2 November 2012
Sarah Clubley of Williamsons Solicitors has become president of the Hull Incorporated Law Society (HILS), a position she will hold for the next two years. Miss Clubley, who heads Williamsons’ family and childcare department and is also a director of the company, becomes the latest in a long line of solicitors to have their skills and experience recognised by the society.
Formed in 1818 ‘to encourage liberal and fair practice among attorneys and solicitors, and to support the privileges and respectability of the profession’, it is now a branch of the national Law Society, which negotiates and lobbies on behalf of solicitors and offers training and advice to members.
As president of HILS, Miss Clubley will be entitled to wear ceremonial chains of office, but the long traditions of the society are not weighing too heavily on her – she has already commenced modernising communications by setting up an e-group for the 180 members and developing a web site, which will deal with local recruitment, training and social and sporting events.
Miss Clubley said: “It is a real honour to be chosen as the new president, following in the footsteps of so many capable men and women who have held the position over the best part of two centuries. Solicitors today face real challenges, with many firms struggling with the consequences of the economic downturn as well as severely squeezed fees for public funded legal aid work.
“In this climate, Hull Incorporated Law Society is assisting solicitors by providing training in many areas of practice as well as a local postal service, a library and a meeting room. We also run many social functions and networking events, including an annual ball.”
