchester. JoinedSept. 1914, as Capt., 7th Batt.Manchester Regt., and subse-quently promoted to Lieut.-Col. Discharged in 1917. DiedApril 7, 1919, of consumptioncontracted in Gallipoli.

CHARLES E. J. HALL. Admitted July 1898. Memberof Hall & Co., of Manchester.Served with British Red CrossSociety (Cheshire Branch) asAssistant Coimty Director(Transport). Awarded O.B.E.

EDGAR YATES HARRISON. Articled to William Harrison,of Manchester. Enlisted Sept.26, 1914, as Private, 2/7 Batt.Manchester Regt., promotedLance-Corporal April 1915.Served in France. WoundedHavrincourt Wood 1917.

FREDERICK H. HARROP. Admitted Oct. 1912, practis-ing at Manchester. Served asLieut., 4th Batt. Tank Corps.

PERCY G. HAWORTH. Articled to G. P. Haworth, ofManchester. Joined Sept. 7,1914, as Private, PublicSchool Batt. Royal Fusilliers.Manchester Regt. Jan. 1915,promoted Lieut. Aug. 1915.Killed on the Somme July 30,1916.

GEORGE R. HEATHCOTE. Admitted Oct. 1898. Memberof Heathcote & Webb, ofManchester and Dukinfield.Mobilised Aug. 1914, asLieut., 6th Batt. CheshireRegt., promoted Capt. 18thBatt. Manchester Regt. Oct.1914. Served at Home twoyears, and in Egypt threeyears.

DENIS HICKEY. Admitted Dec. 1917. Clerkwith Robert Innes, of Man-chester. Joined Nov. 30, 1915,as Private. Gazetted 2ndLieut. Royal Munster FusiliersFeb. 20, 1916, promotedLieut. Oct. 1917. Served atHome and in France.Wounded July 10, 1917.

JOHN ARTHUR HISLOP. Admitted June 1914. Mem-ber of J. Hislop & Son, ofManchester. Joined 1914, as2nd Lieut., 19th Batt. Man-chester Regt., and attainedthe rank of Capt. Served atHome and in France. Died atOxford from operation July 8,1916.

EDWARD HORSFALL. Admitted May 1913, practis-ing at Manchester. JoinedAug. 6, 1914, as 2nd Lieut.,8th (Ardwick) Batt. Manches-ter Regt. (T.F.), promotedLieut. Awarded the M.C.Served at Home Aug. to Sept.Wounded at Gallipoli May 21,1915, and Dec. 27, 1915.

CHARLES H. JOHNSON. Admitted Aug. 1906, practis-ing at Manchester. Served asSignaller, Royal Field Artillery.

HENRY GILMAN JONES. Admitted March 1905, prac-tising at Salford. Joined Feb.28, 1917, as Private, Inns ofCourt O.T.C. Gazetted 2ndLieut. Royal Army- ServiceCorps Oct. 28, 1917, pro-moted Lieut. April 1919.Served at Home Feb. to Nov.1917, in France and FlandersNov. 1917 to April 1919, andin Germany April to Dec.1919.

WILLIAM HOLDEN JONES. Admitted April 1914. Manag-ing Clerk with Richard Hank-inson & Son, of Manchester.Enlisted May 6, 1915, as Pri-vate, Royal Army ServiceCorps (M.T.) and attained therank of Company Sergeant-Ma j or. Gazetted 2nd Lieut,in same Regt. July 1918.Served at Home and inFrance.

FRANCIS J. G. JACKSON. Admitted Nov. 1912. Memberof Denham & Jackson, ofManchester. Mobilised Au-gust 1914, as 2nd Lieut., 2ndEast Lancashire Brigade RoyalField Artillery (T.), Substan-tive Lieut. June 1916, Capt.March 1918. Awarded theM.C. Served in Egypt 1914,Gallipoli 1915, Sinai 1916,France and Belgium 1917 to1919.

ARTHUR F. T. LAMB. Articled to J. A. Grundy, ofManchester. Gazetted 2ndLieut. 6th (Service)Batt. Yorkand Lancaster Regt. Aug. 25,1914, promoted Lieut. Feb.1915, Capt. Jan. 1916. Servedin Gallipoli (Suvla Bay) July1915 to Jan. 1916.Woundednear Cambrai March 21,1918.

THOMAS DAVIES-COLLEY. Admitted Nov. 1891. Memberof Slater, Heelis & Co., of Man-chester, Mobilised 1914, asLieut.-Col., Batt. ManchesterRegt. Served at Home.

LEONARD LAWSON DEAN. Articled to his father, A. H.Dean, of Manchester. Passedinto Sandhurst and wasgazetted 2nd Lieut. LoyalNorth Lancashire Regt. April1917. Killed in action Oct. 3,1918.

ROBERT GERALD EDGAR Admitted Feb. 1911. Memberof Boote, Edgar, Grace & Ry-lands, of Manchester. JoinedMarch 9, 1909, as 2nd Lieut.,16 Batt. Manchester Regt.Served in Egypt. Killed in theattack on Achi Baba, Gallipoli,June 4, 1915.

CYRIL F. ENTWISTLE. Admitted Feb. 1910, practis-ing at Manchester, andBolton, Lanes. Joined April22, 1915, as 2nd Lieut., Essexand Suffolk Royal GarrisonArtillery (T.), promoted Lieut.Nov. 1915, A/Capt. Dec. 1916,A/Major April 1917. Oncementioned in Dispatches.Awarded the M.C. Served onCoast Defence and Anti- Air-craft, Harwich Defences, andin France Dec. 1916 toArmistice.

HUBERT LISTER FARRAR. Admitted Nov. 1904. Memberof Farrar & Co., of Manchester.Joined March 16, 1915, as2nd Lieut., Royal Field Ar-tillery, promoted Lieut. Aug.1915, appointed Adjutant of30th Divisional AmmunitionColumn.Twice mentioned inDispatches. Served at HomeMarch to Nov. 1915, FranceNov. 1915 to Feb. 1919.

HERRICK REVELEY FIELD. Articled to John Field, ofManchester. Joined Nov.1915, as Private, ManchesterRegt. Gazetted 2nd Lieut.Tank Corps Feb. 28, 1919.Served in France. InvalidedHome Dec. 2, 1916.

HERBERT H. FIELDING. Admitted Feb. 1913, prac-tised at Manchester. JoinedFeb. 15, 1916, as Private, 6thBatt. Manchester Regt., pro-moted Lance-Corporal April1916. Gazetted 2nd Lieut.Manchester Regt. Nov. 28,1916. Went to France Jan.1917 attached to 22nd Batt.Killed in action at CroisillesMarch 28, 1917, and buried inthe St. Leger British Ceme-tery.

FREDERIC GREAVES. Articled to J. W. Greaves, ofManchester. Joined Nov. 14,1914, as Private, 9th Batt.(Highlanders) Royal Scots,transferred to Cameronians(Scottish Rifles) Aug. 1916.Gazetted 2nd Lieut. King'sOwn Royal Lancaster Regt.Killed in action at GivenchyJune 1, 1918.

ARTHUR GREEN. Admitted July 1909, prac-tised at Manchester. Servedas Lieut., Manchester Regt.Killed in action April 1918.

GERALD SIDEBOTHAMArticled to J. J. Sidebotham,of Manchester. Gazetted Aug.1914, as 2nd Lieut., 1/4 Batt.Cheshire Regt., promotedLieut. 1915, A/Capt. from Feb.1916. Served in Gallipoli(Suvla Bay), Egypt, and Pales-tine. Wounded at Suvla BayAug. 9, 1916. Killed in Pales-tine March 9, 1918.

RICHARD D. SCHOLFIELD. Articled to L. C. Evans, of Sal-ford. Served as 2nd Lieut., 6thBatt. King's Own Royal Lan-caster Regt. Killed in action atthe Dardanelles Aug. 10,1915.

EDWARD S. SLACK. Admitted Sept. 1907. Mem-ber of Parkinson, Slack &Needham, of Manchester.Served as Private, 6th Batt.Manchester Regt. and subse-quently Gazetted 2nd Lieut,in same Regt.

SAMUEL ARTHUR SMITH. Admitted May 1905. Memberof Smith, Youatt & Smith, ofManchester. Joined Aug. 26,1916, as Air-Mechanic, RoyalFlying Corps, promoted to 1stClass Air-Mechanic Jan. 1917,Corporal April 1917, SergeantMay 1917, Flight SergeantSept. 1918. Once mentionedin Dispatches. Served inFrance and Belgium Sept.1916 to April 1918.

WILLIAM A. SOUTHALL. Articled to G. L. Welford, ofManchester. Joined May 3,1916, as Private, 28th (Re-serve) Batt. Royal Fusiliers,and subsequently with the12th and 24th Batts. Servedin France. Wounded nearSouchez April 17, 1917.

JOHN ATHERFOLD STACEY. Admitted Jan. 1905, practis-ing at Manchester. JoinedMay 23, 1915, as Gunner,Royal Field Artillery, trans-ferred to Royal Garrison Ar-tillery Jan. 1918. Served withHeavy Trench Mortars May1916 to June 1918. Woundedat Chocques June 16, 1918.

NORMAN W. SUTCLIFFE. Articled to H. D. Sutcliffe, ofManchester. Served as Lance-Corporal, 6th Batt. Manches-ter Regt.

ARTHUR GILBERT TAYLOR. Admitted Feb. 1913, practis-ing at Manchester. JoinedJune 14, 1915, as Sapper, EastLancashire Divisional Engi-neers (T.F.). Commissioned2nd Lieut. Once mentionedin Dispatches. Served atHome 1915 to 1917, and inPalestine 1917 -1919.

ALBERT E. TUNALEY. Admitted Oct. 1910, prac-tised at Manchester. Servedas 2nd Lieut., 13th Batt. Lan-cashire Fusiliers.

PERCY ROBERT THORNLEY. Articled to Fraser Sutton, ofManchester. Joined Sept. 4,1914, as Private, 20th Batt.Royal Fusiliers, promotedLance-Corporal April 1917,Corporal Dec. 1917. Served inFrance 1915 to 1918, and inGermany 1918 to 1919. Wounded in High Wood(Somme) July 20, 1916.

18 News

GEOFFREY G. KERSHAW. Admitted Feb. 1911, practis-ing with Grundy, Kershaw,Samson & Co., of Manchester.Joined Aug. 31, 1914, as Pri-vate, 1/6 Batt. ManchesterRegt. Gazetted 2nd Lieut, insame Regt. April 25, 1915,promoted Lieut. June 1915,Capt. Aug. 1918. Twice men-tioned in Dispatches.Awarded the M.C. WoundedAug. 7, 1915.

ALEXANDER H. D. LAWSON. Admitted Nov. 1899. Memberof Lawson, Coppock & Hart,of Manchester. Joined Nov.1915, as Private, 17thLancers.. 10th Reserve Regi-ment of Cavalry Dec. 21,1916, promoted Capt. andAdjutant South Irish HorseDec. 1917. Served in France.

REGINALD LEAK.Articled to C. Newton Pratt,of Manchester. Joined Sept.1914, as Private, 6th Batt.Manchester Regt. Gazetted2nd Lieut. 6th Batt. Lan-cashire Fusiliers Dec. 1914.Wounded at Gallipoli, Aug. 7,1915, and died at sea from re-sult of wounds Aug. 26, 1915.Buried at sea.

JAMES LEES. Admitted June 1906. Mem-ber of Weston, Grover & Lees,of Manchester. Joined Sept.5, 1914, as Private, 16th (Pub-lic Schools) Batt. MiddlesexRegt. Capt. June 1916. Servedat Home, in France, Egypt,Palestine, and the Balkans.

HARRY LEVI. Admitted July 1911. Practisedat Manchester. Served as 2ndLieut., Royal Fusiliers. Killed inaction Nov. 30, 1917.

WILLIAM F. LINDSELL. Admitted March 1912, prac-tising at Manchester. Servedas Capt., 5th Batt. CheshireRegt. (T.).

JOHN REGINALD LINGARD. Admitted Oct. 1912. Memberof Lingards & Hamp, of Man-chester. Served as Lieut.,Manchester Regt., attachedLancashire Fusiliers. Reportedwounded in the advancefrom Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, Aug.21, 1915, and after- wards re-ported wounded and miss-ing and subsequentlypresumed to have died.

GILBERT LUPTON. Articled to D. F. Hart, of Man-chester. Served as Corporal,Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeo-manry.

JAMES MACFIE. Admitted Jan. 1892. Memberof Barrow, Smith & Macfie, ofManchester. Joined June 4,1915, as Lieut., ManchesterRegt. (T.), promoted to MajorIndian Army Reserve of Offi-cers, served in India andAfghanistan.

ALAN FRANCIS MACLURE. Admitted Nov. 1897. Memberof Crofton, Craven & Co., ofManchester. 7th Batt Lan-cashire Fusiliers. Served inEgypt and Gallipoli.Wounded at Gallipoli May1915.

JOHN GEORGE MAHAFFY. Admitted May 1911, practis-ing at Manchester. Served as2nd Lieut., Royal Irish Regt.

FRANCIS H. MAINPRICE. Articled to W. E. M. Mainprice,of Manchester. Joined Nov. 4,1914, as 2nd Lieut., 7th Batt.Lancashire Fusiliers, pro-moted Lieut. 1915, Capt.1917. Once mentioned in Dis-patches. Awarded the M.C.Served at Gallipoli Oct. 1915to Jan. 1916, Sinai Desert,Jan. 1916 to Feb. 1917, and inFrance Feb. 1917 to April1918. Wounded April 5, 1918,left arm amputated.

JOHN T. MARSHALL. Articled to Cornelius Mar-shall, of Manchester. Servedas Lieut., 14th Batt. Manches-ter Regt., attached 1st Batt.Prince of Wales' Own York-shire Regt.

ERNEST EDWIN MASON. Admitted Feb. 1916, practis-ing at Manchester. Served asPrivate, General Staff Intelli-gence, 3rd Army Headquar-ters.

GEORGE RUPERT MELLOR. Admitted Nov. 1 901 . Mem-ber of Vaudrey Osborne &Mellor, of Manchester. JoinedJan. 6, 1915, as Capt., 10thBatt. South Lancashire Regt.,transferred to 1st GarrisonBatt. King's Liverpool Regt.Aug. 1915, attached 1/11Batt. London Regt. July toOct. 1917, and 3rd Batt.South Lancashire Regt. Aug.1918 to Jan. 1919. Served inEgypt and Palestine.

ROLAND MINOR. Articled to H. W. Minor, ofManchester. Joined Sept.1914, as Private, PublicSchools Batt. Gazetted 2ndLieut. King's Own Royal Lan-caster Regt. May 26, 1915.Served at Home and France.Killed in Somme offensiveJuly 1, 1916.

WILLIAM H. W. MENZIES. Admitted Jan. 1901, practis-ing at Manchester. JoinedMay 1916, as Private, 2/6 Batt.Cheshire Regt. and after-wards promoted Lance-Cor-poral. Granted Commissionand posted to 1/7 Batt.Cheshire Regt. and then at-tached 102nd Light TrenchMortar Battery, subsequentlypromoted Lieut. Awarded theM.C. Served at Home and inPalestine and France.

GEORGE PARKER MORRIS. Articled to L. C. Evans, of Sal-ford. Joined Aug. 12, 1914, as2nd Lieut., 16th Batt. Man-chester Regt., promotedLieut. Jan. 1915, transferredto Machine Gun Corps Nov.1916, promoted Capt. Nov.1917, Major May 1918.Served at Home and inFrance. Wounded July 1,1916.

MATTHEW BANKS NEWELL. Admitted Feb. 1914, prac-tised at Manchester. Joined1914, as Private, ManchesterUniversity O.T.C. Gazetted2nd Lieut. Cheshire Regt.Dec. 19, 1914. Served at Gal-lipoH 1915, and inMesopotamia 1916. Killed inaction April 4-5, 1916.

JOHN STANLEY OGDEN. Articled to J. H. Ogden, ofManchester. Joined Sept. 4,1914, as Private, 3rd PublicSchool Batt. Royal Fusiliers.Gazetted 2nd Lieut. 3rd Batt.Loyal North Lancashire Regt.Aug. 12, 1915, promotedLieut. 7th Batt. July 1916, ap-pointed Adjutant April 1917,Batt. Feb. 1918. Served inFrance June 1916 to Feb.1918.

KEITH F. A. ORRELL. Articled to J. A. Orrell, of Man-chester. Joined Aug. 7, 1915,as 2nd Lieut., 6th Batt. SouthLancashire Regt. Served inMesopotamia. Killed in actionin Mesopotamia Jan. 13,1917.

ROBERT HARRY PAYNE. Admitted Feb. 1891, practis-ing at Manchester. JoinedNov. 1914, as Lieut., TheQueen's Royal West SurreyRegt., Transport Officer to 1stBatt. South Wales BorderersApril 1916 to May 1917.Served in France. Resignedcommission Nov. 15, 1917.

ANTHONY F. I. PICKFORD. Admitted March 1907. Assis-tant Solicitor to ManchesterCorporation. Joined Nov.1915, as 2nd Lieut., RoyalArmy Service Corps (Supplyand Horse Transport), pro-moted Lieut. May 1917, Capt.May 1918. Served at Homeand in France.

JAMES BURTON POLLITT. Admitted Aug. 1884, formerlypractising at Manchester.Served as Col., 7th Batt. Man-chester Regt.

WILLIAM PROCTOR. Articled to William Proctor, ofManchester. Joined May 20,1916, as Private, 6th Batt.Manchester Regt., and pro-moted Lance-CorporalGazetted 2nd Lieut. 1/6 Batt.Lancashire Fusiliers Served inFrance.

PHILIP AUSTIN O. READ. Admitted April 1907, prac-tised at Manchester. Servedas Capt., 5th Batt. Loyal NorthLancashire Regt., promotedMajor June 1916. Mentionedin Dispatches and awardedO.B.E.

JOHN EDGAR ROBINSON. Articled to D. F. Hart, of Man-chester. Joined Dec. 11, 1915,as Private, promoted Lance-Corporal April 1916, CorporalAug. 1916. Served at Sa-lonica, wounded Sept. 15,1916. Discharged April 17,1917.

WILFRED C. ROGERSON. Articled to Alfred Pearson, ofManchester. Joined Dec.1915, as 2nd Air-Mechanic,Royal Flying Corps, promoted1st Air-Mechanic Feb. 1916.Commissioned as 2nd Lieut,Royal Army Service Corps(M.T.) Sept. 1916, promotedLieut. July 1918. Served inFrance and at Home.

LEO GERALD RUDDIN. Articled to A. R. Moon, ofManchester. Joined Manches-ter University O.T.C, as Cadet,Oct. 1914. Gazetted 2ndLieut. 6th Batt. Cheshire Regt.Feb. 1915, promoted Lieut.Dec. 1915, Capt. Jan. 1917.Awarded the M.C. Served inFrance and Belgium.Wounded at St. Julien, Ypres,July 31, 1917.

THOMAS RUMNEY. Articled to W. V. Hamilton, ofManchester. Mobilised Aug.4, 1914, as Lieut., 2nd EastLanes. Brigade Royal Field Ar-tillery, lent to Foreign Office1917 to 1918, attached RoyalFlying Corps and Royal AirForce 1918 to Oct. 1919.Served with Indian Expedi-tionary Force, Sinai, Greeceand at Home and at AdenJan. 1918 to Oct. 1919.

HAROLD B. RYLANDS. Articled to R. A. Edgar, ofManchester. Joined Dec.1914, as 2nd Lieut., 16th Batt.Royal Lancashire Fusiliers,and subsequently promotedLieut. Served at Home and inFrance. Killed in action atBeaumont Hamel Nov. 23,1916.

WILLIAM L. P. WALTON. Articled to A. H. Worthington,of Manchester. MobilisedAug. 1914, as Private, 1/6Batt. Manchester Regt.Gazetted 2nd Lieut. MachineGun Corps Dec. 29, 1916.Served at Gallipoli and inFrance. Killed at Cambrai Nov. 30, 1917.

JOHN H. WHITCOMBE. Admitted Nov. 1906. Manag-ing Clerk with Slater, Heelis &Co., of Manchester. JoinedNov. 17, 1917, as Private,Army Pay Corps, promotedCorporal Nov. 1918. Served atHome.

CARL SUTCLIFFE WOOD. Admitted Dec. 1913. Memberof Wharton, Wilde & Wood, ofManchester. Served as 2ndLieut,, 7th (Reserve) Batt.Manchester Regt. (T.), pro-moted Lieut. Nov. 1916.

VERNON SPENCER WOOD. Admitted March 1905. Mem-ber of Wood & Lord, of Man-chester. Joined Oct. 1915 as2nd Lieut., Royal Army Serv-ice Corps, promoted A/Lieut.Oct. 1916, A/Capt. June 1917,Substantive Lieut. July 1917,Substantive Capt. Jan. 1918.Once mentioned in Dis-patches. Served at Home.

FREDERICK WOODCOCK. Articled to F. A. Woodcock, ofManchester. Joined Aug. 2,1915, as 2nd Lieut., RoyalGarrison Artillery. JoinedRoyal Flying Corps April 1917,trained as pilot, promotedCapt. and Flight CommanderAug. 1918. Awarded the M.C..Killed in action in France Oct.31, 1918.

DONALD H. WRIGHT. Articled to R. C. Haworth, ofManchester. Joined Sept.1914 as Private, 20th (PublicSchools) Batt. Royal Fusiliers.Killed in action July 20, 1916.

EGERTON L. WRIGHT. Admitted Oct. 1912. Memberof Wilson, Wright & Davies, ofManchester and Preston.Joined Sept. 1914 as 2ndLieut., Bucks Batt. Oxford andBucks Light Infantry. Twicementioned in Dispatches.Awarded the M.C. Served inFrance and Belgium March1915 to May 1918. Killed inaction May 11, 1918.

David Bott, Senior Partnerat Bott & Co solicitors inWilmslow, is cycling partof the Tour de Franceroute to raise money forthe Spinal Injuries Associ-ation and Cancer ResearchUK.

David is joining a group often who are cycling approx-imately 300km over thecourse of three days, takingon some very challenginginclines.

The pressure will be onstraight away as the groupcycle up Mont Ventoux fromthe Bedoin side.

There are three ways upMont Ventoux and theBedoin side is the hardestside, used in the Tour deFrance.

Other members of thegroup to take on the mam-moth task include solicitors(Irwin Mitchell, Michael Hal-sall, Garwyns), medicalagency Premex, InsurersAviva, Brokers BGL groupand Consumer MarketingNational Accident Helpline.Speaking just before flyingout to France on Wednes-day David commented “Ibought a bike in March2013 and was inspired toget one by the members ofBott Cycle Team. I thor-oughly enjoyed it and de-cided that this challenge

would be a good way toraise money for charity aswell as having a goal to aimfor and to keep me trainingand fit away from work.

“I started training properlyin March because theweather was pretty poorprior to that. When I satdown and worked out ex-actly what I had done I thinkit was something like1,246miles on the bike and

86,826 feet climbed. Will itbe enough to see methrough? I hope so, but wewill find out soon enough.“It’s certainly exciting but Ido realise how tough it isgoing to be.”

You can support David’schosen charities by donat-ing on www.virginmoney-giving.com and searchingfor ‘Bott Cycle Team’.

Wilmslow solicitor takes on Tour deFrance route for charity

David Bott

Nine teams, includingseven Manchester lawfirms, battled it out in theJCI (Junior Chamber ofCommerce) Manchester’sinaugural round robinstyle Charity Netball Tour-nament that was held lastSaturday at Wright Robin-son College in Gorton. Intotal, the Tournamentraised a terrific £737 forFrancis House Children’sHospice and Forever Man-chester, JCI Manchester’stwo chosen charities for2014.

Before the Tournament,Simon Anderson from ProFit 21 provided a muchneeded warm up session forthe girls before a ball waspassed in anger. After several tough matches

the semi-finals were be-tween; Irwin Mitchell, Pan-none part of Slater &Gordon, Team Bond andTeam Chaos (both fromSheffield). The finale sawPannone part of Slater &Gordon and Team Bond gohead to head with the visi-tors from Sheffield being thevictorious team who tookaway the winner’s trophy. A raffle and a tuck shop onthe day helped raise furtherfunds for our two chosencharities.

Charity Director for JCI Man-chester, Lynsey Robinson,who organised the charityevent said, “It was hot anddirty out there, but it was alot of fun and we managedto raise much needed fundsfor these two great causes.”

Netball challenge raises much neededcharity funds

Kings makes a SplashOn Saturday 14 June, two of Kings Chambers’ Clinical Negligence Practitioners, Helen Mul-holland and Claire Steward, braved the waters of Windermere to raise money for the ChildBrain Injury Trust. 14 June proved to be a beautiful day, with near perfect conditions forthe swim. Both swimmers completed the one mile course, Ms Steward in a speedy 26 min-utes 50 seconds! The Child Brain Injury Trust is Kings’ personal injury department’s charityof the year. The fundraising year started with a Chambers’ bake sale, and members have nowturned their efforts to sporting events (some might say to counteract the effects of the bakesale). The fundraising continued on Sunday 29 June, when members, clerks and staff tookpart in the Great Manchester Cycle.

Helen Mulholland and Claire Steward

Richard Yates, who is a so-licitor in Farleys’ Commer-cial Litigation and SportsLaw department, hasqualified for the EnglandCommonwealth Gamessquad, and will be takingpart in the 400m hurdles.

The Games, which start on23rd July in Glasgow, willsee Richard competingagainst some of the besthurdlers in the world, as hestrives to beat his resultfrom the last games in Delhiin 2010 when he finished5th in the 400 metres hur-dles and won a bronzemedal in the 4x400 metrerelay.

Richard (28), from Manches-ter, recently completed histwo-year solicitor trainingcontract at Farleys and wasimmediately recruited bythe company.

Richard said: “Taking part inthe 2014 CommonwealthGames is going to be the

pinnacle of my athletics ca-reer, and I’m delighted thatall my hard work has paidoff.

Taking part in a tournamentso close to home means thatwe will have great supportand some of the Farleys’team are looking forward tocoming up to watch mecompete. I’m hoping tobring back a medal to Man-chester but the competitionwill be really tough this year.I’ve been working reallyhard to ensure that I’m as fitas I can be both physicallyand mentally and cannotwait to get to Glasgow!”

Daniel Draper, Partner in Far-leys’ Commercial Depart-ment and Head of SportsLaw, added: “We’re sopleased for Richard. He’s amatch for anyone in both hisathletics and legal careers.Just qualifying to take partin the Games is a bigachievement in itself and we

wish him all the luck in theworld this summer.”

The addition of Richard tothe Sports Law team coin-cided with a growth in thedepartment. The team isnow 12 strong and has anextensive client base includ-ing the Professional Foot-ballers’ Association and itsmembers.

Farley’s sports law solicitor strives for gold andqualifies for the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Richard Yates

20 Charity & CSR

That some of you willrecognise the panoply offamous names in this A toZ of this world premiereby Simon Armitage willmake you realise all thateducation was not totallywasted : from Agamem-non , Achilles (he of theheel), and Athene viaHera, Hector and Paris (heof the judgment ), all theway to Zeus. And that’snot to forget Helen (she ofthe face that launched athousand ships).

And for those younger read-ers not up in Greek mythol-ogy, these are names morewell known than the line upof your favourite Boyz Band.Over a dozen actors play avariety of roles in this fasci-nating production withbarely a fault – diction isclear, movement precise,where there is tension, it isfound, and where sadnessor humour is called for, it isnot saccharine. Lily Coleplayed Helen a little tooflatly, but really it is badform to criticise anactor/model who wasbooked for Vogue coverwhen only 16 and achieveda double first in history ofart at Cambridge.

The Exchange commission-

ing of Simon Armitage towrite this play was inspira-tional – not only does hehave links with Manchester,having worked here as aprobation officer, but wasalso appointed Professor ofPoetry at Sheffield.

Quite why this productionof a retelling of Homer’sIliad works is hard to define,because it is a difficult con-cept to stage, yet it movesalong apace, with sharp dia-logue, whilst incorporatingthe (necessary) great deal ofhistorical information with-out being heavy.

The scene is set in contem-porary times by a modernZeus, collecting box openfor coins from tourists. Herelives the siege of Troy –clever chaps these Greekgods, proving time travel-ling started much earlierthan Dr Who; the actionthen morphs to ancientGreece.

The dialogue tells the storybut the emotion is cleverlyconjured too by the staging.An impression of greatnumbers of warriors is wellportrayed entering througha smoke filled tunnel, al-though regrettably not visi-ble from many parts of the

Culture CornerReview of The Last Days of Troy at theRoyal Exchange

auditorium. The proverbialwooden horse is there too,literally, and ingeniouslybrought down from on highthanks to the Exchange’s fa-cilities. This is not to over-look the clever use of sound– the effective rhythmicpounding of sticks was al-most hair-raising.

And what are we lawyers tothink of this Greek Tragedy?Maybe in a thousand yearsour professional successorswill consider the destruc-tion of Troy was of nothingcompared to this moderntragedy that is the destruc-tion of our legal aid systemnow taking place.

John Wolfson

Mark Openshaw-Blowerswaps the "hot seat" ofManaging Partner to the"driving seat" as vandriver to raise money forChristies and MacMillan.

Elliot and Sam Heward hadthe idea of climbing the fourhighest peaks in the UK andcycling between them.Mark will be driving the vanand reading the newspaperwhile they do the hard bit!

Elliot and Sam are raisingmoney for their father,Graeme Heward who wasdiagnosed with a rare andmalignant facial tumour.

Together with fantasticmedical staff, family andfriends Graeme has comethrough his first year ofchallenges. His story de-scribes the ups and downswhen he encountered a lifethreatening and life chang-ing period in his life.

With two friends from uni-versity, Elliot and Samwanted to show their sup-port by enduring a chal-

lenge of their own echoingthe ups and downs andstruggles Graeme encoun-tered.

This is how Facing Chal-lenges Together began.

Anyone supportingChristies/ Macmillan will bemaking a huge difference tothe treatment, research andsupport of patients withcancer.

The Challenge11 days of gruelling United

Kingdom and Ireland hillsand roads taking in the fourhighest peaks by bike andon foot. A similar distancefrom Land’s End to JohnO’Groats, except a total bikeand foot climb equivalent toclimbing Mount Everest.Setting off on July 2nd 2014from Christie.

We wish them all luck andhope Mark doesn’t get tootired waiting around forthem to finish….!!

Managing Partner Swaps 'Hot Seat'for 'Driving Seat'

Pictured above is Chris Murray of Clyde & Co training in Lake Windermere ashe prepares to swim the English Channel later this month. Chris is raisingfunds for Bolton Hospice and donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/ChrisMchannelswim

Swim Challenge for Chris Murray

Ben Taylor Partner andHousing Law solicitor atWTB Solicitors has cycled100 miles around Scot-land, Wales and Englandin 25 hours.

Since 2007, every alternatesummer solstice, Ben andthe 100 Challenge team un-dertake a 24 hour longphysical challenge.

This year it has been 100years since 1914, and theirchallenge was to cycle to 33World War I war memorialsin Scotland, 33 in Wales and34 in England, all in 24hours between 4pm on Sat-urday 28th June and 4pmon Sunday 29th June. Theydid it in 25 hours in the end,but they accomplished theirgoal leaving a handmadepoppy in 104 memorialsthat they visited.

The one hundredth anniver-sary of World War I is beingmarked and celebratedaround the world and the4th August will be the offi-cial centenary of Britain’s

declaration of war against Germany. But Ben and his teamfaced their challenge on the 28th of June to signify the as-sassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, thatday of 1914. The death of the Archduke lead Austria-Hun-gary declaration of war against Serbia, leading the rest ofEuropean countries and their allies entering in the battle.World War I left over 9 million deaths worldwide.

In previous years, they have reach £6,000 and £7,000 for ei-ther the Motor Neurone Disease Association and/or Parkin-son’s UK.

They are still fundraising for Parkinson UK so if you want todonate or find out more about the 100 Challenge, pleasevisit http://www.ww100challenge.co.uk/

Ben Taylor cycles 100 miles forParkinson UK

21Charity & CSR

Send your Charity & CSR news toj.baskerville@jbaskerville.co.ukThe deadline for September is

14th August

Proud to support the legal sectorHere at Docutech Office Solutions we are proud to be a part of MLS Advantage. Over theyears we have gained experience in dealing with law firms to help improve work flowstrategies and reduce costs which has resulted from working closely with the Manches-ter Law Society.

We believe in building strong relationships with our clients and customers to create atrust between our businesses. By sponsoring the Manchester Legal Awards in March isan example of how much we value these relationships.

Docutech Office Solutions make it our business to know and understand your businessby undertaking a series of eco audits to determine print volume trends and requirementswhich enable us to choose which devices are specifically suited to law firms and repre-sent excellent value for money.

We pride ourselves on helping law firms to reduce spend on print as well as reducingunnecessary print consumption. We do this by providing a wide range of products andsoftware which are carefully selected to meet with the client’s requirements.

As one of the UK’s fastest growing independent suppliers, Docutech Office Solutions works alongside strategic firms. Wehave a first class infrastructure that allows us to evaluate, design and implement document management solutions that areconsistent with the requirements of law firms. We are very confident in saying that we can help any law firm through the in-stallation and maintenance they need to help their business operate at 100% productivity eliminating both down time andinterruption.

Many companies are concerned about the negative impact they are having on the environment. At Docutech Office Solu-tions caring for the environment forms a key part of our business strategy and it starts, naturally, with us. We have assessedthe impact of our operations on the environment and then taken steps to improve it.

Jason Dixon –Director:

‘Anyone can sell you a photocopier that will do more than you will everneed. It’s all about the service. There’s only one thing that I can guaran-tee, that these machines will breakdown when you least want them to.It’s how we react as a company to get you back up and running again assoon as possible.’

Call Jason on 0844 8932919

Management MattersThis column is now into its fifth year and feedback is still good. We would still like to receive observations and ideas for futureissues. Please mail Bill Kirby at billkirby@professionalchoiceconsultancy.com or the publisher Julia Baskerville atj.baskerville@btconnect.com

24 Feature

Enhancing the prospect experience

In March, I advised of the major software and infrastructuredevelopment by Poole Alcock to improve the services toclients utilising SOS software and infrastructure from MLS Ad-vantage member ConvergeTS. In July as well as moving intonew offices in Nantwich (The Dowery) they launched a newinstant quotation system for conveyancing available fromtheir website and participating estate agents and IFAs. Thisis utilising the Quotation system from search aggregatorETSOS – another MLS Advantage member. To capitalise onthis initiative the most the system will have seamless integra-tion with the SOS Connect product that assists in managingconveyancing cases for them. The ETSOS system then pro-vides compliantly all searches, ID checks and Lawyercheckerfrom the one platform.

Real courage and customer feedback

At last – for years the traditional methodology to meet theneeds of client satisfaction measurement was just at the endof a file when a survey form is sent to the client and/or a part-ner contacts the client and asks him about his experience –in reality that is probably all too late if we are serious aboutenhancing our client experience in this very competitive mar-ket.

Five or six years ago someone tried to get a real time offergoing with text messaging – it really didn’t happen. Evenusing the traditional methods just lip service was paid to theresults and very few firms had the courage to publish their re-sults. Surveys at the end of a matter tend to be rational andnot necessarily help with real time anger, frustration or evenhappiness

We all know NOW that clients and even prospects (rememberthe Cooper report on conversion) are the lifeblood of theirbusinesses - and the positive actions of your existing clientsand employees are what ultimately drives continuous im-provements to your business. So your ability to continuouslylisten and act on structured feedback from your clients andemployees is what will ultimately drive sustainable incomefor your business.

In the last few years smart phones have revolutionised how,what, when and where we access information that is impor-

tant to us. 29% of people say their phone is the first and lastthing they look at each day.

So if you are a firm that recognises the client experience is im-portant to the future – repeat business, cross selling, referraland advocacy we are now in a position to limit the impor-tance of the paper or e-mail based survey.

Manchester has a new business in SurveyMe www.survey-me.co.uk and I had the pleasure of meeting its principal LeeEvans (good for booking restaurants) lee@survey-me.co.ukThe company supplies a very smart piece of software deliv-ered by a free app. Created in Manchester, it certainly seemsfast, flexible, and compared to anything else you’ve used itwill save you time and money as an effective way of gettingcontinuous real-time intelligence about your business fromthe people who matter most – your clients and your employ-ees.

Lee confirms that “Creating any survey takes only a few min-utes with their easy to use online templates. You pick a sur-vey code that is memorable for you. You upload your logoand choose your firm’s colours. Then add your questionswhich if you are capable of writing an email then you’ll findeasy to do. And that’s it. Your survey is ready and live”.

You just need to communicate the survey code. You can dothat via a link on your website, via an email or SurveyMe’s freesmartphone app. In fact, it’s worth downloading the app justto see what other people are offering you for your feedbackeven now as a taster!

From what I can see non law firms can add innovative mar-keting offers (or rewards as SurveyMe calls them) to enticepeople to respond. These can be used to encourage clients totry other service lines or you can be innovative and createmarketing tie ups with your clients or local businesses.

For law firms I am very keen that clients get an opportunityto tell you real time how they feel about progress in their case,or what they think overall about your business in time so thatsomething can be done about it. This obviously means a cul-ture change for many staff and as you drive it through thesame tool can be used to measure staff satisfaction.

In Bound Enquiries and Moneypenny

Moneypenny (MLS Advantage member) has produced its lat-est quarterly statistics and confirms that for its clients, on av-erage 15% of in bound calls are new business enquiries –confirms all we have said about how well they are handled. Itis also interesting that Monday has been identified as thebusiest day of the week for inbound calls for law firms, withthe hours 10-11am and 1-2pm the busiest. Quarter 2 callswere recorded as being 13% up on Q1. Even more of a needto ensure the right processes and culture are in place.

Where is the money coming from?

Over the last 6 years IT spending in the legal sector has beensubdued. Delayed investment in IT and frustration at out-dated systems seem to have become the norm. With eco-nomic improvements and an upturn in business it could bethat some of the much needed investment will happen –both for systems and infrastructure.

According to legal finance specialists Syscap a survey earlierthis year said that 70% of law firms were planning softwareupgrades or purchases and 65% were planning to investmentin new hardware. It isn’t just about replacing like for like, lawfirms are also taking up the challenge of modern workingpractices with some 22% planning to invest in iPads.

Exciting but it doesn’t mean that spending will become freeflow say Syscap. For many law firms, bank lending is still con-strained and customers have got used to taking longer to set-tle bills. New hires, office space, marketing and IT are allcompeting for much-needed funds.

Syscap www.syscap.co.uk is the Law Society’s endorsed fi-nance provider and since 2012, they have provided more

than £180m of finance to the sector. With an office in Cheshirethey are also in a good position to understand the North Westmarket.

Syscap’s CEO, Philip White, says, “We have a long history ofworking with the legal profession and have tailored financialsolutions for the sector. Over the last three years, Syscap hasbeen able to support nearly 25% of the legal market provid-ing finance for investment in IT equipment, office space orcash flow management tools.” “Flexibility is key – the IT leasedoesn’t just have to cover hardware and software, Syscap canalso fund the cost of training, support and maintenance tospread the cost. Alongside its traditional needs, Syscap alsohas responded to the needs of the legal profession in recent years to fund tax bills, practising certificates, profes-sional indemnity insurance and partner buy-ins or buy-outs.

It would be interesting to compare Syscap’s claimed retentionrecord of 75% to that of a bank in recent years

We have written for months about our working capital issuesbut the market is picking up and we have to be able to mar-ket and offer excellent systems and client satisfaction. Care-ful funding is one way to do it - enabling the matching returnwith expenditure on a monthly basis rather than that big cap-ital blow.

The SRA is coming

According to Bill Jones “The SRA is about to embark on a Na-tional audit campaign of law firms as it does not believe thatthey are taking their statutory and regulatory anti-moneylaundering obligations seriously. There are growing concernsthat solicitors are generally turning a blind eye to their oblig-atory AML responsibilities and many of these concerns cen-tre on the lack of proper training. Be warned the SRA intendsto come down hard on firms that cannot demonstrate com-pliance.”

Regulation 21 of the Money Laundering Regulation 2007states “A relevant person must take appropriate measures sothat all relevant employees of his are:

•made aware of the law relating to money laundering and ter-rorist financing•Regularly given training in how to recognise and deal withtransactions and other activities which may be related tomoney laundering or terrorist financing.

The Law Society AML Practice Note recommends that rele-vant staff be given AML training at regular and appropriateintervals and that you should also consider retaining evi-dence of your assessment of training needs and steps takento meet such needs.

Bill Jones the chief executive of ML Solutions4U Ltd anotherMLS Advantage supplier www.mlsolutions4u.co.uk suppliesa new on-line training platform that will not only help lawfirms to comply with their legal obligations but will also helpthem protect against the risks of money laundering activity.Bill says “The innovative training includes access to formalAML training courses which explain the law and your staff’sobligations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and theMoney Laundering Regulations 2007 and it includes a num-ber of topical case scenarios with question and answer ses-sions. Staff will also be kept fully up to date with AMLdevelopments and emerging trends and they will receive reg-ular updates (by way of on-going refresher training) to ensurethat they are always alert to the risks of money laundering.This refresher training can also be accessed via any iPad,iPhone, or android by downloading the newly developedAML “app” from Google or the App Store”

Bill Kirby is a director of Professional Choice Consultancyoffering advice to firms on business issues from strategy,planning, business development, the effective use of ITapplications and IT hosting for compliance, business con-tinuity and DR. He can be contacted at billkirby@professionalchoiceconsultancy.com

MYSG NewsIt’s been a sunny summer ofsport this year and theMYSG is no different: ournewly appointed SportsSecretary, Simon Gerrard,has made arrangements forthe football team’s first fix-tures and a netball tourna-ment is on the horizon. Ifyou are interested in linkingup with other professionalsin Manchester, whether it’sfor golf, football, netball orany other sport, email himat s.gerrard@kennedys-law.com for details.

Our social calendar will alsobe filling up over the nextfew weeks, with plans for ahealth and exercise seminarto help keep (or get) that

beach body, a summer BBQand another girls’ night fol-lowing the success of ourbeauty and fashion eventearlier this year. We are alsoputting plans together towelcome our latest NQs tothe fold. Remember, mem-bership of the MYSG is freeto all qualified solicitors inthe North West and for de-tails of all upcoming eventsyou can check out our web-site and join our mailing listat www.mysg.org.uk

The MYSG has over 1,000members and we invitequalified solicitors up to 10years PQE (excluding Part-ners) from in and aroundManchester to join our

25Local News

MTSG NewsJust like that, it’s August andthe MTSG year is drawing toa close. Members remi-nisced at the final social ofthe year sponsored by thesociety’s long term friends,Anakin Seal, at Slug and Let-tuce in Spinningfields. Thesun was shining and the ter-race was packed with mem-bers enjoying their last‘MTSG Thursday’ beforeSeptember. Well done toSarah, Laura and Karolinafor their hard work organis-ing the biggest socials theMTSG has seen in recentyears. You’ll be a tough actfor next year’s committee tofollow!

The Summer Ball was thegreatest way to end the yearand although England lostout in Brazil, members cer-tainly made up for it at theBrazilian carnival themedball at IWM North on Friday18th July. A samba bandand welcome cocktails gotrevellers started and the fes-tival spirit carried onthroughout the night. Thisevent would not have beenpossible without the sup-port of Douglas Scott LegalRecruitment, who had alarge part in organising theevent with Helen, Kelly andNina, but also BLM, ExpressSolicitors, Wesleyan, Univer-sity of Law and Deans CourtChambers.

Whilst the social aspect ofthe MTSG winds up for thesummer, the CV boostingcontinues with a packedcalendar at the Coroner’sCourt. Nigel Meadows hasonce again volunteered histime to members to shadow

his daily inquests. This is ahugely popular scheme andwe are very grateful forNigel for his enthusiasmand involvement with theMTSG. If you haven’t alreadysecured a date to meetNigel, you may not be toolate. Email Mark,Mark.Maclean@blmlaw.comfor more information.

Finally, we have been ex-tremely impressed with thecalibre of candidates volun-teering to give up their timeto represent members onthe MTSG committee fromSeptember. The election re-sults will be announcednext month when I’ll say myfinal goodbye as MTSG

Chair - with a heavy heart!

Until then, don’t forget tocast your vote.

Raana AfsarpourExpress SolicitorsChair 2013/2014

The Manchester Trainee So-licitors Group provides social,educational, sporting andnetworking opportunities forjunior legal professionals inand around Manchester. Ifyou would like to join us as aparalegal, prospectivetrainee, trainee or newlyqualified solicitor, please visitthe ‘Join Us’ section of ourwebsite: www.mtsg.org.uk

You can download a PDF of the latest (and archived) editions of The Messenger at

www.manchesterlawsociety.org.uk

Guesswork is dead. Atleast, it is in digital mar-keting. With reams of dataat every marketer's finger-tips, there is no need to doanything based on as-sumptions or the say-so ofone partner.

Data is central to any digitalmarketing campaign.Whether it's search enginerankings, impressions, clickthrough rate, email openrates, social shares or costper click, receiving and in-terpreting data is part of aconstant cycle of incremen-tal improvements.

In short, data helps you un-derstand the needs of youraudience. Which search en-gines do they use, where dothey live, which pages dothey visit, how long did ittake them to make a deci-sion? Researching these as-pects could influence yourstrategy and stop you pour-ing money down the drain.And they're things that sim-ply can't be assumed orguessed.

Data powered designHowever, data is particularlypertinent when it comes todesign, user experience andconversion rate optimisa-tion (CRO). Whereas market-ing campaigns have mostlymeasurable results, site us-ability is traditionally lesstangible, and its effectsmore insidious.

CRO is all about diagnosingproblems with your websitethat are stopping visitorsprogressing to the next step.The data required is a com-bination of quantitative(solid figures and metricsfrom analytics pro-grammes), and qualitative(such as focus groups andsurveys). Other popularquantitative tools can in-clude form analytics to pin-point problems in yourcontact forms, and heatmapping to see where peo-ple clicked and scrolled on aweb page.

Once the sticking points arefound, the process canbegin of unpicking themand finding a solution,

tweaking the design or userexperience to generatemore conversions and moreleads. However, the focus ondata doesn't end there.

Testing, testing...One of the most importantsteps of CRO is A/B or Multi-variate testing; site visitorswill be shown one of severaldifferent variations of apage, and data revealswhich of those versions per-formed best. Making certainelements more prominent,subtly tweaking wording,shortening processes –there are a lot of variables totake into consideration, andnot even the most experi-enced expert would assumethey know best.

Understandably, everybodythinks they know best whenit comes to their businessand their website. But data isthe factual foundation thatcan underpin the gut feel-ings and the instincts of allinvolved, to help you fine-tune your website and yourdigital marketing.

Data: the driving force of digital

group. We arrange socialevents for solicitors, network-ing events with other profes-sional groups in Manchesterincluding bankers, account-ants and surveyors, educa-tional and CPD seminars,and other events which wethink will be of interest to ourmembers. Membership isfree and the costs of ourevents are met by sponsors.If you would like to join theMYSG and you do not cur-rently receive our emails,please email us atinfo@mysg.org.uk, or contactus through our website,www.mysg.org.uk or via ourFacebook page, "ManchesterLawyers".

26 PII

Former Manchester Law SocietyCouncil member, Michael Connor,has opened a new firm, Connor So-licitors, which is based at the Stock-port Business and InnovationCentre at Broadstone Mill, Reddish.

Connor Solicitors specialise inClaimant Personal Injury. Michael is aformer Partner at Thompsons and Rus-sell Jones and Walker in Manchester.

Most recently he was Head of Litiga-tion at Wigan firm Woodward Solici-tors. He is a Fellow of the Associationof Personal Injury Lawyers.

Talking about his new venture Michaelsaid that, “ Whilst these are undoubt-edly challenging times for Claimant PIfirms, given the ongoing attacks onthe rights of accident victims it is moreimportant than ever that those injuredthrough no fault of their own seek ex-pert advice from a specialist solicitor toensure that they receive fair compen-sation for their injuries.”

Michael Connor launches new PI firmin Reddish

Whilst the decision made by the SRA in early July came as no surprise to many in theinsurance industry, there has been some speculation by insurers, insurance interme-diaries and solicitors as to what the reduction in minimum terms is going to mean inreality. Over the last 10 years we’ve seen numerous changes to the Professional Indem-nity Insurance (PII) landscape, and the industry is well versed in how to accommodateregulatory updates, but the minimum terms have been, on the whole, a constantthroughout this time.

What the change in minimum terms means

The ability to reduce your minimum coverage to £500k (down from £2million) will pro-vide a benefit to solicitors in the form of flexibility; however this option may only beavailable to solicitors operating in specific sectors. Solicitors operating in spaces withtraditionally large claims (like conveyancing) may struggle to find reputable insurerswilling to offer lower coverage terms. Whether or not your firm “qualifies” for a reducedlimit will primarily depend on your area of expertise, your claims history and your riskmanagement. PII claims are nearly always unexpected and it must be borne in mindthat with the an aggregation clause within the policy it is possible that an insurer mayadd up a number of claims and treat them as one claim (in certain circumstances). A£500,000 limit may be too low in this event.

Will you see your PII premium reduce?

The SRA have stated that the decision was reached off the back of research that sug-gests a 5% reduction in premium would be expected from a reduction in minimumterms. Whilst we can’t say how the outcome to this research was reached, we havebeen in contact with numerous insurers on how this will affect their pricing.

Generally speaking, renewing your existing insurance (with your current limit) is not

likely to have a dramatic effect on pricing. For those that opt for a lower limit (and as-suming an insurer is willing to offer these terms) a marginal reduction may be forth-coming. Whether this is in line with the actual value of the product and the protectionit provides you, will depend on the construction of your policy and understanding ofyour risk profile.

Why might my PII premium stay the same if my limit is reduced?

This issue is largely down to one thing, exposure to claims for the insurer. The SRA’sresearch show that most claims fall within the £500,000 limit which means that mostof the premium is paid to cover this limit. As the SRA still requires 6 years of run-off inevery PII policy, insurers have the potential to see claims come in long after a firm haveclosed down (and hence be unable to continue paying premium). By accepting a lowercoverage for a firm the insurer is potentially increasing the likelihood of a firm facinga fatal claim. For instance:

Firm X secures the minimum coverage term from Insurer Y of £500k in October 2014.In January 2015 Firm X suffers a PI claim of £1.5m, of which only £500k is covered underthe existing PI policy. Faced with a £1m uninsured loss, Firm X is forced to close. InsurerY is then left liable for the run-off of the now closed firm and any additional claimsmade against the (now closed) Firm X.

Will insurers allow me to have the new minimum coverage term?

Perhaps. As mentioned previously the flexibility to reduce your indemnity limit willmainly depend on the type of law you practice and the insurer you approach. We areaware of one major insurer who will not offer less than £1m limit for the reasons givenabove. We would recommend that Solicitors desiring lower limits ensure they have:

• Access to an experienced broker with a wide reach of available markets

• A good track record of claims and claims management

• Proven risk management disciplines and procedures

Our advice has been that no solicitor considering early renewal should be dismayedby the prospect of pending regulatory change. For those that genuinely believe theircurrent limits are too high, speak to a specialist. An experienced broker has the knowl-edge and expertise to discuss issues involved in choosing the right level of cover.

Colin Taylor CIRMExecutive Director, FINEX Global, UKPIWillis

SRA opt for reduced minimum terms for Professional Indemnity Insurance

A new 1million pound philanthropic fund has todaybeen unveiled to improve the lives of people who havesuffered serious work based injury or illness.

Law firm Slater & Gordon has launched the fund for projectsto improve treatments and care for people diagnosed withasbestos related diseases, a work related cancer, or who havesuffered a catastrophic spinal or brain injury. £500,000 forprojects in the UK and an additional $1million AUD in Aus-tralia will be provided by 2020.

The fund will support not-for-profit groups, health and reha-bilitation organisations and research bodies with grants ofbetween £500 and £12,500 as part of the philanthropic pro-gram.

It would also back prevention, education and informationsharing projects amongst medical and other health profes-sionals.

John Webber, UK Chairman of Slater & Gordon, said the fundshowed the firm’s commitment to improving health andsafety across workplaces and the community and to ensurethe best possible care and treatment is available when illnessand injury has not been prevented.

He said: “We have a nearly 80-year history of advocating forthe rights of people who have asbestos and occupation-caused cancer and those with significant injuries.

“We work closely with our courageous clients and see theenormous impact that illness, injury and disability have onthem and their families.

“We are proud to advocate for social justice and law reform,and this new philanthropic fund is a further way of advanc-

ing our goal of seeing that our clients receive the best possi-ble treatment, support and quality of life.”Applicants for the Slater & Gordon Health Projects and Re-search Fund, which is a joint venture between the firm’s UKand Australian businesses, are now being encouraged toapply.

The applications will be assessed by an advisory committeeof members from the UK and Australia with extensive expert-ise in medicine, health, rehabilitation and support.

Mr Webber added: “We are bringing together medical ex-perts; a carers’ advocate; a nurse consultant specialising incare of people suffering with asbestos-related diseases, andimportantly, a senior social worker with two decades of ex-perience in the care and support of people with spinal andbrain injuries.

“To be successful, this level of investment needs an expertcommittee to help guide funding decisions and to make surethe relative merits of applications are well assessed.”

The committee includes a number of leading medical ex-perts including Professor Dean Fennell, Head of the LungCancer Research Programme at the University of Leicester,Mark Wilson, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Imperial CollegeLondon and Liz Darlison, Consultant Nurse at MesotheliomaUK.

Also on the committee are Dr Fiona Lecky, Clinical Professorat the University of Sheffield and Salford Royal NHS Founda-tion Trust and Fahed Selmi, Senior Consultant at the North-west Regional Spinal Injuries Centre in Southport.

To register to receive your copy of the application form emailresearchfund@slatergordon.co.uk or call 0800 916 9076.

Law firm launch £1,000,000 Philanthropic Fund

John Webber

29Local News

32 Lifestyle

The Truth About Personal TrainingWith ‘qualifications’ able to be gained part-time in just 6 weekends, the barriers to entryin personal training are, well, embarrassingly low, and the market has become floodedwith self professed ‘experts’ who are anything but.

Here’s how you can avoid the most common pitfalls in choosing a personal trainer, stopwasting your hard earned money, and get the best bang for your buck:

1. Do your research. As you legal eagles will know, there’s nothing like due diligencewhen entering an agreement! You’re not buying a pair of socks, you’re searching forsomeone to trust with your body and your health, not to mention your investment oftime, effort, and hard-earned money. It’s worth finding someone who is right for you.

Some trainers will train anyone with a pulse and a wallet – a good trainer should haveminimum standards as to who they will train. If they don’t, move on.

2. How personal is it? Often personal training is anything but, with cookie cutter plansemployed with every client. If a trainer throws you straight into your first session with-out assessing your current situation and starting point through an objective screeningprocess, that trainer does not have the necessary information to develop a truly per-sonal plan for you.

3. Passion, enthusiasm, and intelligence! A great trainer will be passionate and enthusi-astic about helping you to be successful, and have the intelligence to absorb and applynew information to your unique circumstances.

If you don’t sense these things when first meeting a trainer, move on and find someoneelse.

4. Fire these trainers: anyone who stands next to you on a treadmill/cross trainer onyour paying time (fire them quicker if they do their hair in the mirror while you’re doingit). The ‘nutritionist’ who has no credible nutrition qualification – remember that theterm ‘nutritionist’ is NOT legally protected in the UK! Anyone who is NOT getting youthe results you’re paying for, can provide no explanation as to why you’re not gettingresults and/or has no plan as to how you’re going to get results!

5. Results! Any good trainer should objectively quantify and show you your resultsevery 3-4 weeks. Both trainer and client must be accountable – if I don’t do my job as atrainer, I expect my clients to fire me! Don’t settle for anything less – you deserve more,so expect more!

three sixtyº Personal Training is based on Bridge St and is a unique, private per-sonal training gym dedicated to taking care of Manchester’s busy professionals.

For more information visit www.threesixtypersonaltraining.co.uk, call Matt on07971 192357, or email matt@360personaltraining.co.uk twitter: @threesixtyfit facebook: /threesixtyfit

Manchester Law Society Members receive a 10% discount on personal trainingupon production of their Benefits of Membership Card

Monthly Competition

To win a Spa afternoon 2 x 30 minute treatments plus use of the facilitiesanswer the following question:

Q: In which Hotel is Spa 303 located:and send to FranEccles-Bech@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk no later than 14th August 2014

The winner of the 47 King Street competition was Naeem Dean of Croftons.

Escape to Manchester's most exclusiveand finest sanctuary for the senses, Spa303.

Situated in the heart of the city within TheHilton, the brand-new spa with beautyservices, combines time honored traditionsand modern day technology to offer youexclusive treatments in an uber-luxuriousenvironment that asserts Parisian chic.

When it comes to skincare experience, Spa303 boasts one of the best teams of beautytherapists in the north-west to help yourelax, rejuvenate, revitalize and look yourbest.

Take it all in; the plush atmosphere, the oh-so-indulgent services; the exquisite, one-of-a-kind treatments.

The W according to Fran

rld 33Lifestyle

To book an appointment please contact a member of theteam on 0161 870 1789 or visithttp://www.spa303.co.uk/

I’m originally from Stoke on Trent and it has taken me nearly 30 years to fully under-stand Mancunian speak. Similarly teenagers appear to have their own language,which needs deciphering! I saw this recently and thought I would share it with you...

DeadWhat it usually means: No longer alive.What it means in Manchester:Extremely, e.g., “I was dead chuffed with myexam results.”

HangingWhat is usually means: To be suspendedfrom something.What it means in Manchester: Disgusting,e.g., “That chip butty looks ‘angin.”

SoundWhat it usually means: Vibrations thattravel through the air, noise. What it means in Manchester:Good/decent.

CockWhat it usually means:Cockerel/rooster/male appendage.What it means in Manchester:Term of affection.

BuzzingWhat it usually means: A low, continuoushumming sound; the noise a bee makes.What it means in Manchester:Happy/excited.

BrewWhat it usually means: Beer, or themethod you use to make it.What it means in Manchester: A cup of tea.

Our KidWhat it usually means: Your child.What it means in Manchester:A sibling or close friend.

MintWhat it usually means: An aromatic herbused to flavour food and drinks, or a pep-permint flavoured sweet.What it means in Manchester: Good, e.g.,“That New Order gig at Jodrell Bank wasproper mint.”

Until next month...I’m off for a mint brew, I’m buzzin...

Fran Eccles-BechChief Executive

Where skincare and beauty is taken seriously

Expert Witnesses

Commercial Property Locum Solicitor available. Computer lit-erate. Recent experience includes a year’s CommercialProperty Locum work for a lead-ing commercial practice. PhonePaul Bryson at 01457 763340 ore-mail paul.bryson@virgin.net

Senior residential and commercial property Solicitorwith over 4 years continuousLocum experience offers you costeffective solutions for holidaymaternity and sickness cover .NoAgency fees to pay. Please contact Martin Libman on 0161485 1240 or 07939 508543.

18 years as Locum Solicitors inthe North West. Tel JohnBradley/Lynda Greenwood 07790612906 Available to deal withConveyancing and Family.

WHY PAY AGENCY FEES?Senior Residential Property Solicitor with over 30 years coveyancing experience (29 yearsas a sole practitioner) availablefor holidays, maternity and sickness cover. Reasonable rates.If I can help, please telephoneDavid on 07896 617287 (or emaildavidswann8491@hotmail.co.uk) further details and availability.

DUAL QUALIFIED, very experi-enced criminal specialist advo-cate with higher rights. Crimework and Crown Court work.Very resonable rates, short termlocum contract considered. Please contact Christine on01772 741816 or 07967 530138

Mark Mattison, a Mediatorbased in South Manchester is

available for commercial mediations and for training on

all forms of ADR.

07831 302797mark@markmattison.co.ukwww.markmattison.co.uk

Solicitor with 23 years experience in such matters

available on an Agency basisto assist firms who wish to

keep clients in-house. Please contact by email

harryrosenblum@hotmail.co.ukor telephone/fax: 0161 445 1850

Shareholder Disputes

Classified DirectoryCEDR Mediation

Contact us....THE MANCHESTER LAW SOCIETY64 Bridge Street, Manchester M3 3BNTel: 0161 831 7337 Fax: 0161 839 2631www.manchesterlawsociety.org.ukEditor: Fran Eccles-BechE-mail: FranEccles-Bech@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk

Publisher: Julia Baskerville Publications25 Southworth Way, College Farm, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 2WWTel/Fax: 01253 829431 E-mail: j.baskerville@jbaskerville.co.uk

Advertising enquiresj.baskerville@jbaskerville.co.ukwww.baskerville-publications.co.uu

All rights reserved, reproduction in whole or part without written permission from the Publisher and Manches-ter Law Society is not permitted. Photographic material and manuscripts are supplied at owners risk, neither thecompany not its agents accept any liability for loss or damage.

The Society welcomes articles and letters from members on any topic and items should be sent to the above ad-dress

The views and opinions expressed in the Manchester Messenger are those of the individual contributors and notof the Manchester Law Society

Locums

Notary Public

Notary Public John Cusack

worldwide documents Notarised

accessible & efficient servicehome & office visits

well-established (since 1984)& experienced

tel: 0797 332 9791

jocusa@live.co.uk

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seeks position (full time or part time).

Over 30 years coveyancing experience

(29 years as a sole practitioner) Anywhere in the Greater

Manchester area.Email: davidswann8491@hotmail.co.uk

or telephone David on 07896 617287

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Couriers

City centre based couriers covering all aspects of courier work and more.

Contact 0161 272 7576 Mike or Steve.

Easedale is a delightful rural retreat set in several acres of wooded hillside groundswhich are graced with the presence of many different varieties of birds, badgers,deer and red squirrels - one in particular who regularly visits the tree right outsidethe front door!

There are some well-known walks from the door including Alcock Tarn, Loughrigg,Fairfield and the Rydal Round. Grasmere village is only a short walk down the hill,where you will find a wealth of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs and the famousGingerbread shop. Dove Cottage and Grasmere lake are also only a short walkaway.

Accommodation: Front door entrance into hallway with space for coats and boots.Door leading off to the sitting room/dining room/bedroom (TV/DVD/CD/Ipoddocking station), which has high ceilings, period cornicing and large sash win-dows with lovely views towards Grasmere lake and Silver Howe beyond. Furtherdoors lead off the hallway to the shower room with corner shower, basin and wc,and also to the well equipped kitchen in a modern shaker style.

Available for short breaks Friday to Monday, Monday to Friday or week long book-ings in October, November & December 2012 and January – March 2013 from aslittle as £200

To check availability please email petershrigley@hotmail.com or call07810 793649

Grasmere in the Lake District Autumn and Winter breaks from £200

To place an advertisement inThe Messenger please call Julia Baskerville on

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or email j.baskerville@jbaskerville.co.uk

www.baskerville-publications.co.uk Kitchens and Bedrooms

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34 Classified

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