The EMLS Development Network is a unique programme that enables our members to work with partner firms and access tailored solutions to support both individuals with their career progression and organisations directly with tackling specific recruitment and retention challenges.
There are many facets to the Development Network including but not limited to:
The Development Network offers an excellent opportunity for members to access bespoke support packages, not only supporting career development for those with established roles but also encouraging the widening of the talent pool.
To get involved please register as a member of EMLS here and navigate back to this page.
Complete the “Development Network Request Form” and we will get back to you ASAP with further details.
Alternatively, to find out more or for any enquiries, please contact:
Deborah Eaton, EMLS Coordinator deborah.eaton@nottscc.gov.uk
Kirtpal Kaur Aujla, Development Network Contact (Bevan Brittan, Partner) kirtpal.kaur-aujla@bevanbrittan.com
Kate Lorraine-Francis, Development Network Contact (Bevan Brittan, Senior Business Development Executive) kate.lorraine-francis@bevanbrittan.com
We are aware that most public sector legal departments find it difficult to recruit and retain the high calibre lawyers they need, from the early recruitment of trainees through to the retention of more senior lawyers.
The EMLS Development Network was created with these challenges in mind and can support you in navigating them.
To meet the challenges posed by recruitment, it is necessary think creatively and tailor your approach to the unique circumstances and requirements of your existing team.
These are just some of the ways we are helping employers:
We understand that retaining your talent is as important as recruitment and poses its own unique challenges. Meeting development needs, enhancing skills, delivering adequate support and providing opportunities for career progression are all essential in improving the job satisfaction of your current employees. Getting these elements right is key to maintaining high employee retention.
The Development Network can assist with this. Our platform encourages members to share experience and expertise and connect with other legal professionals, be it informally or as part of our mentoring and buddying schemes. We also offer opportunities for professional development, such as secondments, lawyer-swaps and supported learning. Learn more about available professional development opportunities here.
If the Development Network can help you with your employment processes, or if you have any ideas about how we can better support employers, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Check out our Case Studies webpage to see some examples of how our way of working is helping employers and lawyers right now.
The Development Network offers a wide range of opportunities to individuals, each centred on continuing professional development and providing support.
These opportunities are delivered in partnership with employers, other public bodies and our panel firms.
The EM Development Network consists of public bodies and private sector law firms who work together, for the benefit of their teams.
The EM Development Network can assist in organising a range of opportunities, for you and your employer, to help build upon your current knowledge and skill set:
The Development Network can assist in organising professional development opportunities for you, including but not limited to:
Take a moment to discuss your career plan with your manager. If the Development Network can help to support your professional development, or you have any suggestions about what more we could do, let us know – we are always open to ideas!
Check out our Case Studies section to see some examples of how our way of working is helping employers and lawyers right now.
The EMLS Development Network has an exciting extension within its remit: the Junior Development Network. The Junior Development Network is aimed at juniors at all levels ranging from trainees, legal assistants and apprentices to newly qualified solicitors with a few years PQE.
This is an excellent platform to come together to share experiences and ideas to support challenges faced by the juniors in the current landscape. At all stages of a legal career, this type of peer support can prove invaluable.
The Network has been running quarterly virtual coffee sessions for discussion about topics of interest, which are selected by juniors.
In the past two years, legal topics selected for discussion have included:
To receive an invitation for our forthcoming sessions, please register as a member of EMLS here and then navigate to the following webpage to sign up: A coffee with… Junior & newly qualified solicitors – EM LawShare.
The Network also has an active LinkedIn Group for Development Network: A coffee with junior and newly qualified solicitors | Groups | LinkedIn. This Group offers further opportunities for junior legal professionals to build their networks, connect with others, and share experiences.
If you are interested in joining our LinkedIn Group, please contact kirtpal.kaur-aujla@bevanbrittan.com or jane.priddes@bevanbrittan.com and this can be organised.
If you are a junior lawyer or know of those in your team who are interested in registering for forthcoming event or who would like to join the Junior Development Network please send details (including name, contact details and PQE / stage of legal training) to training@emlstraining.freeths.co.uk who will maintain the same in accordance with Privacy & Data Policy – EM LawShare.
Sam McGinty, Head of Legal Services at Loughborough University outlines his experience of recruiting an in-house property lawyer via the EM Lawshare Development Network.
To retain the best talent, it is important to afford our employees the best possible development opportunities make their roles and experiences as interesting and engaging as possible.
Providing that support in-house may not be possible. The EMLS Development Network can help.
Clara joined with limited practical experience of managing Committees, having previously worked in private practice. She shadowed Anthea over the life cycle of a meeting of Planning Committee at NWLDC (including checking reports, attending briefing and the meeting of Committee) to broaden her understanding and learn from Anthea’s experience.
This opportunity meant that Clara confidently stepped into advising Members and Officers at the Planning Committee at CCC. The two Solicitors went on to develop a relationship whereby Clara felt able to pick up the phone and bounce ideas and tricky queries off Anthea.
“NWLDC were pleased to be able to support the development of a talented lawyer. We were proud to see the outcome of our work in Clara’s increased confidence in dealing with the Planning Committee. This is exactly what the EMDN is all about.”
Keeping in mind your team’s unique needs, the EMLS Development Network can support you in recruiting the best talent with our transformative approach.
Browne Jacobson and NWLDC developed a joint model of recruitment to help overcome NWLDC’s difficulties in recruiting to their vacant Contracts and Procurement Solicitor post.
Craig Elder, a partner from Browne Jacobson and Elizabeth Warhurst, Head of Legal and Support Services at NWLDC, worked together throughout the recruitment, to attract a junior solicitor (thereby making a salary saving) with the right qualities who could be supported into the role.
The successful candidate, Sam McGinty, was mentored by Craig and developed a close working relationship with him during the first year of his employment and beyond.
Sam’s competency grew rapidly and he was quickly able to provide effective advice and service to NWLDC, despite having no background in local government previously.
“The EM Development Network is a fantastic opportunity to work with colleagues to develop talented lawyers, in a way which everyone benefits from. Why wouldn’t we collaborate in this way?”