Creation of The Professional Negligence
Lawyers’ Association
The Law Society’s Training Committee agreed at
its meeting in February 2004 to consult with members
of the profession who have indicated in their work categories
that they are available to take Professional Negligence
instructions. The aim of the consultation was to assess
whether there would be sufficient interest in the creation
of Claimant Professional Negligence to justify further
development work being undertaken and in particular
an accreditation scheme for Professional Negligence
Solicitors.
There has been a response from at least 25% of those
approached. It is understood from the Law Society that
this is a good response rate, and indeed better than
average.
Of the responses received 90% supported the development
of an Accreditation Scheme. Commonly, solicitors feel
that the creation of such a scheme would serve to bolster
public confidence and enhance the reputation of Practitioners.
As a result, The Professional Negligence Lawyers’
Association has been formed by a group of specialists
in the field and you are invited to become a member.
It is hoped that the Association will become the focus
for clients who are in need of lawyers who specialise
in the Professional Negligence field and will be able
to direct those clients to the appropriate specialists.
Other benefits will include:-
- The provision of training courses and seminars
- An information database
- A regular newsletter
- An annual conference
- Regional meetings
- An entry in the annual directory
- A voice with key stakeholders
- Opportunities to lead the profession by joining
regional committees
- Opportunities to contribute to lobbying and communications
initiatives to help members and to inform the wider
community about the profession
- Access to a network of peers across the business
community (networking)
- In due course, a members’ handbook with
a technical reference section
Objectives
The objects for which the Association is established
are as follows:-
- To promote specialist dispute resolution skills
in acting for claimants (individuals and organisations)
in disputes between them and their professional
advisors arising because of negligent or inadequate
service;
- To provide a network for the exchange of information
among members of the Association;
- To promote and encourage education and training
in claimant professional negligence dispute resolution;
and
- To develop a public voice of claimant professional
negligence dispute resolution with a media profile
and a lobbying capacity.
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