Birmingham Trainee Solicitors Society (BTSS), the 174 year old offshoot of the Birmingham Law Society, has named its new chair as first year trainee from The Wilkes Partnership, Matthew Hartas.
The organisation, which is made up of more the 300 trainee solicitors, paralegals, newly qualified solicitors and post-graduate law students across Birmingham and the West Midlands, ran elections in March, with many members voting. Matthew was named as the new chair after voting finished on 15th March.
In his manifesto, the trainee solicitor from The Wilkes Partnership promised to continue the charity fundraising work – currently Free@Last – which aims to improve the lives of children and young people in Nechells. Matthew also set plans to continue to deliver important social and networking events that have established the BTSS as one of the leading young legal organisations in the UK.
Matthew Hartas, new chair of the BTSS and trainee solicitor at The Wilkes Partnership, says, “I’m really looking forward to getting started as chair. Since starting at Wilkes I have always been encouraged to get involved in BTSS activities and I could immediately see why. It is such an active organisation and it not only helps build relationships within the next generation of lawyers in Birmingham, it also raise money for good causes.”
In his first year at The Wilkes Partnership, having joined in September 2018, the young solicitor is currently working in corporate law after spending the previous six months with the firm’s specialist property team. As part of the progression through Wilkes’ trainee initiative, he still has the opportunity to learn in several more of the law firm’s practice areas, before progressing to assistant solicitor.
Matthew Hartas continues, “The senior teams at Wilkes have always been supportive about the work with BTSS and have helped me through my career development so far. Having learned a lot in my time at Wilkes so far I’m looking forward to continuing to progress.
“I feel that this new role will help me continue to grow both professionally and personally. After being involved in organisations while at university, namely as vice chair of the law society, I wanted to get involved again. It also helps that this has given me the experience of organising big events, so I have a good idea of what to expect – but it’s going to be a challenge living up the great events that were arranged by the last leadership.”
Kate Hackett, Partner at The Wilkes Partnership, said: “We’re really pleased for Matt. We think it’s so important to get involved in the social side of the legal community right from the start, and being part of the BTSS is a brilliant way to do that. Seeing Matt going one step further and dedicating time to making the organisation a success is brilliant.
“Aside from the BTSS, Matt has also been working hard since he joined our trainee programme, and we’re looking forward to helping him progress his legal career. We’re sure he has a bright future ahead of him in the legal profession.”
For more information on The Wilkes Partnership, go to www.wilkes.co.uk
