On 11th July 2018, leading top 50 Law Firm, Blake Morgan held its annual Built Environment Division Away Day at Brunel University London. The event was organised by Blake Morgan Partner Tony Coyne who is an Honorary Professor of Law at the Brunel law school, and an Alumnus who was also recently short-listed in the Brunel Alumni of the year award.
The away day attracted over 125 lawyers from the firm and included speakers from several of Blake Morgan’s offices. One of the key features of the day was hearing from Blake Morgan’s newly established project management team of quantity surveyors to complement the firm’s Principal Legal offering - this is believed to be the first time that a U.K. Law Firm has set up a team of non-lawyer fee earners.
Professor Bill Leahy, Brunel’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, gave a entertaining welcome speech that was well received by all the guests / lawyers. Following this there were speeches made by prominent members of Brunel’s academic and management staff:
• Head of the Brunel Law School, Professor Arad Reisberg, spoke about the future of Legal Education and the challenges that Law Firms’ face from AI. Paul Thomas CBE, Brunel’s Chief Operating Officer spoke about the Brunel Built Environment and the exciting developments planned for the future
• Brunel Law School lecturer, Doctor Adrienne Barnett, spoke about the challenges faced in teaching Land Law known for its sometimes mind boggling complexities!
• Colin Darby, Senior Planning Manager at Blake Morgan client, St Modwen, spoke about the major development of the nearby former RAF Uxbridge a site of national historic significance owing to its association with the Battle of Britain.
Commenting on the event, Tony Coyne said: “The state of the art facilities at Brunel are first class - it was a terrific day with excellent speakers from Brunel and St Modwen. Blake Morgan are delighted to be associated with the top rate professional team at Brunel.”