Ah, 1818 – what a year that was. Mary Shelley published Frankenstein, Chile won independence from Spain and Birmingham Law Society was founded. Chancery Lane’s elder sibling is still the largest regional UK law society, with more than 4,000 members.

To mark the bicentenary it has commissioned historians Dr Sally Hoban and Dr Malcolm Dick of the School of History and Cultures at the University of Birmingham to write a history not just of the society but of the rise of the profession and how solicitors influenced the city. ‘Themes coming out include diversity in the profession – BLS accepted its first female member in 1923 – the building of the Victoria Law Courts and the social life of BLS and its member firms,’ Dr Hoban said. Anyone with information to contribute should contact: info@birminghamlawsociety.co.uk.

 

Topics