Contributors
The Newcastle upon Tyne Law Society has announced the election of Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) Nigel Emmerson as its new President, following its annual general meeting (25 March).
Nigel, who is a partner at WBD, head of the firm's Newcastle office and national head of its Living sector, will serve as the President for the next 12 months. He succeeds Nicholson Portnell's Emma Heather in the role.
Also elected were Paul Brown as Vice President (Burnetts) and Lesley Fairclough as Deputy Vice President (Ward Hadaway).
A full programme of events
Nigel said:
"I am delighted to be elected as the 198th President of the Newcastle upon Tyne Law Society, which has a long and proud history of representing and supporting the legal profession in the North East. We have a fantastic team of officers and committee members who are dedicated to delivering a full programme of events, training and networking opportunities for our members and the wider legal community."
He added that one of his central aims as President was to promote and enhance the legal sector in the region, especially as the Society gears up to its 200th anniversary in 2026.
"The North East has a vibrant and diverse legal sector, with many talented and innovative lawyers and firms. We want to showcase the excellence and expertise of our region and attract more investment, talent and opportunities. We also want to work closely with the national Law Society, which is led by my brother Nick, who is the national President. Together, we will champion the interests and values of the solicitors' profession and the rule of law."
Nigel joined WBD in 1992 and has specialised in all aspects of residential property since. During his time with the firm, Nigel has acted as a board member of the Byker Community Trust and is currently a trustee of Urban Green Newcastle, the innovative solution to the funding and operation of Newcastle's parks and allotments. Nigel is also a board member of Your Homes Newcastle, the ALMO of Newcastle City Council, and NE1, Newcastle's BID company.
In May 2020, Nigel became Newcastle Office Head and led the office move to The Spark, a purpose built development on Newcastle Helix. The office was one of the first to be designed, constructed and delivered since the start of the pandemic and which is designed for the new ways of working.
About the Newcastle upon Tyne Law Society
The Newcastle upon Tyne Law Society was founded in 1826 and is one of the oldest and largest local law societies in England and Wales. It has over 800 members, representing solicitors, trainees, apprentices and paralegals from across the North East. It provides a range of services and benefits to its members, including professional development, social events, publications, awards and representation.
For more information, please visit www.newcastlelawsociety.co.uk or contact mail@newcastlelawsociety.co.uk.
Nigel Emmerson, Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, in front of The Spark, where WBD's Newcastle office is based
