About the Leeds JLD
The JLD - Who are we?
The national Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) was created by the Law Society in January 2008
merging the TSG and the YSG. The JLD was established to represent the interests of LPC students,
trainees and solicitors of up to 5 years post qualification experience.
The JLD operates on both national and local levels. On a local level, JLD groups provide numerous
social and networking opportunities and professional development experiences, as well as many other
benefits all concentrated within a particular region.
What do we offer?
Leeds JLD will provide a variety of social and networking events, sporting fixtures, Pro Bono
opportunities and careers advice and support. We aim to ensure that everyone benefits from their JLD membership. Should you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact a
member of the committee.
We look forward to seeing as many of our members as possible at our events over the coming year.
The 2010/11 Leeds JLD Committee
Grace Cowling - Chair
I am Newly Qualified solicitor in Commercial Litigation at Gordons LLP.
I was Vice Chair on the JLD committee in 2009 – 2010 and really enjoyed the experience of helping the committee to plan and organise the various events.
Through my role as Chair of the Leeds JLD 2010 – 2011 I will bring continuity to the committee. I hope to help increase the reputable and growing links of the JLD within the community. My aim is to organise a varied and exciting calendar of events from educational to social and bring the National JLD issues to the attention of our members.
I hope that you will all enjoy the events that we have lined up for the new JLD year and I look forward to meeting many of you.
If you would like to make any suggestions for social events, educational workshops, sporting or charity events leave general feedback or if you would like any further information about the JLD please feel free to email me.
Matthew Tighe - Vice Chair
I am a qualified solicitor working in the Commercial Litigation Department at Stewarts Law.
I studied law at Leicester University and completed the LPC at the College of Law in London.
As Vice-Chair I will be supporting Chair in the day to day running of the JLD as well as assisting other committee members where needed. This is the second year I have been involved with the JLD and I have found it a great way to meet people and network.
Clare Appleyard - Events Officer
I am a Paralegal at Irwin Mitchell specialising in Serious Injury claims. I graduated from The University of Leeds in 2007 and went on to complete my LPC and Master's degree in legal Practice at BPP Law School in 2008. I have been working as a Personal Injury Paralegal for 2 years now and thoroughly enjoy my job! As part of my role on this year's JLD committee, I hope to promote the role of a Paralegal across Leeds and provide a much needed voice for Paralegals at Events and socials.
As one of this year's Event's officers, I will be responsible, along with my colleague Paul Colman, for organising this year's social calendar. My aim for the year, is to organise a varied and interesting calendar of events and to promote awareness of the JLD and it's sponsors in Leeds.
If you have any ideas, comments or suggestions about the JLD or our events for the forthcoming year, please do not hesitate to contact me on clare.appleyard@irwinmitchell.com. I look forward to seeing you at the events!
Chris Lewis - Media Officer
I work in the Business Acceptance Unit at Addleshaw Goddard LLP, where I will be commencing a training contract in September 2011.
As Media Officer, I will be responsible for updating the website and looking after our social media sources, as well as helping out with events organization throughout the year.
I look forward to meeting you all at one of our many events!
Chris Burns - Education Officer
I am a solicitor at Robin Simon LLP.
As education officer I will be looking to increase the role of the JLD in organising, supporting and encouraging training events with a specific focus on what is important for young lawyers.
I will also be looking to arrange a variety of opportunities for JLD members to bolster their CVs and get involved in developing essential skills. I hope to do this by developing links with other members of the legal and non-legal community.
If you have any ideas for events, or have anything in mind you want to do that the JLD might be able to support you with then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Here’s hoping for a good year!
The 2009/10 Leeds JLD Committee
Natasha Whiddon - Chair
I am a second year trainee at Hammonds currently working in Commercial & Dispute Resolution.
I sat on the JLD committee in 2008 – 2009 and really enjoyed the experience of helping to plan and
organise the various events.
Through my role as Chair of the Leeds JLD 2009 – 2010 I will bring continuity to the committee. I hope
to help increase the reputable and growing links of the JLD within the community, as well as organise
a varied and exciting calendar of events.
I hope that you will all enjoy the events that we have lined up for the new JLD year; I look forward to
meeting many of you at these.
If you would like to make any suggestions for events, leave general feedback or if you would like any
further information about the JLD please email me.
natasha.whiddon@hammonds.com.
Grace Cowling - Vice Chair
I am a second year trainee solicitor at Gordons LLP.
As Vice-Chair I will be supporting Chair in the day to day running of the JLD as well as assisting other
committee members where needed.
Having only moved to Leeds in 2008 I have found the Leeds JLD very useful and supportive socially
as well as educationally as far as developing essential skills for lawyers.
I hope to maintain the welcoming environment I have experienced and continue to build upon the hard
work of last years’ committee.
Kate Eccles - Treasurer
I am a second year trainee solicitor at Irwin Mitchell LLP. I graduated from the University of Leeds in
2006 and completed my LPC at BPP Law School, Leeds in 2007.
As Treasurer, my role is to monitor our income and expenditure. I will also work with other committee
members to organise events throughout the year and promote the various opportunities Leeds JLD
offers.
Laura Bowler - Press Officer
I am currently in the second year of my training contract at Clarion Solicitors LLP, having undertaken
the LLB at Newcastle University and the LPC at Northumbria University.
As Press Officer, I am responsible for promoting the Leeds JLD to both its members and external
organisations. Over the next year, I hope to raise the profile of the JLD in Leeds. If you would like any
further information about the Leeds JLD, its work and future events please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Lucy Pollard - FELT Officer - Representing Firms with Eight or Less Trainees
I am a second year trainee at Last Cawthra Feather LLP. I studied Law at the University of
Birmingham and then the LPC at BPP in Leeds.
As FELT Officer my role is to give those working at small-medium size firms a voice on the JLD.
I intend to organise events throughout the year that are specifically for firms with less than 8 trainees,
hopefully leading to more representation and integration from FELT firms at the larger JLD events.
I also intend to organise a FELT Sports Team so that if you are an individual, who wants to join in,
you will have a team ready and waiting for you! I shall keep FELT firms regularly updated with what
is happening at the JLD and how to get involved in all aspects of JLD life!
Matthew Tighe - Charities Officer
I am a second year trainee at Stewarts Law, who are a niche litigation firm based in Leeds and London.
I studied law at Leicester University and completed the LPC at the College of Law in London.
As Charities Officer I am responsible for liaising with charities and for increasing awareness amongst
junior lawyers in the Leeds area. I hope to organise a number of fund raising events in 2009/2010
and raise as much money as possible for charitable causes.
If you have any questions or suggestions for fundraising events, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
mtighe@stewartslaw.com
Amy Wright - Sports
I am a paralegal at Gordons LLP in the Risk and Compliance Department.
I completed a law degree at the University of Leicester following which I completed the
LPC at BPP in Leeds.
As girls sports officer I will organise a number of fun and varied events throughout the year including
working with Tom to organise mixed events, so there should be something for everyone.
If anyone has any ideas for sporting events, please let either Tom or I know. I look forward to meeting
you all.
Tom Dennis - Sports
I am a second year trainee at Blacks Solicitors LLP.
In my role as sports officer I aim to increase participation in sport by JLD members by
building on current successes and introducing new opportunities for people to take part.
Along with Amy, I will be supporting the current sports and sporting events that the JLD offers and
liaising with members of the Leeds legal community to try and expand on what the JLD is able to do
in supporting it's members in taking part in sport.
As Amy says if you have any ideas for teams or events that you think the JLD may be able to help
you with or would like information on what we currently offer just get in touch.
Leah Carson - Events Officer
I am a second year trainee at Hammonds LLP.
As Events Officer I believe that social events run and attended by young lawyers in and around the
Leeds area are crucial for anyone who works hard but enjoys meeting like minded people
and being able to socialise and develop a network of friends within the same career sphere.
I have a few ideas, would welcome more suggestions, and would love to make the coming year
an even bigger social success!
Kathly Poon - Events Officer
I am a qualified solicitor working in the Employment Law Department at Levi Solicitors LLP.
As events officer for the JLD I will be responsible in ensuring future events are as exciting as
possible and getting the JLD members together.
I look forward to seeing old members and welcoming the new members to the Leeds JLD.
Walter Coupe - Website
I grew up in South Africa and studied economics and law at the University of Stellenbosch and
completed the equivalent of the LPC at Cape Town University, going on to complete my
training contract at a commercial law firm in Cape Town.
Having come to the UK for it's great weather and excellent food I find myself with DWF in it's insurance
department.
My role is to administer and update the website so if you have any information or photos you want
to share, please get in touch!
walter.coupe@dwf.co.uk
The 2008/9 Leeds JLD Committee
Heidi Sandy - Chair
I am a 2 year qualified solicitor working in the Commercial Litigation Department at Gordons LLP. I
hope that you will enjoy the events that we are planning, which will give you the opportunity to
meet up with some old faces and new.
As Chair of the first Leeds JLD committee my aim, together with the rest of the committee, is to
continue to build on the good work done by previous committees of the TSG & YSG.
As a member of the Leeds JLD, you have the opportunity to get involved as little or as much as you
want. We hope that you will enjoy our events, ranging from our formal Balls and social events to
education and sports opportunities.
heidi.sandy@gordonsllp.com
Natasha Whiddon - Vice Chair
I am a trainee at Hammonds. As Vice-Chair I will be helping to support the Chair in the day-to-day
running of the JLD. I hope to use my role within the committee to help establish a reputable and growing
JLD for the lawyers of Leeds. This will include increasing membership as well as establishing
strong links with the community and potential sponsors for the JLD.
I will also take an active role in working with other committee members to help organise and run
the JLD events. Through these I hope to ensure the members get the most out of being involved with the
JLD.
natasha.whiddon@hammonds.com
Ruth Cockshott - Secretary
I am a trainee solicitor with Gordons LLP.
I completed a politics degree at Warwick University and then worked in immigration law for a year
before completing the GDL and LPC at BPP Law School in Leeds.
Having always lived in this region, I have a keen interest in strengthening the ties amongst
young solicitors in Leeds and promoting the fundraising and professional development opportunities
that the Leeds JLD has to offer.
Samantha Bristow - Events Officer
I am a second year trainee solicitor at Walker Morris. As the events officer I am excited by the challenge
of getting trainees, paralegals and newly qualified solicitors together and involved in the group and
ensuring the JLD has a vibrant calendar of stimulating events. I look forward to meeting many of
you at future events.
samantha.bristow@walkermorris.co.uk
Nazia Ahmed - Events Officer
I am a second year trainee solicitor at Blacks Solicitors LLP.
As events officer for the JLD it is my job to organise and come up with new ideas for future events.
I hope that you have enjoyed the events so far
If you have any suggestions or thoughts on future or existing events please let either me or Sam know.
NAhmed@lawblacks.com
Robert Farrell - Treasurer
I am a second year trainee at Addleshaw Goddard LLP, having graduated from the University of Leeds
in 2006. As Treasurer, it is my job to monitor our income and expenditure.
robert.farrell@addleshawgoddard.com
Deborah Harvey - PR Officer
I am in the second year of my training contract at Walker Morris, having studied at Leeds University,
and then the College of Law in York.
deborah.harvey@walkermorris.co.uk
Suzette Scott - Charities Officer
I am a second year trainee at Walker Morris. I studied Law & Accountancy at the University of
Manchester and completed the LPC at BPP Law School, Leeds in 2005.
As Charities Officer, I am responsible for increasing awareness amongst junior lawyers in the Leeds
area.
If you have any questions or suggestions for fundraising events, please do not hesitate to contact me.
suzette.scott@walkermorris.co.uk
Lemi McAuley - National JLD Liaison Officer
I am your National JLD Representative. I am a second year trainee at Cobbetts LLP.
I am looking forward to working with my fellow members of the Committee in organising a variety of
interesting events this year and also representing Leeds JLD members’ interests at National
JLD meetings.
Verity Halliday - Student and Small Firms Representative
I am a paralegal working in the Risk and Compliance Department at Gordons LLP. I am in the
second year of the LPC at BPP in Leeds which I undertake part time at the weekends and have a
training contract with Gordons LLP to begin in 2010.
As Student and Small Firms Representative I aim to be their voice on the committee and their
contact for any queries. With regards to students, this is the first time they have had a representative
on the committee, therefore I am building relations with BPP and Leeds Met.
verity.halliday@gordonsllp.com