Law Society extends its reach to welcome more members

Hull Law Society was founded in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, and over the decades it has acted as a sounding board for the city’s legal community.

The organisation, which was established to “encourage liberal and fair practice among attorneys and solicitors”, is to allow barristers, trainee solicitors and chartered legal executives to join for the first time.

It’s part of a policy to reach out to all sections of the city’s legal community, which is being supported by its new president, Julie Densley, who is head of the commercial solution department at Ingrams Solicitors.

Ms Densley said the move would help to modernise the organisation and increase membership, which until now, has been restricted to solicitors only.

The society has around 180 members, and it’s hoped that this number will rise following the rule change.

She added: “It is an important change; we should be embracing diversity in our members, not just across the profession but also across age range, gender and race.

“Most regional law societies have already made this move so we are really reflecting the broader changes within the profession and legal industry generally, and that can only benefit the society.

“I’m particularly proud that it is occurring during my first year as president.” Ms Densley, who qualified in 1995, took over from the previous president Sarah Clubley, who is a director of Williamsons Solicitors,

Ms Densley said she was proud to be chosen as the new president, adding that the year ahead would be “interesting and challenging”.

“My plans centre on promoting the benefits of membership of the society to Hull’s legal professionals, coupled with a drive to expand our numbers,” she said.

“The website will also be an area of focus for me so that I can ensure it reflects the diversity of the membership base we are trying to attract.

“My vision is to promote the benefits of membership, which includes courses in continuous professional development.”

Many Hull solicitors have to travel outside the city in order to attend courses that will help them to develop their careers, Ms Densley said.

The society’s courses, which will provide an insight into the latest developments in specialist areas, such as personal injury and conveyancing, will prove attractive to new members, she added.

“My hope is that these initiatives will strengthen the role of Hull Law Society and help to secure its future for the next 200 years.

“Times are challenging across the country for all professions,’’ she added. “Businesses have got to stay positive and look to the future and be very flexible.”

Hull Law Society was created in 1818 in the Dog and Duck in Scale Lane, which was demolished many years ago.

It was incorporated in 1879 at a meeting in the Royal Station Hotel and has had several homes in the city since then.

Today, the society is based in King’s Building on South Side Church, Hull.

For more information visit the website www.hullawsociety.co.uk

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