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One Profession One Region One Voice Birmingham Law Society's New Leadership



Guy Barnett has been sworn in as the 134th President of Birmingham Law Society, pledging to strengthen Council, connect Birmingham’s legal community and ensure the Society provides a strong voice for the profession across the region.


Barnett formally took office at the Society’s AGM on Thursday 24 September, becoming the latest custodian of a Presidency stretching back more than two centuries to 1818.


Barnett brings a wealth of legal experience and an unusually detailed understanding of BLS, having served on both its Board and Council and, most recently, as Interim Chief Executive. With Calum Nisbet now appointed Chief Executive, Barnett said his Presidential focus will be on representing members, and ensuring BLS speaks up on the issues that matter to Birmingham’s legal community.


Guy Barnett, new President of Birmingham Law Society, said:

“Birmingham Law Society must be a voice for the legal community it represents. That means being prepared to stand up and speak when it is needed, but it also means listening. We need to understand what our members are experiencing, the pressures and opportunities facing the profession and where their Society can make a difference."

“I bring decades of experience to the Presidency and hope that can provide a steady hand as we enter this next chapter. I want to strengthen Council and our committees, and ensure Birmingham Law Society is in an even stronger position when I hand over the Presidential chain next year to Sabina Kauser – the new Vice President."

“This isn't about one person or one Presidential year. It is about building on more than two centuries of history while ensuring the Society continues to evolve for the profession it represents today and tomorrow. My ambition is simple: one profession, one region, one voice.”

Four priorities for the Presidential year

Barnett has set out four pillars for his 2026–27 Presidency: Advance, Connect, Engage and Make a Difference. His approach will be to concentrate on fewer priorities capable of delivering lasting value.


Council

The first priority will be strengthening BLS Council and its relationship with the Society's Professional Committees and wider membership. Interest in joining Council has risen sharply. Last year's election attracted one applicant for four vacant seats; this year, 28 people initially applied for six vacancies.


Following the AGM, six newly elected members and four Presidential co-options will see 10 new people join Council, bringing additional experience and perspectives.


Barnett wants Council to focus on the questions that directly affect members: what does the profession need, what challenges does it face and where should BLS use its collective voice? Deputy Vice President Sam Ingram will lead work to strengthen relationships with the Society's Professional Committees.


Connecting Birmingham's legal community

A second priority will be making greater use of BLS's extensive professional network, spanning managing partners, CEOs and general counsel through to barristers, academics, solicitors and the next generation entering the profession.


Plans include developing greater engagement with managing partners and business leaders, exploring a proposed Geneva Conference and considering whether there is an appetite to revive Advised in Birmingham.


Barnett also wants stronger links between generations within the profession, including the continued development of the Birmingham Law Society Junior Lawyers Division and greater use of mentoring, introductions and shared events to connect established leaders with emerging legal talent.


Making membership matter

The third strand will focus on making BLS membership matter, providing greater value through representation, connections, professional development and a stronger sense of belonging to Birmingham's legal community.


Among the initiatives planned is LAWSTOCK, a proposed informal and inclusive family friendly event with an outdoor festival feel bringing together solicitors, barristers, junior lawyers, senior leaders and the wider professional community.


The proposed Golden Paper Clip Challenge will use friendly competition to encourage entrepreneurship, mentoring and new relationships across the profession.


Barnett summarised his approach simply: “Do fewer things, but do them well.”


Making a difference beyond the profession

Barnett's fourth pillar will focus on the Society's wider contribution to Birmingham, with Carter the Brave, supporting Birmingham Children's Hospital, chosen as his Presidential cause.


In January, he will exchange the Presidential chain for walking boots to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, using the challenge as the catalyst for a wider fundraising campaign involving firms, chambers, business leaders, committees, junior lawyers, sponsors and members.


Throughout his year, Barnett intends to visit firms and organisations across the region, meeting members at every stage of their careers and listening to what they need from their Society.


He added:

“I want people to talk to us. Tell us what BLS does well and where we could be better. Tell us about the issues affecting your firm, your organisation, your career or your part of the profession."

“Birmingham Law Society has extraordinary experience, expertise and energy within its membership. Our job is to listen to it, connect it and, when necessary, give it a voice."


“If Council is stronger, our committees are better connected, junior lawyers have a meaningful voice and new relationships have been created across the profession when I hand over the Presidential chain, we will have made genuine progress.”


Guy Barnett was sworn in as the 134th President of Birmingham Law Society on Thursday 24 September and will serve until September 2027.


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Recently appointed Robertson Construction has kick-started work on the iconic Pattern Shop redevelopment in the heart of Newcastle.


Work on the £8.7m office scheme stalled earlier this year after the collapse of the previous contractors Tolent. However, work has now resumed on the Forth Street site with the scheme projected to complete early 2024.


Joinery, mechanical and electrical works are now well underway and groundworks including drainage and building services installation will restart imminently, paving the way for surfacing works scheduled for later this year. The remaining external curtain walling sections will then be installed enabling the final finishes and commissioning before the Pattern Shop welcomes its first occupants in the new year.


With spectacular southern views of the Tyne Bridge, the Pattern Shop is situated directly adjacent to Central Station and other major transport links. The scheme will combine industry-leading telecommunications connectivity alongside cutting-edge sustainable technology, as well as low carbon, low energy infrastructure throughout the three-storey building.


Following the extensive remodelling and renovation of the circa 3,000 sq. m site, the hub will provide a large-scale exhibition and creative space for the city, as well as offering flexible SME workspace, or a single let, for up to 300 people.


Situated in the heart of Stephenson Quarter, the scheme marks the start of the next phase of development on this historic city centre site by Stephenson Works LLP, a joint venture between PfP igloo (PfP Capital and igloo Regeneration) and Newcastle City Council. Newcastle City Council owns and will retain the building.


Built circa 1880, the Pattern Shop was originally used by the world-famous locomotive designer Robert Stephenson, one of the greatest engineers of the Victorian era. Now reinvented for today’s innovators, this striking Grade II Listed building with its remarkable industrial legacy, will be the ideal base for businesses looking to make their mark on the city’s vibrant creative and digital sector.


Pippa Heron, development manager at igloo, said: “We are delighted to see Robertson hit the ground running and continue the transformation of this forgotten site into a truly iconic building for the city. There are already clear signs that we are back on track, with the eye-catching mezzanine floor, for example, already visible. This will be a signature feature of the scheme and signals our intent to make the Pattern Shop a key anchor in the continued renaissance of this district.”


As part of its impressive sustainability credentials, the Pattern Shop will be BREEAM “Very Good”, with an EPC “B” rating. Its close proximity to the train station as well as cycle storage and showering facilities are also designed to encourage sustainable commuting by its future occupants.


Garry Hope, managing director, Robertson Construction North East, said:

“The Pattern Shop will once again become a pivotal part of Newcastle’s history. Buildings like these have incredible stories to tell and we will be honouring the well-known history and legacy of the building as we continue the works to create a modern working environment.

“Where possible we are working with the previous supply chain and works are progressing well with a targeted completion of 2024. Upon completion, The Pattern Shop will provide a space for new innovators in an environment which prioritises sustainability, comfort and wellbeing, with beautiful views of Tyne Bridge.”


Patrick Matheson, Partner from Knight Frank, agents for the Pattern Shop, said: “The vast majority of occupiers are now focusing their property requirements on highly sustainable, inspiring office spaces. We are seeing occupiers using their offices as a strategic business tool to significantly enhance their staff’s experience, collaboration and wellbeing.


“As we move towards 2024, we expect this trend to continue and the Pattern Shop, with its incredible history, character and very strong environmental credentials, will be well placed to deliver a superb workspace in the very heart of Newcastle city centre.”


Office and workspace already thriving in the district includes Central Square, with its neighbouring hospitality businesses, including the Crowne Plaza hotel and Spa, Gin Bar, The Boiler Shop music and events venue, 5 Quarter Café & Bar and The Arches Beer Street MicroPub and Bottle Shop.


Councillor Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for a Thriving City, said:

“It’s brilliant to see works back in progress at the Pattern Shop and I’m excited for this key strategic development to get back on track.

“This is a significant element of the transformation of the Stephenson Quarter, and will present a host of new opportunities for people at the same time as breathing new life into the rich history of an important part of the centre of Newcastle.”

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