Guernsey International Legal Association committee members, left to right, Maxime Le Tocq, Rob Jones, Emma Roberts, Diane Bailey and Rachael Richardson. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0791556)
THE new committee of the Guernsey International Legal Association is busy making plans to mark its 20th year.
Headed by new president Emma Roberts, the committee met recently for the first time since being voted in at the organisation’s annual meeting.
Miss Roberts, a lawyer at Rothschild Trust, said it was a great honour to be starting her two-year term as president.
‘I’m really looking forward to it, but I’ve also got some very big shoes to fill after our previous president, Simon Bourge.
‘I’ve got an enthusiastic committee and we’re looking forward to arranging some good events and seminars, especially with it being our 20th year.
‘To mark that we are looking to hold a black tie event with a well-known speaker. We have got one person in mind and it would be fantastic if we could get them.’
Gila was created 20 years ago by Talmai Morgan, Mike McKean, Harry Ball and the late David Bateman, as a social and educational organisation for lawyers qualified in any jurisdiction, but who live in Guernsey.
Since then it has gone from strength to strength and now has approximately 125 members. It has its own website at www.gila.org.gg, where information on its committee and upcoming events are available.
Members of the Guernsey Bar can be members and lawyers do not have to be working within a law firm to join. Locally-based lawyers can also be members, even if they are out of work.
‘We have seen a real increase in interest in the last few years, especially with lawyers coming to Guernsey to work from places such as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, as well as a few from North America,’ said Miss Roberts.
Committee member Diane Bailey, of Ogier, moved to the island several years ago and said Gila was a terrific organisation for newly-arrived lawyers to join.
‘Not only do you get to meet new people, the lectures that are put on are fantastic because they raise issues that are important from a Guernsey perspective as well as in the UK and Europe.’
The next event in the Gila calendar is a summer drinks reception on 1 July at the Guernsey Yacht Club.
Article posted on 23rd June, 2009 - 2.30pm
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