A year on the Devon & Somerset Junior Lawyers Division Committee (2023/2024)

Written by Alex S.

Having graduated from the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus in 2023, I returned to Devon to begin my legal career as a Paralegal at Knights in their Exeter office. Despite knowing Exeter well, my professional network was almost non-existent, and I struggled to integrate into the legal sphere. My new colleagues encouraged me to attend Devon & Somerset Junior Lawyers Division (DSJLD) events, where I engaged with local legal professionals and connected with Committee members. Every member I spoke with was incredibly enthusiastic about the JLD, and this enthusiasm led me to the DSJLD AGM, where I put myself forward for the role of National Representative (and fortunately got elected!).

For the past 11 months as National Representative, I have significantly developed my skills in leadership, networking, and event organisation. Through attending and organizing JLD events, I’ve not only strengthened my connections with junior lawyers across the country but also learned invaluable skills in public speaking, collaboration, and time management. I don’t for a moment regret attending that first AGM, and I hope the below will encourage you to attend our next one in December!

Building Your Network

Joining the DSJLD Committee places you in a diverse team of individuals from a range of backgrounds and firms across the region. This gives you an invaluable opportunity to expand both your personal and professional network. Not only do you work closely with the other Committee members, but you’re also introduced to members of their extended networks. Working with other legal professionals at similar career stages helps create a genuine sense of community and this support network now means you’re connecting with people you can collaborate with, refer clients to, or even work alongside in the future.

Joining the Committee truly fast-tracks your integration into the local legal community and strengthens your professional circle in a unique way.

?Attending and Organising Events

One of the most enjoyable parts of joining the DSJLD Committee is having a say in the events we host. While not every event will be for everyone, we encourage new members to contribute ideas and help shape the events calendar. Other than budget, the only real limitation is your creativity!

In the 2023/2024 term, we’ve hosted a diverse range of events, including hikes, pub lunches, educational webinars, charity events such as the Devon Air Ambulance 10k run, and of course, our annual quiz. These events offer a relaxed setting to network, collaborate, and learn. Who knows what the 2024/2025 term will hold, but if you’d like to influence this, make sure to apply for a role on the Committee.

?The Role of National Representative

Out of all the roles on the Committee, the National Representative role appealed to me the most, as it provided a platform to connect with local legal professionals and represent them on a national level. The phrase “think nationally, act locally” perfectly summarises the mindset needed for the role, as does the chance to attend regular National Representative meetings with JLD representatives from across the UK. These meetings reinforce the importance of collaboration and allow us to exchange ideas, challenges, and solutions that impact junior lawyers nationwide.

You’re even encouraged to travel to Chancery Lane to attend an annual in-person meeting, which I recently did—it was an invaluable opportunity to strengthen relationships with other representatives. Hosting events with other local JLDs is also encouraged; for instance, we co-hosted an online event this year with Plymouth JLD, which was very well received. Collaborative working is therefore an essential part of the National Representative role, which can foster some fantastic connections.

?How to Join the Committee

I hope I’ve made a strong case for joining the JLD Committee, and if you’re interested, you’re likely wondering, “How do I get involved?”

Our annual terms run from December to December, with each Committee elected at our Annual General Meeting (AGM)—the date for which will be announced soon. Ahead of the meeting, we encourage those interested to submit their desired role(s) and a summary of their manifesto, so keep an eye out for communications via our LinkedIn as we approach our December AGM.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can turn up on the evening and see which positions appeal to you. You will still have to make your case to those in attendance, so it’s best to prepare a few words in advance, even if you haven’t chosen a specific role.

?How to Get Involved with DSJLD

We’re always looking for volunteers to help at our charity events, and open to suggestions for future events and initiatives. Feel free to reach out to the committee members or email us at [email protected]

On 29 November we’re hosting our annual Winter Ball, which is a great opportunity to network within the division ahead of our AGM. I hope to see many of you at there and at our AGM!