Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group 2006/07

Welcome to the local page for the Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group (MTSG to its friends). The MTSG is an organisation that looks after the interests of trainee solicitors and provides assistance with jobs, education, sports as well as organising social events throughout the year.

MTSG Chair

Welcome!! I’m Rick Cowan, the new chair of the MTSG for 2006/07.  I am currently a 2nd year trainee at Pannone and have come to law via previous incarnations as a political lobbyist followed by a brief sojourn in broadcasting.  Whether or not you take an interest in matters affecting trainee solicitors, I hope that you will enjoy the many and varied events that we are planning for this year, which will give you the opportunity to drink to merriment, sample many of Manchester’s bars and, most importantly, meet up with some old faces and many new amongst trainee solicitors and paralegals in Manchester.

My aim, together with the rest of the committee, is to continue to build on the good work done by previous committees by running successful events, increasing our profile and generally representing the interests of trainees and paralegals in Manchester.

As a member of the MTSG, 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 themed nights to education events and a sports tournament, and we hope that you will meet other trainees who will no doubt become professional and personal friends throughout your legal careers.

The old adage “we do the hard work so you don’t have to” is certainly true, so we look forward to seeing you throughout the course of the year and we hope you enjoy the benefits of your membership of the MTSG.

Rick Cowan

MTSG Chair

Contact Rick at richard.cowan@pannone.co.uk

MTSG Committee 2006/07

Please find below details of this years MTSG Committee. If you require any information about the relevant areas then please feel free to contact them via the below email addresses. 

2006/07 Events

FELT Opening Night

The MTSG Year kicked off on 28th September 2006 with the FELT (Firms with Eight or Less Trainees) opening night at Beluga Bar. Sponsored by Hudson the night was a resounding success and set a marker down for what is to follow. We won’t have long to wait before we try to better it.
Work for a smaller firm? Get in touch with Jennifer or Catherine at jennifer.gibson@glplaw.com and catherine.smith@fieldingsporter.co.uk.

MTSG Opening Night

Thanks to all those party animals who braved the pouring rain on the evening  of 5 October 2006 to attend the MTSG Launch Night at Sugar Lounge in Manchester! 
 
The atmosphere was buzzing with the excitement of over 300 members enjoying the free drinks and the glamorous setting.

Special thanks go to our sponsors Royal Bank of Scotland, Totally Legal and Anakin Seal who helped make the night a resounding succes.

Speak to Sarah or Victoria for all those social event queries by emailing them on sarah.lawrence@halliwells.com or victoria.wasinski@pannone.co.uk.

MTSG Christmas and Summer Balls

The annual MTSG Christmas Ball was held at the Palace Hotel in Manchester on 7 December 2006. This was the biggest event in the MTSG calendar with 650 people attending from the Manchester legal community. Guests were welcomed with a champagne reception, followed by dinner and a live band. The dancing continued well into the night. A charity raffle also raised over £1700  for local charity Manchester Kids.

A big thank you goes to all those who donated prizes and to our sponsors, Royal Bank of Scotland, Totally Legal, Hudson, Hill Dickinson and BPP Law School. Members can now look forward to the MTSG Summer Ball 2007!

Sport

For the boys: One of the sports that we want to get organised is football.  If any of you are interested in playing either 5-a-side or 11-a-side then please let us know.  Don't worry if you don't know anybody else that wants to play - there will be others who come along on their own and it's a good chance to meet new people.  Plus, if you don't know people then you can tackle them harder (fairly of course)!  Depending on the number of people interested there may even be socials organised.

For the girls:  For a number of years now the MTSG girls have regularly played netball together.  This year practice sessions and matches will be held at the Belle Vue Leisure Centre which was host to the hockey in the Commonwealth Games 2002.  The first practice session will be held on Wednesday 11th October 2006 6-7pm, and matches will follow every Wednesday thereafter.  Ability really does not matter.  It’s all about getting to know one another and having a laugh.  We also go out on regular nights out so it’s not really just about the netball!

 The MTSG will also be holding its Annual Sports Tournament around April 2007. For more information on sporting events contact Libby, Jarlath or Mike at libby.reed@dbf-law.co.uk, jarlath.astin@westwood-solicitors.co.uk or mike.filson@pannone.co.uk

Education

Our main function is to actively promote the legal profession in the Greater Manchester area and inform people about what a life in the law actually involves. We liaise with law schools, universities, colleges, secondary schools and various other organisations to help their students hear from those involved in the legal profession and assist them in making informed decisions about their future careers.  We also provide a support network for Manchester trainees with any career concerns
If you have an education related query or would be interested in getting involved in one of our many education events then please get in touch with either Laura (llovell@beachcroft.co.uk) or Susie (swarburton@beachcroft.co.uk).

National TSG

As well as representing your views on a regional level, we also work for you in conjunction with the National Trainee Solicitors Group. Your dedicated National Rep is Sarah Richards, get in touch with her at sarah.richards@robinsimonllp.com.

Membership Enquiries

After reading the above, no doubt you all want to join us. Who wouldn’t? In that case, please get in touch with Grace or Kirsty on

grace.breen@addleshawgoddard.com or kirsty.seddon@addleshawgoddard.com .

We look forward to meeting you soon!