Law Society launches Junior Solicitors Network and support hub

The Law Society has launched the Junior Solicitors Network – to be known as JSN – in a bid to “positively engage and support” junior solicitors, discuss issues they face and provide easy access to information and resources to support their career development.

Law Society vice president, Nick Emmerson, said he was “delighted” to launch the JSN, which would allow junior solicitors “the time and space” to inform the Society about the issues they face and what more the Law Society can do to support them.

“The Law Society’s varied programme of activities and resources throughout the year will address the pressing issues for junior solicitors and help them develop in their legal careers,” added Emmerson.

The Law Society has also established a JSN Advisory Committee to help the regulator “formulate plans and deliver effectively against the priorities and issues of junior solicitors”.

The vice president said: “The committee will also be able to help the Law Society as it refines content for a flagship conference on the Future of Work, suggest speakers for webinars looking at workplace culture and help shape in-person topical seminars and networking held in London, Wales and the regions.

“More widely, the committee will work with the Law Society as it influences on legal aid, wellbeing, accessibility of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and our flagship initiative on 21st century justice.”

As part of the JSN, the Law Society has also launched the Juniors Web Hub. The hub will provide easy access to member news, information and upcoming events. It will also have a range of resources to support career and personal development, working practices and wellbeing.

Emmerson said the Law Society was making this transition now “within the wider context of the Law Society working closely and collaboratively with regional and local grouping such as local JLDs and local law societies and shifting from operating siloed ‘divisions’ to establishing inclusive and joined up working via Law Society ‘networks’ in order to encourage greater collaboration and exchange of ideas and perspectives.

“We look forward to working with the JSN Advisory Committee, National Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) Committee and local JLDs throughout the next year and beyond,” he concluded.

The current vice-chair of the Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), Darja Cernobrivec, will become the JSN Advisory Committee’s first chair. She will hold this role until October 2023.

Cernobrivec commented: “I am delighted to launch our new Junior Solicitors Network today. Speaking to junior solicitors across the country, one major need emerged above all others, the need for increased engagement and support for junior and aspiring solicitors.

“We will play our part to ensure that junior solicitors don’t feel alone, but rather a part of one inclusive profession with common vision and determination to excel in their careers and promote the rule of law.”

The Law Society said it will continue to support and collaborate with the National JLD Committee – which will be fully independent from the Law Society, with its own independent voice and programme of work.

The National JLD Committee is comprised of representatives from all of the local JLDs across England and Wales and represents the views of junior lawyers up to five years post-qualified experience (PQE) and campaigns on their behalf.

Junior lawyers interested in getting involved with the National Junior Lawyers Division, can contact Cernobrivec at JuniorLawyers@LawSociety.org.uk