PRESIDENT'S NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2026

As we head into the New Year I would on behalf of the newly renamed The Newcastle and North of England Law Society like to thank all our members and membership firms for their continued support and wish everyone all the very best for 2026 and wishing you good health, happiness and success in all that you do.

As we enter 2026 it is a very big year for the Society as we celebrate our Bicentennial and like The National Law Society who also celebrated their own 200^th year last year we have a series of exciting events to mark our own landmark.

Indeed, following our Extraordinary General Meeting on the 8^th December I am very proud to say that we have fulfilled my own pledge of growth as President of the Society and have now changed our Articles of Association to become The Newcastle and North of England Law Society. This sees us amalgamating with both Carlisle and District Law Society and Tees Valley Law Society to become one of the largest law societies in the country and expand our events and services into both North Cumbria and the Tees Valley.     

I also wanted to reflect on another event we held in December as on the 4^th December we hosted another Property Law Seminar with support of our friends at Trinity Chambers and The National Law Society including a review on the Renters’ Rights Bill and Adverse Possession which was kindly hosted by Ward Hadaway.    

We have a number of important events coming up including:

Thursday 29^th January - We are hosting another Managing Partners and Heads of Office Forums when member firms can join us for a roundtable discussion about obtaining B Corp certification. We are delighted that Emma Gaudern, CEO of EMG Solicitors has agreed to share her experience of achieving B Corp accreditation for EMG Solicitors. This is kindly being hosted by Irwin Mitchell at their Newcastle Offices. To reserve your place please contact Sanchia or our office via e-mail: mail@newcastlelawsociety.co.uk.

Thursday 5^th February – Past Presidents Dinner We again have the sincere pleasure in inviting all serving Past Presidents to the formal Annual Dinner on at Northern Counties Club.

Wednesday 11^th February - Cocktail Evening in Aid of Child Brain Injury Trust Join us for a stylish and indulgent Valentine’s-themed cocktail evening in support of my Presidents charity of the year the Child Brain Injury Trust. Set within the modern surroundings of Parklane Plowden’s Newcastle chambers, this is the perfect mid-week treat. Further details of how to book your tickets are available here: https://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/events/cocktail-evening-2/  

Please do get involved and encourage your firm or others to do likewise and join as members using this link:  https://www.newcastlelawsociety.co.uk/index.cfm/membership/

Please note that there are corporate rates for larger firms also. Please also follow our page on LinkedIn.

If you would like any more information about any of the above or book any tickets, please contact Sanchia or our office via e-mail:  mail@newcastlelawsociety.co.uk.