World War One Commemoration delights BLS members.

Posted on30 September 2014

In 1920, Bristol Law Society commissioned and erected a plaque to commemorate the names of those members of the Society who served in and those who fell during the Great War. This plaque now stands proudly in Bristol Law Society's boardroom in the Law Library.

A packed Law Library including 10 former Law Society Presidents, the Lord Mayor of Bristol, the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol gathered to listen to the stories behind those named on the plaque. Thanks to sponsors Milsted Langdon and Burges Salmon, BLS President Ben Tarrant introduced Dr Charles Booth and Kent Fedorowich from UWE, who are working on the BBC World War One at Home project, and BLS Past President Jack Lyes (1980-1), who between them had traced the stories of Bristol and Bristol Lawyers during World War One.

Jack Lyes painted the picture of the firms in existence in 1914, mainly sole practitioners and small firms, and told the stories of those who volunteered for service and those who stayed behind to manage the legal profession. Sole Practitioners called up to serve left their firms in the hands of colleagues from other firms, a story that brought home to those in the audience the importance of the Law Society in foistering collegiality.

Stories were told of Parry Burges, W. Sefton Clarke, Leonard Dickinson, Reginald Wansborough, Arthur Poole and others, names that resonated with the audience. Those who stayed behind were also talked about, solicitors who raised money for the returning soldiers. The Bristol recruiting song "Bravo Bristol", written by local solicitor, Frederic Weatherly, was played to the room.

Stories gathered by the UWE team for the World War One at Home project and many contemporary photographs reminded the audience that all other walks of life in Bristol were affected by the conflict.

Thanks to Milsted Langdon and Burges Salmon, BLS has produced a booklet "Bristol Law Society and World War I" which is available from the Law Library.

Money was raised for ABF The Soldiers' Charity and all BLS members are urged to support this very worthy cause.

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS