Law Society notices

Competence requirements of district judgesThe Law Society is seeking solicitors to participate in a consultation session on the competencies required for district judges.

The session will assist the Lord Chancellor's Department to design a pilot assessment centre for deputy district judge appointments.

The consultation will take place from 5pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday, 11 December at the Law Society's office in Chancery Lane.

Contact Linda Winter on 020 7320 5680 or e-mail: lindawinter@lawsociety.org.uk to book a place.

Mediation panelsIn March 2000 the Law Society Council agreed to the establishment of an accreditation scheme for civil and commercial mediators.

The civil and commercial mediation panel is scheduled to launch before the end of December 2001.

The family mediation panel opened for applications for membership in May 2001.

It is expected that the criteria for alternative routes to practitioner membership will be finalised during the early part of 2002.Those interested in joining either panel should contact the Society's information services, tel: 01527 50 44 33.Alternatively, e-mail: panels@lawsociety.org.uk or visit the Law Society's Web site: www.panels.lawsociety.org.uk

Diploma in local government law and practiceThe following candidates have passed the 2000/01 diploma in local government law and practice examination: Robert Burnell, Kuldip Kaur Channa, Ailsa Delaney, David Duckitt, Kathryn French, Sukhpal Grewal, Alison Harding, Sarah Hodgson, Nurgus Hussain, Helen Kellaway, Jane Lakin, Neil Masson, Neil McArthur, Valerie Nation, Clare Torrible, Simon Trahair-Davies, Nabila Zulfiqar.