Ramona, a litigation partner at commercial law firm Thrings, will lead GWILS – the voice of legal professionals, including solicitors, trainees, paralegals, legal secretaries and legal executives in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire – for a further twelve months.
Formed in 1817, GWILS provides functional and practical support to its members, ranging from updates, training and guidance on legal and regulatory issues, access to care services, networking and professional development opportunities, as well as representing members’ interests to the national Law Society.
Last year under Ramona’s leadership, membership numbers rose by more than 25 per cent.
The GWILS committee also oversaw the re-branding of the organisation, including the launch of a new and more user-friendly website. More than 60 members from across the two counties gathered at the Cotswold Water Park in July for the launch of the new brand at the “Rock the Boat” summer party.
Supporting Ramona and the membership for a second year-long term will be the full 2016 committee and secretariat, including Thrings solicitors Louisa Smith and Joanna Apperley, who will continue as Honorary Secretary and committee member respectively.
Ramona and the GWILS committee are already making plans to strengthen GWILS’ offering to members, including the inaugural GWILS Awards dinner in November.
Ramona said: “It has been an extremely eventful year for GWILS, with the committee working hard to develop and adapt the range of high-value services and benefits offered to our growing membership.
“The next twelve months look set to be equally exciting, including, for the first time, the GWILS Awards. The awards will provide us with an opportunity to recognise the finest talent and professional achievements of legal professionals and teams from across Gloucestershire and Wiltshire in what will be a momentous year for the organisation.”
If you are interested in becoming a member of GWILS, please visit the website or get in touch with Ramona on 01793 412581 / rderbyshire@thrings.com.