About Manchester Law Society

Manchester, a flourishing commercial, cultural and sporting centre, is supported by an innovative and lively Law Society.

Today, Manchester Law Society thrives with more than 1,800 members. Their breath of expertise reflects the Society's position at the forefront of Britain's second city, which boasts the strongest commercial centre outside London, the major provincial branch of the Bank of England and more than 60 foreign financial institutions.

Two of its former Presidents were among the first solicitors in the country to be appointed Judges, and one of these, The Hon. Mr Justice Sachs, was the first solicitor appointed to the High Court Bench.

In 1993 the Society, and Manchester, were honoured that one of its own Council Members, Mr Rodger Pannone, was elected President of the Law Society nationally, during the same year that Miss Geraldine McCool, also from Manchester, became the Chair of the National Young Solicitors Group and Mr John Rowe QC became Chairman of the Bar Council.

The Society

The Manchester Law Society comprises approximately 1,200 full members with 600 affiliated members from Stockport, Tameside & Glossop, Oldham and Rochdale Law Societies.

The Society is administered on a Committee system. The Council of the Society which meets once a month, consists of the Officers (President, Vice President, Joint Honorary Secretaries, Honorary Treasurer and Immediate Past President), two national Law Society Council Members, twenty one ordinary members and five representatives from the affiliated societies. The Society continues to promote the interests of its members, so clearly stated in 1838, through the work of its various sub committees, to which Council Members are appointed i.e. Conveyancing, Social/Public Relations/Membership, Legal Education, Crown & Magistrates Court and Civil Litigation. These Committees meet on a regular basis and report back to the Council at its monthly meetings. During the Society's administrative year various ad hoc sub committees are convened to discuss consultation papers, circulated from the national Law Society and the Department for Constitutional Affairs or to discuss any other important and relevant topic.

The Society administers an extensive legal education programme running courses and seminar on all aspects of law and its practice.

The Society has hosted an annual Dinner at the House of Commons with local members of Parliament and the House of Lords which has become a very valuable forum for discussion of items of interest concerning members of parliament, the legal profession, clients and constituents.

Having helped to establish Law Centres in Manchester the Society continues to be actively involved in their work.

The Society also organises its Annual Dinner and the annual President's Charity Ball which raises money for local children's charities. Another innovation for the Society was the formation of the Manchester Lawyers Dinner Club which meets three times a year and is a forum for members of the Society to meet and exchange ideas and views in relaxed and informal surroundings, while tasting the delights of the varied local cuisine, offered in Manchester's many restaurants.

The Society also supports wholeheartedly the thriving Manchester Young Solicitors Association and the Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group and has been instrumental in setting up The Young Professionals Network. Other social events for members, their colleagues and contacts include the Annual Dinner, Charity Ball, Legal Awards Dinner and pub quiz.

Should you have any questions or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the Society by clicking here or call 0161 831 7337.