Blog: 03 May 2024 - Aneeka Muneer, LLG President

My appointment as LLG President will remain one of the most personal and professional achievements of my life. I thank you all for the support to date.

The joy of seeing LLG grow through the years to become front and centre nationally is a recognition of our strong collective values and resilience within the local government legal sector. Collaboration, ambitious vision, and community service connects our values. As an active member since 2011, I am proud to be a part of the LLG family and honoured to represent LLG.

I had the pleasure of attending the CIPFA spring lunch this week and listened intently to John McTernan echo the same message around working together whilst navigating a landscape of national political ambiguity, inevitable impact on public service and the ongoing need for innovation within communities- at all levels. The potential shift in approach highlighted to me the subsequent support our client departments will need in making tough decisions around service delivery, whilst problem solving in unknown territory. Good governance is for all lawyers in local government regardless of role; not merely ensuring that proper process is followed, but that ethical standards are upheld - this is paramount now more than ever.

The CIPFA event also highlighted the future of generation Z as the ruling class and the need to address retention and recruitment issues by obtaining a deeper understanding of the future workforce in local government. The LGA campaign on the future work force aims to address the need for student exposure at the early stages of their career path to the sector. LLG of course is now in the third year of its hugely successful work experience week, reaching university networks across England and Wales and opening the eyes of law students to the diverse career path local government has to offer. I am delighted to announce that this work has been recognised by our nomination for the Institute of Student Employers – Outstanding University Partnership with an Employer or Supplier with the University of Law. We will find out on the 25th June whether we will come home with the trophy!

In other news I am looking forward to attending my first Leeds Law Society annual dinner next week. As an Asian female myself, I recognise that it can be challenging for certain demographics to feel comfortable attending such events. This is why I am so delighted that this region is now represented by its first female Asian President to hold the post -Shanika Varga. There really is power in the message ‘if you can see it – you can be it’. We hope to inspire diversity throughout the profession via our trailblazing example.

Finally, I just want to acknowledge the amazing achievement of members and officers in facilitating and delivering the elections. It's a huge and demanding task and yet time and again local government steps up to ensure that democracy is delivered. Congratulations to all of you who played a part.

Aneeka Muneer, LLG President 2024-25