Lauren Waller

Statement of Interest 

(1) President; (2) Editor in Chief

As Membership Officer and previous Diversity and Inclusion Officer on the SJLD Committee I have seen the Division grow from strength to strength.  I have learnt so much from my peers and believe that together with this experience, my passion for helping people, and my empathetic nature will provide a guiding force which makes me the ideal candidate for the role of President or in turn Editor in Chief.

As a Court of Protection Solicitor, my role entails dealing with vulnerable clients and their families on a day-to-day basis to manage their property and financial affairs.  I have to be empathetic, patient, efficient, and adaptable and believe these are all skills that I can transfer to help create a balanced and driven Committee to grow and develop the Division further.

As part of my role as Membership Officer, I have launched the Sussex JLD Newsletter, keeping our members updated on the latest legal news, our own events and other events that the members can get themselves involved in that may spark their interests.  Through the newsletter we have recently launched our very own ‘agony aunt’ column which allows our members to have their voice shared.  The Newsletter has allowed us to connect the Division and ultimately enhance the membership experience.

Alongside, our jam-packed Newsletter I have provided the Committee with pragmatic advice and would like to think that I have been their very own ‘agony aunt’. I believe our profession thrives when we create a culture of openness and that I can be that person to help facilitate this.

As President, I will focus on creating a more structured approach to dealing with our chosen objectives.  This will include meaningful initiatives, from expanding mentoring opportunities, to fostering networking and skill-building events that prepare us our junior lawyers for the working world.

It would be a privilege to lead our community and work alongside passionate peers to create a supportive, inclusive, and engaged Junior Lawyers Division.