Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Community in Birmingham
Birmingham Law Society, established in 1818, is the largest regional legal society in the UK, representing over 9,000 legal professionals across Birmingham and the Greater Midlands. Our core values of community, advocacy, and excellence drive our mission to connect, champion, and support members through networking opportunities, professional development, and industry representation. We foster a strong legal community via events, social activities, and partnerships with regional stakeholders, including businesses and educational institutions.Our advocacy efforts focus on protecting members' interests through government lobbying, consultation responses, and media engagement, while promoting access to justice via pro bono services and inclusive membership. We uphold excellence through CPD-accredited training, conferences, and 12 professional committees addressing legislative and sectoral developments, ensuring members remain leaders in their fields.
Services
Legal Networking Events
CPD Training Courses
Pro Bono Support
Advocacy Representation
Diversity Initiatives
Career Development Resources
Consultation Responses
Legal Awards Programmes
Student Vacancy Schemes
Event Sponsorship Opportunities
Highlights and features
- We have over 200 years of experience supporting legal professionals in the West Midlands.
- Our advocacy efforts directly influence regional and national legal policy decisions.
- We offer CPD-accredited training and 12 specialist committees for professional growth.
- Our inclusive membership reflects the diversity of the Midlands legal community.
- We facilitate access to justice through pro bono services and community partnerships.
Services
Legal Networking Events
We organise quarterly networking events, lunch clubs with industry speakers, and social gatherings to help legal professionals build connections. These events foster collaboration between law firms, chambers, and regional stakeholders. Our activities include sports events and themed evenings to create informal engagement opportunities.
CPD Training Courses
Our CPD-accredited training programmes cover emerging legal issues and specialist practice areas. We deliver conferences, workshops, and seminars led by industry experts to ensure ongoing professional growth. Materials and sessions align with Solicitors Regulation Authority standards for continuing education.
Advocacy Representation
We represent members' interests through government lobbying, SRA consultations, and media engagement. Our advocacy focuses on regulatory reforms, legal aid funding, and profession-wide challenges. We collaborate with national bodies like the Law Society of England and Wales to amplify regional voices.
Pro Bono Support
We facilitate free legal advice through partnerships with Birmingham Law Centre and volunteer professionals. Our pro bono initiatives address unmet legal needs in underserved communities. We promote access to justice by connecting vulnerable individuals with qualified solicitors and barristers.
Diversity Initiatives
Our Diversity Access Scheme and Social Mobility Sub-Committee create pathways for underrepresented groups in law. We support apprenticeships, student mentorship, and networking for ethnic minority professionals. Initiatives include the Birmingham Black Lawyers partnership and LGBTQ+ networking events.
People
Matt O'Brien
President
Matt O'Brien is the current President of Birmingham Law Society, leading advocacy efforts for legal professionals in the West Midlands since 2023. He brings extensive experience from his role at Jonas Roy Bloom Solicitors.
Sara Lehtonen
Head of Membership Engagement
Sara Lehtonen oversees membership growth and sponsorship initiatives at Birmingham Law Society, leveraging over a decade of experience in legal sector engagement and relationship management.
Jessica Uppal
Head of Marketing and Events
Jessica Uppal leads event strategy and promotional campaigns for the society, ensuring high-impact professional gatherings that connect legal practitioners across the region.
Shona Matson-Betts
Society Administrator
Shona Matson-Betts manages day-to-day administrative operations, supporting the society's governance and member services with over 15 years of legal sector experience.
Oksana Davydova
Membership Coordinator
Oksana Davydova handles membership onboarding and retention, maintaining relationships with over 9,000 legal professionals across Birmingham and the Greater Midlands.
Questions
How can I join Birmingham Law Society?
Visit our website to complete the online application form. Membership benefits include networking opportunities, CPD resources, and advocacy representation.
What CPD training do you offer?
We provide CPD-accredited seminars, conferences, and workshops covering specialist legal areas and regulatory updates for practicing professionals.
Do you provide free legal advice?
Yes, through our pro bono partnerships with Birmingham Law Centre and volunteer solicitors offering free consultations on various legal matters.
What events do you organise?
We host quarterly networking events, annual legal awards, themed social evenings, and specialist conferences for both members and non-members.
How do you support diversity in law?
Our Diversity Access Scheme, Social Mobility Sub-Committee, and partnerships with groups like Birmingham Black Lawyers promote inclusive legal career pathways.
Can I find local legal professionals through you?
Yes, our online directory helps locate solicitors and barristers across Birmingham and the Greater Midlands regions.
