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April and May have proven to be highly active months for the South Wales Trainee Solicitors Group. With the good weather and consequential enthusiasm for the summer ahead, the social events have been full of life.

First up was the ‘SWTSG Day at the Races’ on 5 April 2008. It was an event not to be missed. The coach turned up to collect the eager betters from Cardiff and set off in the sunshine for what would turn out to be a day to remember. The sold out group arrived at Chepstow Racecourse early for the VIP tour of the grounds. Together, the group toured the course and grounds, getting the full commentary on some interesting history to the sport and the ‘do’s and don’t’s’ for the day. The group were also privileged enough to get a look around the weighing room, where the jockeys are carefully weighed to ensure fair practice. A quick look in the gallery and loaded up with betting coupons and drinks vouchers, the group were then let loose to try their luck on the horses.

As it was Grand National day, there was undoubtedly a buzz in the air of extra excitement. Some listened out for tips, and others carefully chose their horses by most appealing name. Whichever option was taken, there were certainly some big winners and slightly less fortunate losers over the day. With 9 races throughout the afternoon, there was time to have a go at betting, stand at the fence and cheer for your horse madly hoping that he might catch up, and then regardless of the outcome there was the friendly bar and beer tent to go and laugh off the losses. The end of the day came all too soon, when the crowd were herded back to the coach to reminisce all the way home about the days events and compare winnings. One thing is for sure- it was an event not to be missed next year and the SWTSG can only hope the success can be built upon once again.

Of course, the Day at the Races was a hard act to follow, but yet again the SWTSG had something up their sleeve to beat it. The event was, of course, the eagerly awaited Law idol, held at Tiger Tiger in Cardiff on 17 April 2008.

The event was very well attended by trainees, students, paralegals and newly qualified solicitors from all across Cardiff and South Wales. David Dixon of Cardiff Centre for Professional Legal Studies and Alice Carpanini of Chadwick Nott, the generous sponsor of the event, kindly took up the posts as judges for the evening and carefully watched as each hopeful took to the stage to see if they could impress the crowd.

There can be no doubt that some voices left something to be desired and had to stand and take the harsh (but fair) criticism of the Simon Cowell-like honesty of David Dixon. However, out of the crowds came some hidden talents, proving Cardiff’s future lawyers clearly have more than just their brilliant intellect to offer.

It was a tough competition to judge, and it took quite some deliberation from the judges. However, in the end, the first prize went to one of Cardiff’s own LPC students, Nicole Pearson, with a rendition of ‘Valerie’, originally by The Zutons. She collected her prize kindly sponsored by Chadwick Nott, and gave a brave and brilliant encore to get everyone in the party mood. The event continued with the DJ as people partied the night away.

On a more serious note, the SWTSG have been continuing their support to its members as they approach the difficult qualification time at which so many choices will need to be made. The careers event sponsored by Chadwick Nott was held on 15 May 2008 at the Park Plaza Hotel, and was well attended by people from all sorts of firms. People were able to get advice on careers and planning, and also the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face with others in similar positions. SWTSG strives to support its members throughout their early career, and this event helped to provide guidance for those who needed it.

The sports teams continue to do well, practising hard in anticipation of their next match. The netball team are training hard for the summer season and hoping to get some great matches under their wing in the coming months. Likewise, the football team are hard at work and looking forward to those summer evenings where they can practice and socialise in the sun. If you fancy giving either of these a go, then take a look at the website at www.swtsg.com for the details and the latest news.

Finally, the summer ball will be held at Holland House Hotel on 7 June 2008. Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be the party of the year. In honour of the new Junior Lawyers Division launch nationally, this year’s ball is open to all law students, trainees, paralegals and up to 5 years PQE solicitors. It promises to be a fantastic night for all so grab your ticket fast by visiting the website for details!

Tracey Singlehurst-Ward

Tracey.Singlehurst-Ward@HughJames.com

Go to South Wales TSG website

Go to national TSG website