Birmingham Law Society celebrates 200th anniversary with special service
Birmingham Law Society has commenced celebrations for its 200th anniversary with a parade of dignitaries and a special commemorative service.
The Deputy Lord Lieutenant, 12 fully-robed judges and other dignitaries paraded along Colmore Row as the procession ended at St Philip’s Cathedral, where more than 150 members of the city’s legal community celebrated the landmark anniversary.
(See below for more pictures)
Established in 1818 with 19 founder members, BLS is now the largest regional law society in the UK, with more than 4,000 members drawn from law firms and barristers’ chambers across the West Midlands.
The parade and service marked a kicked off a year-long schedule of events, which include a special BLS Legal Awards and a gala President’s Dinner.
A book has also been commissioned to chronicle BLS’s history, and to chart the rise of the profession and the influence lawyers have had on the professional, business and civic life of the city and the region. This will be published in April.
Andrew Beedham, president of Birmingham Law Society, said: “In 1818 ‘mad’ King George was on the throne, a stagecoach journey from Birmingham to London took more than 15 hours and the death penalty had just been lifted for shoplifting – though transportation was still an option.
“Society and the legal profession have come a long way in the last two centuries. 2018 is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contribution and legacy of the largest legal community outside London.”
The service at St Philip’s Cathedral was presided over by The Dean, The Very Reverend Matt Thompson and an address on the rule of law was given by The Right Honourable Sir Andrew McFarlane, Lord Justice of Appeal.
Guests then joined the president at the Council House for drinks and canapes.
The event was sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors; Clydesdale Bank; Irwin Mitchell Solicitors; No5 Chambers; Schofield & Associates; Shakespeare Martineau and Unoccupied Direct.
Birmingham Law Society 200th anniversary commemoration
