Events at HJA

Millie Mittoo Children’s Projects Christmas Panto

7/12/2023 – 8/12/2023

We were delighted to see the special performance of “Pirate of the Crime Kitchen”, as Millie Mittoo Children’s Projects have joined forces with Baron Productions to bring an amazing performance.

Thank you to friends, families and colleagues who helped us raise much needed funds for the orphaned girls in Pakistan. A big thank you to all of you who came to see the Christmas Panto and also those who generously donated.

We have raised an amazing amount of £3,000

INQUEST Quiz

24/11/2023

Our annual fundraising quiz organised by our Civil Liberties & Human Rights team to support INQUEST campaigning work such as the Hillsborough victims and the ‘No More Deaths’ campaign for a National Oversight Mechanism. Thank you to everyone who attended the Fundraising quiz, it was a lovely evening full of great entertainment.

Total amount raised £7,835.26

AGloha – CBIT Fundraising Event

19/10/2023

Our Personal Injury team had a fantastic time at the AGloha event on 19th October, a fundraising event organised by the Child Brain Injury Trust.

Staff Awards

18/10/2023

Our Annual Staff Awards is an opportunity to recognise our colleagues efforts and for us to celebrate together staff’s achievements.

Congratulations to all individuals and teams that were nominated and those who were shortlisted for being recognised for their outstanding performances and those reaching another milestone in the long service award. You should be very proud of your hard work at Hodge Jones & Allen. Overall, it was an amazing atmosphere seeing everyone enjoying themselves by cheering, drinking and eating delicious pizzas

Bobath Centre Quiz

12/10/2023

Medical Negligence team hosted a fundraising quiz in October to raise funds for The National Bobath Cerebral Palsy, a charity which provide specialist treatment and training to maximise potential of children and adults living with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. Our guests and the team had a wonderful time.

The total amount raised was £4,072.80

Royal Parks Marathon

08/10/2023

Andrew Harrison, Partner in our Medical Negligence team, and Mandhir Seera, Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team, took part in the Royal Parks Half – London to raise much needed funds for the National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre.

In total we have raised £1,235

Book Launch: A Practical Approach To Clinical Negligence 3rd Edition

21/09/2023

We hosted our first ever Book Launch at Hodge Jones and Allen. Our Medical Negligence Partner, Geoffrey Simpson-Scott, wrote a new book called A Practical Approach To Clinical Negligence 3rd Edition.

Overall, it was a great evening, followed by amazing speeches, drinks and good conversations.

A big thank you to Geoffrey for generously donating his money to purchase the books and for signing them as well. And thank you to everyone who purchased the books and donated money to have their caricatures drawn on the night.

We have raised an amazing amount of £905.00

Personal Legal Services BBQ Summer Event

20/09/2023

Hodge Jones and Allen were pleased to host our Personal Legal Services, BBQ event on the roof of 30 Euston Square.

The event was attended by solicitors, barristers, and other organisations we work with. All in all, the event was a great success. Thank you to our solicitors and guests for making worthwhile memorable evening for everyone. The feedback received has been fantastic.

Orsett Show

02/09/2023

We were delighted to attend The Orsett Show in Essex.  Thank you to everyone that came over to our stand, and to the see the wonderful AA dance school entertaining our visitors. It was a lovely day seeing new faces and meeting new people whilst we told them more about our firm and the legal services we offer to our clients.

Afternoon Tea For Amputees In Aid of Limbless Association

12/07/2023

Hodge Jones & Allen were pleased to support the Limbless Association Afternoon Tea For Amputees at our London office. The Personal Injury team, have organised this event which involved lots of amazing cakes, scones and biscuits whilst drinking plenty of teas or coffees in return for a donation!

Action Mesothelioma Day

07/07/2023

We are pleased to have had the opportunity to extend our support to Action Mesothelioma Day at the Merseyside Charity, a meaningful event aimed at honouring the memory of individuals who lost their lives as a result of asbestos exposure. Our Partner, Joanne Candlish, along with Paralegal Trish Monks from our Asbestos and Mesothelioma team, joined local Asbestos campaigners. Together, they participated in a ceremony held in Liverpool, where doves were released as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

AvMA 40th Anniversary Gala Celebration Dinner

02/12/2022

Lawyers from our Medical Negligence and Private Client teams had an excellent evening at the Action Against Medical Accidents’ 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner, along with guests from National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre, Yellow Jersey PR and Old Square Chambers.

The Bobath Centre – Annual Review Report Launch

29/11/2022

Our Medical Negligence Team, headed by Agata Usewicz were delighted to be able to host an important launch event for the incredible Bobath Centre.

Guests heard about the Bobath’s new review service and certainly left the event with a greater insight into what life is like for an adult with Cerebral Palsy.

They heard some powerfully moving stories from the panel of speakers, along with some striking statistics. The panel included four speakers living with CP and they agreed with the Centre’s research findings that over 70% of people aren’t offered an annual review of their condition by healthcare professionals.

Youth Practitioner’s Association Conference

23/11/2022

This conference was based around ‘Youth Justice SOS: everything you need to know about representing children in the youth justice system today’, and was held in our Draught Orders bar. It was a well attended and informative evening for guests.

No5 Chambers Networking Event

01/11/2022

Solicitors and barristers were invited to join us at our Draught Orders Bar to meet their colleagues face-to-face. This was a great networking opportunity, where guests enjoyed food, drinks and entertainment from a magician.

London Legal Walk

18/10/2021

Our employees have been taking part in the London Legal Walk every year to raise much needed funds to support free legal advice charities and pro bono agencies which help the most vulnerable people in London and the South East. The pandemic has dramatically increased the need for free legal advice, particularly in the areas of debt, homelessness, benefits and domestic violence.

This year we raised a fantastic amount of £1,316.69.

London 10K Run

25/07/2021

Louise Jukes, Katherine Currie and Alisa McNeil ran the ASICS London 10K to raise much needed funds for the Child Brain Injury Trust.

The Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) is a charity that supports children, young people, their families and professionals and helps them come to terms with what has happened and how to deal with the uncertainty that the future may hold following a brain injury.

Our team raised £1,140.

Annual Medical Negligence AvMA Fundraiser

26/02/2020

Our Medical Negligence team hosted its annual charity fundraising event on the 26th February 2020 for AvMA (Action Against Medical Negligence). This was the last event held at our infamous Draught Orders bar before the coronavirus pandemic hit us.

Over 100 guests attended the Rock & Roll Bingo event and auction. The team raised a fantastic £4,920.30.

Virtual INQUEST Quiz

4/12/2020

For the past 12 years, our Civil Liberties and Human Rights team have organised the “INQUEST Festive Quiz”, to raise money for INQUEST. Despite the ongoing pandemic, they were determined to host the quiz in December 2020, so that they could raise much needed funds to support INQUEST in their vital campaigning work, and for their provision of support for bereaved families.

The virtual event was held on the 4th December 2020, and was once again sponsored by Doughty Street Chambers, Matrix Chambers and Garden Court Chambers.

Total amount raised was £6,196.83.

London Legal Walk

June & October 2020

Employees of HJA participated in the London Legal Walk, on both the 8th June #10kStepsForJustice and the 5th October #10xChallenge. The event was organised by The London Legal Trust. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, this event turned virtual.

Participants were given the opportunity to participate in any way and any place they like. Together we raised £1,423.45. The funds will support free legal advice charities and pro bono agencies which help the most vulnerable people in London and the South East.

Christmas Carols in the Bar

03/12/2019

Hodge Jones & Allen hosted its eighth Carols in the Bar on the 3rd December 2019, supported by the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship.

Our guests enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and carol singing, as well as an interview with a special guest, His Honour David Turner QC, High Court Judge.

Guests also had a chance to hear about the work Centre for Women’s Justice do on behalf of women within the justice system, and they had the opportunity to support their work through voluntary donation.

Annual INQUEST Festive Quiz

29/11/2019

Thanks to our regular sponsors, Doughty Street Chambers, Matrix Chambers and Garden Court Chambers, our Civil Liberties and Human Rights team organised its annual “INQUEST Festive Quiz” on the 29th November.

Every year, we aim to raise as much money as possible to support INQUEST in their vital campaigning work and their provision of support for bereaved families.

£5,407.58 was raised.

JFK Football Tournament

04/10/2019

Since 2012, HJA has been a proud sponsor of the JFK/HJA 5 a-side Football Challenge Cup, raising funds for children and young people who access legal support from Just for Kids Law.

For many years, we have competed in the JFK Charity Cup Tournament but never won. Finally, in 2019, this all changed when we won the tournament after a helping ‘foot’ from a female player.

London Legal Walk

17/06/2019

Each year employees of HJA take part in the fundraising event London Legal Walk, to raise much needed funds for the London Legal Support Trust.

The LLST is an independent charity that raises funds for charities that provide ‘life changing legal advice and free representation to those in need’ in London and the South East.

From a starting line at the Law Society, walkers followed one of two routes. ‘River and bridges’ crossed the Thames at Blackfriars, and went along the south bank to Vauxhall Bridge. ‘Parks’ took a long loop through Green Park, St James’s and Hyde Park, returning via The Mall and Strand.

£1,543 was raised.

Personal Injury Annual Charity Quiz

20/06/2019

Our annual charity quiz took place on the 20th June. This year, our team chose to raise money for two charities, the Child Brain Injury Trust and Headway.

The event began with a champagne reception, followed by the quiz, an auction and then a raffle. This year’s quiz winner was Temple Gardens Chambers. Anne Sander, partner in our Personal Injury team contributed to their win.

£2,414.78 was raised.

Personal Injury team takes on Tough Mudder

12/04/2019

Our Personal Injury team, with help from runners from our Medical Negligence, Housing, Mental Capacity & Deputyship and Accounts departments, took part in the 5K Tough Mudder on the 12th April.

£2,043.50 was raised in aid of The Child Brain Injury Trust.

Personal Legal Services Rooftop BBQ

23/05/2019

To celebrate the anniversary of the launch of our Personal Legal Services, we organised a celebratory event on the roof of 30 Euston Square.

The event was attended by solicitors, barristers, charities, and organisations that we work with, as well as several of our clients. The event kicked off with a champagne reception, followed by a BBQ on the top of the sunlit roof.

Our guests enjoyed themselves during the warm May evening.

We received fantastic feedback from our guests:

“It was my absolute pleasure to attend the Rooftop BBQ last night. I thought it was an absolutely cracking event.“

Annual INQUEST Quiz

29/11/2018

Every year, our Civil Liberties and Human Rights team organise the “INQUEST Festive Quiz”. Our quiz raises much needed funds to support INQUEST in their vital campaigning work, and their provision of support for bereaved families.

This year, the music round was slightly different. It was played by our own junior staff Camilla, Phillip and Jack.

Once again, the event was kindly sponsored by Doughty Street Chambers, Matrix Chambers and Garden Court Chambers. Thank you.

£3,924.98 was raised.

Trans Experience in the Workplace

A Panel Discussion

13/11/2018

In November, we launched an LGBT+ network to advise the community about legal issues through the different stages of their lives.

The panel discussion highlighted the issues facing trans individuals at work. The discussion featured Emma Cusdin, People Director at Aviva and Director at Global Butterflies; Homa Wilson, Employment Partner at Hodge Jones & Allen, and Luke Williams, trans Lawyer and Lecturer at BPP University Law School.

The evening, which was attended by around 70 people, was not only aimed at people who are part of the LGBT+ community, but also at those who wanted to show support and gain a greater understanding of the issues that trans and LGBT+ people face.

Women in Leadership in Law

23/11/2018

As part of our work with the Law Society we hosted a roundtable talk about Women in Leadership in Law. This was the largest international survey conducted on the topic of women in the law to improve gender equality in the legal profession.

There were over 100 of these events happening throughout England and Wales discussing:

• How to overcome the barriers to achieving leadership
• Our commitment to overcoming the barriers to achieve change and transformation within the profession.

HJA female employees from various departments and positions attended the talk, and shared their personal experiences from their career journeys.

Grease Charity Fundraiser

30/10 & 02/11/2018

Following on from its three amazing productions, Millie Mittoo Childrens’ Projects was back again with its very own unique version of the musical Grease.

The entire cast consisted of HJA employees. During the two performances, we raised a fantastic £4,336.75!

HJA’s Speed Networking Event

27/09/2018

The firm’s first Speed Networking Event for Junior Fee-Earners took place on the 27th September 2018, in our Draught Orders Bar.

The event entailed an intensive (but fun!) session of two minute meetings. In an hour, our junior staff met around 20 to 30 of our lovely colleagues.

It was a great opportunity to get to know colleagues within other departments, make connections, and enjoy a drink or two with their peers after a hard day of work. The networking event was successful, and we look forward to organising it again next year.

JFK Football Tournament

22/09/2018

Since 2012, HJA has been a proud sponsor of the JFK/HJA 5 a-side Football Challenge Cup!

The tournament helps raise funds for children and young people who access support from Just for Kids Law, a charity established in May 2006, who represent children and young people in criminal courts.

We did not win this year, but we will be back again next year!

Christmas Carols in the Bar

12/12/2017

For the seventh year running, Hodge Jones & Allen hosted Carols in the Bar on the 12th December, supported by the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship.

Guests enjoyed mulled wine, minced pies, carol singing by an African Gospel Choir, and an interview with the special guest, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, High Court Judge.

Donations were collected for the Big Kid Foundation charity. Their Development Director wrote afterwards: “On behalf of everyone at BIGKID, I wanted to say a massive thank you for having us at your carol service last night. It was great to meet the Hodge Jones & Allen team, and we all really enjoyed ourselves, especially the kids – who surprised us by really belting out some of the carols!”

A Noisy Christmas Medley, With Stevie Wishart

07/12/2017

Hodge Jones & Allen was delighted to host Club Inégales’ Christmas Concert, which was attended by a special guest, Stevie Wishart, a talented composer steeped in the traditions of folk and early music, who draws on electro-acoustic sound and improvisation, and is also a beguiling performer on violin.

Another evening of intrepid sonic exploration at Club Inégales, with mince pies, mulled wine, and good cheer a plenty!

INQUEST Festive Quiz

01/12/2017

On 1st December 2017 the Civil Liberties & Human Rights team held the 9th annual INQUEST Festive Quiz which raised almost £7,000 for INQUEST a charity which helps bereaved families. Garden Court Chambers were victorious again having specifically put together a team of quiz buffs.

Things could however have been so very different if a member of the HJA/ Doughty Street team had been less forceful in her incorrect assertion that helium was the first element in the periodic table. They finished a mere ½ a point behind the (some might argue fairly smug) victors. The winners of the wooden spoon this year were Doughty Street Chambers and DPG won best team name with ‘They aren’t wrong answers it’s Fake News’. Thanks must go to all those who helped out with the event especially Matt Cuell who was our quizmaster and Jack Williams and Phil Unciano who created a very unique live music round.

HJA Breakfast Networking Event

03/10/2017

Our successful networking programme continued with a third session this year, on Brexit- the impact on our family and working lives.

Three of our partners, from our Employment, Family and Crime team, gave 5 minute legal updates on the impact Brexit continues to have.

After the presentation, there was plenty of opportunity to network with various professionals.

More the Merrier

16/11/2017

Our Criminal Defence and Civil Liberties & Human Rights teams hosted a party on the 16th November to celebrate their teams achievements in 2017. Nigel Richardson took the opportunity to publicly welcome new partners – John Hartley, Kiran Mehta and Atiyah Malik. He congratulated Kerry Spence on her promotion to partner, and Graeme Hydari for his award as Legal Aid Criminal Lawyer of the Year. Raj Chada was also singled out for his shortlisting for Law Society and Society of Asian Lawyer Awards.

The great work of the Criminal and Civil Liberty teams was also celebrated. The turnout was fantastic with attendees from other firms, chambers, the judiciary and charities.

The night also provided us with the opportunity to maintain our old links and build new ones.

Champagne and Cheese tasting!

18/10/2017

Two new partners in the Family Law team, along with new fee earners in both the Family and Wills & Probate teams, provided the perfect excuse to organise an autumnal get together with friends and referrers to ‘Meet the Teams’ on the 19th October. We had over 50 people attend the event.

But what was the evening event you ask?

A quiz? Not quite. Perhaps drinks in the renowned HJA bar? Not that either. An auction! Not even close. The Private Client teams had gone for something slightly different – Champagne and Cheese tasting! With a competitive edge, of course.

Six teams, aptly named after famous Champagnes, competed against each other to identify (not guess!) whether they were sampling Champagne or sparkling wines, New or Old World grapes and, of course, which cheese went with which drink! Top marks (and the prize!) went to the Canard-Duchene Team who, despite their youth, were remarkably savvy about Champagne.

A great evening was had by all. Perhaps too good – it was a very quiet in the office the next day.

JFK football tournament

23/09/2017

The 23rd September saw the return of the JFK/HJA 5 a-side Football Challenge Cup! The tournament has run each year since 2012, and is well supported, with solicitors firms, barristers’ chambers, and other organisations entering, making a total of six teams.

Just for Kids Law is a charity established in May 2006, which represents children and young people in criminal courts. JFK also offers advocacy assistance and practical support to children and young people between the ages of 10 to 21 who need help with housing, mental health, education/training, school exclusion and various other issues.

JFK and HJA have for many years had a close relationship, including a successful 6 year period when JFK had an office based at the firm.

The tournament helped raise funds for the children and young people who access support from JFK.

It was another fun tournament, and this year was especially competitive. HJA managed to qualify out of their group but despite going 2-0 up, HJA were knocked out 3-2 by eventual winners, Farringdon. We are looking forward to next year already!

UCL sixth formers visit to HJA

01/08/2017

Hodge Jones & Allen hosted an evening for 16 – 17 year olds who were considering a career in law. The students were taking part in a week-long residential Summer School, organised by the UCL Access to Justice Centre.

Our Paralegals, trainees and solicitors provided invaluable insight into a lawyer’s life, their commitments to clients and the daily challenges they face in fighting for the rights of often vulnerable clients.

This event was one of several initiatives springing from the publication of the firm’s Innovation in Law report in 2015, in which HJA committed to establishing an HJA education scheme to promote the justice system through schools, youth and community groups.

A similar event was hosted in March 2017, which was aimed at undergraduates who were considering a career in Legal Aid. Both events were very successful. On the feedback forms, the majority of the students marked the visit to Hodge Jones & Allen as one of their favourite activities. They have also provided fantastic feedback:

• “Speaking to all the solicitors have cemented my ambition to be a lawyer! As many of the solicitors at this firm does, I cannot wait to make a difference to a client’s life! Thank you HJA.”
• “Listening to the solicitors at Hodge Jones and Allen was inspiring to see the huge impact the firm has on individuals’ worlds.”
• “I found the evening at Hodge Jones & Allen to be very motivating as the team of solicitors that met us were enthusiastic and encouraging, inspiring us to learn more about pro bono work and follow in their footsteps.”

Our next career event with association of the UCL Access to Justice Centre, will take place in autumn 2017.

St John’s School and College

18/07/2017

Nina Ali, a partner in the Medical Negligence team has attended St. John’s School and College‘s graduation ceremony on 18th July 2017.

St. John’s School and College support, educate and care for young people, who have complex learning disabilities and special needs. They currently have over 120 learners with autistic spectrum conditions, Downs Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, rare/multiple diagnoses and severe communication difficulties.

We were delighted to sponsor such an important event in children’ lives. Our sponsorship ensured that each child received a Presentation Box with photographic mementos and gifts.

Hodge Jones & Allen is particularly committed to acting for and representing the rights of children and adults with disabilities to ensure that their rights are fully and equally protected, and that they are provided with the same standard of access to justice, education, employment and healthcare as those without disabilities.

Headway Danceathon

15/07/20217

We were proud to support Headway North West London (HNWL) fundraising event Danceathon, which took place on Saturday 15th July 2017. The aim of the event was to raise much needed funds for children and families affected by brain injury. The event was very successful and was fully enjoyed by all children who couldn’t stop dancing!

HJA Breakfast Networking Event

27/06/2017

Following the success of our first networking event in April 2017, we were delighted to host our second networking event on the 27th June.

Our breakfast gathering provided an opportunity to make new contacts, and to hear important legal updates on family law, property disputes, and other areas.

Once Upon a Time In a Firm Not Too Far Away…

December 2016

Following amazing success of The Importance of Being Earnest, HJA staff and friends performed again.

The HJA pantomime ‘Snow White Like You Have Never Seen Before’ was written by Daniel Fitzpatrick and directed by Nina Ali with the mission to raise funds for Millie Mittoo Children’s Projects.

2-shows-only pantomime was fully sold out again!

INQUEST Festive Quiz 2016

HJA held its popular annual festive quiz in aid of INQUEST on Thursday 1st December. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Matrix Chambers, Doughty Chambers and Garden Court Chambers.

The total amount raised was over £7,600.

Headway Grateful to Receive Unclaimed Money from HJA

Headway has thanked HJA after it chose to donate £13,237 of unclaimed money to the charity.

The firm, which has been on Headway’s Solicitor’s Directory for more than eight years, decided to allocate the funds to the charity having seen the great work it does to support brain injury survivors.

Unclaimed client account balances are sums of money which lie dormant in the client account of many firms of solicitors, often untouched for years.

It may be that the rightful owner cannot be traced, or perhaps they will not provide instructions on how the funds should be dealt with.

Patrick Allen, Senior Partner, said: “Supporting Headway is something my firm has committed to for over 20 years, and donating monies unclaimed by our clients is one way in which we provide funds for their frontline services.

“At the end of each year, after liaising with the Solicitors Regulation Authority who oversee the process, we send unclaimed monies through to Headway, who hold the necessary indemnity cover. It is important to Hodge Jones & Allen to continue to play its part in supporting those affected by brain injury.”

Rachel Broughton, Fundraising Manager at Headway, said: “We are very grateful to Hodge Jones & Allen for choosing Headway for unclaimed funds. The money will help us provide support to those affected by the often devastating consequences of brain injury.”

HJA Raise £8,821 for CBIT

October 2016

The Personal Injury Department’s charity night went ahead on 9th June and proved to be a great success. This year we were raising money for the Child Brain Injury Trust. It is the only charity to provide long term practical support for the whole family following childhood acquired brain injury. It is estimated that for every child with a brain injury, an additional 9 individuals will need support.

The event was sponsored once again by 42 Bedford Row. The evening kicked off at 6pm with a champagne reception followed by the quiz, an auction and then a raffle. The auction prizes included flights to New York for two, Bestival tickets, jewellery, a Thames dinner cruise for two, food hampers, a bungee jump experience and countless bottles of champagne.