Choose your Leeds JLD Committee for 2025
FELT OFFICER:
EMILY WILLIAMS

I am excited to apply for the position of FELT Representative on the Leeds Junior Law Division (JLD) committee. As a paralegal at Hall Brown Family Law and a recent graduate from the University of Leeds, I believe I am well-suited for this role. I am friendly, proactive and I possess strong communication skills which would make me an ideal candidate to represent and unite all members.

At Hall Brown, our Leeds office consists of a small team, particularly at the junior level, with one paralegal and one trainee solicitor. This collaborative and unique environment has provided me with valuable insights into the realities of professionals in similar settings, enabling me to advocate for their interests. Being part of a smaller firm has also made me accustomed to attending events independently or with one other person. Therefore, I am passionate about putting on events where everyone feels welcomed. I pride myself on my approachable personality, ensuring that both the loudest and quietest voices in the room feel valued.

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I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the committee because I believe that networking and cultivating a strong community among legal professionals are crucial. As a FELT representative, I am committed to creating a variety of events that cater to the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of young professionals, ensuring everyone has a comfortable space to connect. I recognise that not all events need to include alcohol, and I aim to foster inclusivity in all gatherings. Additionally, I currently have a strong network that can assist with securing sponsorships, which will help us host a wide range of events.

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Experiences:

During my time at university, I was an active member of the law society, where I helped organise events that fostered community and collaboration among students. Additionally, as the Social Secretary for my college student union, I planned numerous social events. These experiences have equipped me with strong organisational and communication skills, affirming my ability to execute events that benefit all members. I successfully organised initiatives such as silent auctions, charity bake sales, and my sixth form leavers' ball, demonstrating my dedication and capability in managing diverse tasks. Currently, I am part of a Junior Networking scheme with other firms that have small junior cohorts, which has helped me expand my network and connect with like-minded individuals.

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As a committee member, I would actively work to create more networking opportunities for FELT members, facilitating relationships that benefit them both personally and professionally. For example, I was particularly impressed by the "Pinot and Picaso" event, as I feel it is extremely important to establish light-hearted and sociable initiatives for young professionals when networking.

In conclusion, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as a Leeds JLD committee member. As a FELT representative, I believe I can significantly contribute to encouraging participation from a wider variety of legal professionals who may not often have the chance to connect within their sector, or there may not be events which they wish to attend.