The Bournemouth & District Junior Lawyers Division (BDJLD) is a dynamic network for junior legal professionals and aspiring lawyers across Bournemouth, Dorset, and the surrounding areas. Affiliated with the Bournemouth & District Law Society (BDLS), the BDJLD exists to support, represent, and connect the next generation of the legal profession.

 

Our aim is to promote the educational, professional, and personal development of our members, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas within the local legal community, and represent the interests of junior lawyers in the region. We welcome members at the outset of their legal careers through to lawyers up to five years post-qualification; please see below for further details on eligibility.

 

Each year, the BDJLD organises a varied programme of educational, social, and sporting events, offering valuable networking opportunities in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Our calendar includes flagship events such as our Annual Charity Summer Ball and Christmas Charity Quiz, alongside talks, workshops, and informal socials designed to strengthen connections across the profession.

 

We are also proud of our commitment to charitable fundraising, supporting a Charity of the Year through dedicated events and initiatives. Our charity year runs from 31 January each year, with the chosen charity selected by the committee.

 

The BDJLD is led by an elected committee of junior lawyers who are passionate about building a strong, engaged, and forward-looking legal community. For the 2025/26 year, the Division is chaired by President Daisy Kershaw, supported by a dedicated committee committed to expanding the BDJLD’s reach, visibility, and impact.

 

Whether you are starting out in law or looking to broaden your professional network, the BDJLD offers a supportive space to connect, learn, and thrive.

 

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member of the BDJLD, we welcome applications from junior legal professionals and aspiring lawyers across a wide range of legal backgrounds. Membership is open to those at the outset of their legal careers and up to five years post-qualification, including legal assistants, paralegals, trainee solicitors, CILEX and conveyancing professionals, pupil and junior barristers, barristers’ clerks, and LPC, GDL and SQE students.

 

Membership provides access to educational resources, reduced fees for events, and the opportunity to be part of a supportive and long-standing professional network. Further details on eligibility, fees and how to apply can be found on the “Join Us” [if possible, please hyperlink this] page of our website or by contacting us directly. [You may want to link attached flyer but will leave that up to you].

 

Attending Our Events

The majority of our events are open to both members and non-members. When promoting our events, we include a link to purchase tickets, where you will be asked to confirm whether you are booking as a member or a non-member. Please select the appropriate option at checkout, and we look forward to welcoming you to our events throughout the year.

 

At all our events, you will find a QR code to scan to log your attendance. Once you have attended three or more BDJLD events, you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a ticket to our Annual Charity Summer Ball.