Blog: 31 May 2024 - Aneeka Muneer, LLG President

I was privileged to attend The Leeds Law Society dinner held at the Queens Hotel recently which was a great way to connect within the regions and gain a flavour of developments both at a local and national level within the profession. The Queens Hotel is a beautiful art deco Grade II listed building boasting some famous residents in the past including Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Having survived the Second World War bombing, it’s a building well worth visiting.

I was also privileged to meet Barbara Mills KC, Vice Chair of the Bar of England (first black female in the post) and also Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds 2024/25 (the first black female elected to the post) who will be joining us at the Spring Conference next week which is exciting. Both are huge inspirations for future generations and shining examples of; if "I can see, I can be".

I also had an exciting time at Sangam Radio station where the ‘Samea’ programme dedicated a slot to me as the first female Muslim to be appointed as President of LLG. I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion around my work in prosecutions and regulatory work in local government and I was able to highlight the extent of support provided by career in local government including being able to have a work life balance to raise a family whilst developing a career.

Earlier on in May, LASBA, (the LLG equivalent in the Republic of Ireland), hosted me at their summer conference held at Cork Council; one of the sessions by Sarah Jane Judge discussed the challenges faced by local councils in dealing with protests- a stark reminder of the political arena in which local government lawyers work. This is the second time I have had the pleasure of attending the Irish lawyers' conference and the hospitality I received was so warm and welcoming; it’s always a joy to meet with them.

I am looking forward to the LLG Spring Conference Day 1 next week in my hometown of Leeds, where I graduated and live. Please do come and speak to me on the day as I would love to hear your views as to how LLG can support you further. See you then!

Enjoy your weekend.

Aneeka Muneer, LLG President