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Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) trainee solicitor Adam Richards has been elected Chair of the Plymouth Junior Lawyer Division (PJLD).

The PJLD aims to encourage junior legal practitioners to meet, network and socialise, along with providing them access to all of the information they need to progress into the legal sector within the city and further afield.

Designed for those studying LPC, BVC, BPTC, GDL or LLB Law, as well as paralegals, ILEX members, legal administrators, trainee solicitors, junior qualified solicitors (0-5 years PQE), pupils, and junior barristers, PJLD organises regular social events throughout the year and also provides members with training opportunities, support, useful hints and tips on how to progress their chosen legal career.

Adam, who is due to qualify as a Solicitor in September, has already worked on both contentious and non-contentious matters from within the firm's Commercial Disputes team. He has also completed a six-month secondment at a large retail client and is currently assisting the Planning and Infrastructure team.

Adam commented: 

"I am delighted to have been elected Chair for the PJLD this year and I aim to make it one of the best years yet. I have an amazing committee behind me and truly believe that we can build the PJLD back bigger and stronger than ever. Now more than ever, juniors across the country need support in achieving and even realising their dreams and aspirations.

"Whilst at the University of Plymouth I was elected as Secretary & Careers Officer of the University Law Society and then in my final year was selected to be Vice President. I think both of these roles will stand me in good stead to Chair the Plymouth Junior Lawyer Division (PJLD).

"I want to get every firm across the city involved in some way and I am certain we can do this. We have had a few years of setbacks but now is the time to shine through. I will do everything within my power to actively support the committee and ensure that every member has a voice. After all, we are the lawyers of the future."

Craig Moore, office head at WBD in Plymouth and current President of the Plymouth Law Society added: 

"Both Womble Bond Dickinson and the Plymouth Law Society are delighted to support the Junior Lawyers Division. It is a fantastic way for those starting out or in the early years of their careers to have a really good peer network and an opportunity to socialise, train together and for the committee members to have a chance to develop other skills which are key for their futures. It shows how strong the legal community is in Plymouth, that there are representatives from so many firms across both groups working hard to support each other, increasing accessibility to the profession and ensure that there is appropriate access to justice."

The 2022/2023 Committee:

Chair: Adam Richards (Womble Bond Dickinson)

Secretary: Caitlin Weeks (GA Solicitors)

Treasurer: Charlotte Bonney (Gard and Co)

Social Director: Ella Thorpe (Wolferstans)

Charities Director: Rhianna Greenley (Nash and Co)

National Representative: Rachel Lee (Wolferstans)

Social Media Director: Niall Rundle (GA Solicitors)

Student Education Secretary: Emily Unsworth (Wolferstans)

If you would like to support the PJLD please contact Adam Richards. Keep your eyes on the PJLD social media channels for events and other news.