6 February - Promoting the future of solicitor advocates. In January 2012, the Law Society will launch a new dedicated service to create and facilitate a community of solicitor advocates. This will provide support, training and networking opportunities on a circuit and national level. Solicitor advocates are under increasing pressure as a result of the intensity of competition for work in the higher courts and the introduction of the new Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) on a phased regional basis from April 2012. read on ...  1 CPD point available

9 February - E-Disclosure:  Principles and Procedure and Interim Remedies. Lectures arranged by Newcastle Law Society - email or telephone for more information

15 February - MLRO networking group Meeting, 4.30-6.30 at the Centre for Life, Newcastle.  2 CPD points available

16 February -  OFR For Conveyancers,  15.00-18.00 at the County Hotel, Newcastle.  3 CPD points

23 February -   Notaries Society Open Day.  The Day will provide an introduction to the notarial profession in England and Wales for those interested in qualifying.  24 February  - The Tees Valley Law Society Annual Dinner.  More details here as soon as they are available.

24 February - Tax Breaks for Innovation - 2 Seminars organised by Clive Owen & Co LLP.  10.00am for Software businesses and 2.00pm for Engineering and Manufacturing businesses.  More details from Margaret Gill or Sarah Chapman on 01325 349700 or email to book a place

14 March - Anti-money laundering training - Meeting the practical challenges - Advanced AML 2.00-5.00 in York

17 April - Private Client Regional Update Event : LPA/Court of Protection 18.00-19.30 in Manchester.  1½CPD points

4 May - Judicial Appointments - interview training and tips for Solicitors. 9.00am-5.00pm in Newcastle.    5½CPD points

6 June - Management Course Stage One, 9.15-15.15, Manchester.  Management Course Stage One (MCS1) is the Solicitors Regulation Authority's compulsory management training course which all solicitors must complete within three years of qualification (before the end of their third full CPD year). 7CPD points

Lawyers World Cup - Mundi Avocat  - 1 - 10 June 2012 in Rovinj, Croatia.  Go to the website for details on how to enter, and for information on the General Assembly in September 2011 

Inaugural presentation of the Tees Valley Legal Awards and Autumn Cocktail Party

More than 40 Solicitors, Judges and trainees were present at the event to see Anne Elliott and Nicola Neilson, both of Latimer Hinks be presented with the award for Outstanding Achievement (Anne) and Lawyer of the Year (received on Nicola's behalf by Helen Thomas) on 20 October.  Geoff Cruickshank (of Punch Robson) said he and his fellow Judges (Simon Catterall of Jacksons Law and Helen Biglin of BHP Law) had been impressed with the quality of the entries received, and that Anne and Nicola were worthy winners.  On accepting the Award, Anne said when she attended her first Annual Dinner, there had been 3 female solicitors present - she was delighted say "we have come a long way since then"
Guests were entertained by the recently formed trio, BrknPlts whose lead singer is non other that TVLS Press Officer, Rachel Donald.

 Entries will open shortly for the 2012 Awards