Yorkshire Solicitor Elected As Chair Of The Junior Lawyers Division Of The Law Society

Amy Clowrey, a child abuse lawyer from Switalskis Solicitors has recently been elected as chair of the Junior Lawyers Division of the Law Society.

Amy, 28, has worked as part of Switalskis Solicitors’ award-winning child abuse claims team since June 2016 where she assists survivors of child abuse across the UK to claim compensation. Prior to her appointment as the vice-chair in 2017, she has worked closely with Junior Lawyers Division of England and Wales where she was an active member of the executive committee.

The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) is a division of the Law Society which has an independent voice. It is responsible for representing over 70,000 junior lawyers in England and Wales, from LPC students up to five years qualified. The chair post in an incredibly important and influential in shaping policy and securing rights for the next generation of lawyers in the UK.

Amy said:

“We work behind the scenes, campaigning and lobbying on issues affecting junior lawyers including responding to consultations that affect our members and the wider profession. We also organise regional and London-based training and networking events, build upon relations with bar organisations in other jurisdictions and generally offer guidance and support for members.

“Priorities for the next 12 months will be to promote access to the profession, particularly in light of the SRA proposal for a centralised assessment to qualify as a solicitor, due to commence in 2021. We will also promote diversity and inclusion. Being from a low socio-economic background this is high on my agenda and next year marks 100 years of women in law.

“Mental health and wellbeing have been on the JLD agenda for a few years and our hard work is beginning to be recognised both nationally and internationally. Access to justice is also a key focus for the year ahead, our work will range from covering court reforms through to legal aid. I will continue to make this a priority in my time as chair.”

The Director and Solicitor and Head of Switalskis Solicitors’ Child Abuse Department, David Greenwood said:

“Switalskis Solicitors is very proud of Amy’s work with the JLD and we continue to encourage and support her role there. Her focus and hard work are sure to improve the outlook for new solicitors and junior lawyers across England and Wales, which will benefit the industry as a whole.”