FAQs

  1. How do I join SLS?

    Contact Sue Seakens on 01344 860830 for more information about the Surrey Law Society and she will send you a membership form or email her on sueseakens@surreylawsociety.org.uk. You will need to be proposed and seconded but we can assist with this if you do not know any current members of the Society.

  2. Who is eligible to join SLS?

    We have various levels of membership but you have to live or work in Surrey. Our key members are qualified solicitors working in private practice, within the law department of other organisations or non-practising solicitors who are between jobs, taking a career-break or retired. We also encourage paralegal and non legal support staff to get involved with training and social events.

  3. I am not part of a large law firm or law department, can I still join?

    Yes indeed we are keen to encourage and support independent solicitors and sole practitioners through the services and membership benefits that we provide.

  4. My firm has more than 20 solicitors based in its key office across Surrey, are there any special concessions for large firms?

    Our Corporate Membership is designed to encourage large firms with more than 20 qualified solicitors by allowing them to pay a flat rate of £1500p.a.

  5. I am not a solicitor can I still become a member?

    Yes as long as you live or work in Surrey and can demonstrate active legal or paralegal links in your current or most recent work role.

  6. What does it cost?

    The current subscription rates to 31 March 2009 are as follows:

    Individual member £75
    Firms with 2 - 19 eligible members £75 p/member
    Firms with 20 or more eligible members £1500 p/firm
    Solicitor in house/not in private practice £50
    Solicitor not practising £30
    Practice Manager NIL
    Trainee/Paralegal/Legal Executive NIL
    Honorary Life Member NIL

  7. What are the benefits of being an SLS member?

    As one of the most vibrant and pro-active Law Societies, and the sixth largest in England & Wales, there are many ways in which members can benefit from joining Surrey Law Society. These are just a few of the excellent benefits already on offer to registered members of the Surrey Law Society such as:

    • A Legal Education Programme accredited by The Law Society
    • First class, top quality speakers
    • 50% - 70% discounts on all personal and professional development (CPD)
    • Tailored in-house ‘soft skills’ training for support staff
    • Mandatory training courses such as money laundering and data protection
    • Management workshops and Lexcel accreditation support
    • Essential information via the website and email alerts
    • A way to have your say in how the profession is developing
    • Quarterly glossy Magazine – Surrey Lawyer
    • Find the best job – confidential job search for job-seekers and employers
    • Social and professional networking events across the County
    • Referrals via our Find-a-Solicitor search facility on our website
    • Peer support and mediation when problems arise
    • An information channel for complaints

  8. Who is in charge of the management of the SLS?

    The Surrey Law Society is a company limited by guarantee, administered via its Chief Executive and Board of Management, commonly referred to as the Committee. There are also some active sub-committees: Financial, Social and Quo Vadis and ad hoc sub-committees are convened to deal with specific issues. The Committee comprises the following officers: President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer. There are 12 other members, elected or co-opted. The Committee meets approximately 8 times a year, alternating between Kingston and Guildford. The active sub committees meet on a quarterly basis. About SLS

  9. How can I join the Management Committee?

    If you are a qualified solicitor, practising in Surrey you are eligible to apply for Committee membership. Get in touch with CEO Sue Seakens or one of the current committee members and find out more about the roles and responsibilities. You will then be invited to attend a Committee meeting as an observer. If you decide you would like to join us as a Director of The Surrey Law Society you will need to be proposed and seconded at the next Committee meeting.

  10. Can I still attend SLS courses and events even if I am not a member?

    Yes you can still attend courses and events as a non-member although first refusal on places is always reserved for members if a course is over subscribed. Members also get a 50% discount on all their CPD training so it is well worth considering if you want to be more actively involved in the annual calendar of training and social events.

  11. Are there any concessions for firms booking and paying for several courses in advance?

    In addition to the 50% discount for members we have a Season Ticket rate for block bookings. For every 5 courses booked you get one free, which represents a further saving of £95.00 on block bookings.

  12. How long does the membership last?

    The membership runs from April 1st to March 31st and is annually renewable. Subscription reminders are sent out in March for the following year.

  13. Can I join at any time during the year?

    Yes you can and your fee will be calculated pro rata on the annual renewal subscription for the current year. Our membership year starts on April 1st and runs through until the March 31st the following year.

CPD Annual Programme

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