What is the JLD?
The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) is an exclusive new membership group, launched in January 2008, which represents all SRA-enrolled students, trainee solicitors and qualified solicitors with up to five years active practice in England and Wales. It has a membership of around 85,000.
The JLD is the representative body of, and voice for, junior lawyers across the country and in every type of practice. Membership is free as long as you are enrolled with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
It was created in partnership with the Trainee Solicitors' Group (TSG) and the Young Solicitors Group (YSG). The JLD nationally is chaired by Kat Gibson, who is supported by a National Executive Committee (NEC), which consists of eight committee members who are students, trainees and solicitors, and three members of the Law Society's Council. Around the country, local JLD groups also exist to support members by providing events and support with a local focus.What does the JLD do?
The JLD is part of the Law Society, so members benefit from the Society's resources and profile. But in its representative role the JLD is autonomous.
The national JLD, led by the NEC, does the following:
- Campaigns on behalf of members on important policy issues, such as better regulation of the LPC, improved supervision on training contracts, and the retention and development of junior lawyers.
- Supports local JLD groups and associated groups.
- Organises and supports national and regional networking events.
- Provides an interactive website.
- Provides careers advice, and offers competitively-priced CPD training.
- Provides mentoring opportunities for students, via the JLD mentoring scheme Builds relationships with other international bar organisations.
- Offers a confidential free phone helpline to JLD members (08000 856 131) Secures discounts from leading businesses, such as TM Lewin
How does the JLD work?
The JLD is overseen at national level by an elected executive committee (http://juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk/about/committee) of volunteer members. It is chaired by Kat Gibson, a two-year PQE solicitor, and comprises members from across the country, many of whom were involved in former TSG and YSG committee members, and three Law Society Council Members. The JLD committee has close links with the numerous regional groups representing students, trainees and young lawyer groups.
How do I join?
If you are a Law Society student member enrolled through the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a trainee solicitor, or a solicitor with up to five years active practice you automatically become part of the Junior Lawyers Division community. You do not have to take an action in order to join the JLD.
To keep updated on JLD developments, events, awards, and other issues affecting you as a Junior Lawyer you can subscribe to our e-newsletter and alerts. This service is available to any one interested in JLD activity by following this link: http://juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk/updates
Join the Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5240123502
NBJL Committee member benefits from advice from Wesleyan for Lawyers; read about her experience here.
