Seizing the mantle

In the heart of old London, the assembled lords, ladies, judges, QCs and illuminati of the legal world (and a few lawyers masquerading as journalists - nope, just me) were welcomed by a friend of Solicitors Journal, Dominic Grieve.

The former attorney general is very much the reluctant 'face' of the summit, taking it in good humour as "a nice consolation prize when I left government". Grieve adds much more than that and I have no doubt the three-day event will be better off for his involvement.

It is also 'endorsed' by the prime minister - although no one is really sure what that means. Nonetheless, the launch was addressed by the Lord Chancellor, who valiantly singled himself out as one of the few non-lawyers in attendance (to a chorus of grumbles). He went on to describe how he has already been on a global publicity tour, supporting the conference that he has identified as being necessary to remind the world that London (by which he means England and Wales) is the "right and proper place at the heart of the legal community".

It is time to seize the mantle as the place of legal thinking and pave the way for London to continue in the future. With the impressive speakers already lined up, there is little doubt the world will be watching in the spring.

The week has also seen the London Solicitor Litigation Association's annual dinner, which brought together the city's leading litigators to reflect on the state of the profession over some food, drink and convivial conversation.

The gathering was addressed by Lord Justice Jackson, who entered the lions' den to give a rousing speech and provide a few subtle corrections and clarifications to his much maligned reform policy. His own sense of disappointment in how his guidance has been received, by those in practice and by the government, was evident at times, but as a master of his art he turned a deaf ear to his detractors, even those with a microphone.

And finally, in a week that has provided sound preparation for the pending party season, I joined friends and supporters of
CILEx to celebrate the career of Diane Burleigh. Having already amassed a well-deserved collection of gongs (OBE), awards (lifetime achievement) and accolades (honorary membership), the evening provided time for personal thanks from those she has influenced, supported and encouraged over her past
16 years as chief executive.

In that time, ILEX (pre-chartering) has evolved from 'nice bunch of people who are a bit quaint' to a recognised bar association equal to any across the Commonwealth and beyond. CILEx members are now able to become judges, coroners and partners in their own firms.
This, together with a keen eye for a photo opportunity and experience in throwing a good party, is the legacy she will leave behind.

Good luck, Diane. Don't be a stranger.

Kevin Poulter, editor at large

@SJ_Weekly

#SJPOULTER

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk