Solicitor stride

Fortunately, that feeling has continued despite ongoing efforts from the government to upset our stride.

The SJ team were in fine form at the walk, taking our places alongside walkers, runners, rockers (led by protest singer and activist Tom Robinson, who, with his guitar, serenaded those gathered at the Law Society), and rollers from across the breadth of the legal profession.

Solicitors walked alongside barristers, judges alongside legal executives, students alongside Lady Justice, and dogs alongside ducks. Not only did the sun shine long into the evening, but the conversation (fuelled partially by physical exhaustion and a little alcohol, I noted), went on long into the night. A school night, too. What would the Law Society president say from his Carey Street mansion?

As well as taking the opportunity to raise funds for the London Legal Support Trust, the annual event once again proved itself as a melting pot of discussion and debate. Aside from the branded t-shirts and cheers from the enthusiastic stewards along the 10-kilometre route, there was an opportunity to make new acquaintances and renew old ones.

There was also time for a lot of discussion and debate. Around the half-way mark I caught up with Law Society vice president, Jonathan Smithers, who was using the time to contemplate the speech he was to make the following day at the swearing in ceremony of Michael Gove as Lord Chancellor.

Smithers, speaking on behalf of the Law Society at the ceremony in the Royal Courts of Justice, took care to welcome the new Secretary of State for Justice, while reminding him of the uncertain and fragile position of the legal profession.

Given the minister's remit, to repeal the Human Rights Act and redefine the UK's relationship with Europe, it was interesting that Smithers referred to the 'essential compass points' of a fair and just society as being the 'British values of freedom, tolerance, respect for the rule of law, and equal access to justice'.

I hope that images of the profession standing (and walking with purpose), shoulder to shoulder, will continue. Fears of a fragmenting legal community seem impossible on occasions like this. Yes, it was a London event this time, but there are occasions across the country for all members of the legal profession to come together, fight for justice, and support each other's causes, opportunities which are becoming more frequent and urgent as time marches on. If there is the opportunity to raise funds for great causes, share in our combined knowledge and experience, and have some exercise in the process, why would you say no? It's a walk in the park.

Finally, my congratulations to all those involved in the walk. Although the grand total is still to be announced, the SJ team would like to thank all those who supported us and helped us achieve a grand total of £1,387.

Kevin Poulter, editor at large

@SJ_Weekly | @kevinpoulter

editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk

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