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On Thursday 17th July, my fellow Law Firm Supplier Network members and I hosted Summer Drinks at The Anthologist on St Peter’s Square in Manchester. If you came to the Christmas Drinks event or LexRex’s 10th anniversary party, you’ll know how much I like this venue. It’s beautifully laid out, the food and drinks packages are easy to order and logical (with great alcohol-free options that go beyond Diet Coke and Becks Blue), it is very accessible, and they cater well for allergies. All of this stuff is easy to ignore, but so helpful when venues get it right.
The idea behind Summer Drinks was to bring together Manchester’s lawyers and law firm employees for a late afternoon and early evening get together. As with all of our Law Firm Supplier Network events, we wanted a lovely venue, tasty food and drink and most importantly – great people!
This was our second drinks event, the first was our Christmas Drinks, which took place in December 2024 (and if you like the sound of this event, watch this space). You may also know that we run a twice-yearly alcohol-free networking event called NetworkingAF. This also happens in Manchester at a fully alcohol-free venue (no alcohol is kept on premises at all). Do book your ticket now if you’re free to attend for lunch on Thursday 2nd October.
Summer Drinks delivered on all fronts, and the sun even put in an appearance. This was helpful as I’d booked an outside space, and I was slightly nervous of either rain or scorching summer sun. Thankfully, Manchester’s climate came good and we neither fried nor froze.
I asked one of my fellow Law Firm Supplier Network partners what they thought of the event. Martyn Best, founder of Document Direct said,
“From the moment the first guests arrived, it was clear everybody was ready for an evening of fun. The chatter started almost immediately, and there was a great mixture of new people and those I’d known for a while. The relaxed atmosphere meant we could mix and mingle, with a plentiful supply of great food and lovely drinks.
“Victoria kept the evening flowing with her trademark mix of charm and organisation, making sure everyone felt included”*.
*I didn’t pay him to say this.
Feedback from our post-event survey was also very positive, with all respondents planning to attend future Law Firm Supplier Network events and one commenting that it was ‘fabulous’.
What is the Law Firm Supplier Network?
The Law Firm Supplier Network came into being as a result of a vision for a network that I’ve had for many years. I’d always wanted to create a networking group for lawyers and employees of law firms, having always wanted to access something like this when I was in practice. I can remember being expected to network but also never quite finding a space where I could get to know my fellow lawyer peers. I can also remember feeling that a lot of legal events were overrun by suppliers, which I’d find a bit frustrating because I wasn’t in the market to be sold to and because what I really wanted was to meet other lawyers.
Although I could have created the network under the LexRex banner, it felt right to go out to market to my trusted network and build something collaborative. I’ve known Tracey, Alex, Martyn and Tom for a while now and not only do I trust them, I also like them. They were the first people I went to with the idea, and they all enthusiastically said an immediate ‘yes’ to being involved. Between us, we have strong networks, and most importantly, they make me laugh – what’s the point in doing business with people who don’t make you lol in a WhatsApp group!?
We intentionally limit Law Firm Supplier Network attendees to lawyers and law firm employees, save where we occasionally invite an additional supplier sponsor. Not only does this model enable us to create the lawyer-space that I’ve always wanted, it also means we can bring these events to market free of charge for attendees.
I understand that it can be frustrating for other suppliers who want to get involved, but at the moment, we have no plans to change this model. We may host a ‘Meet the Supplier’ or similar event in the future – and do feel free to email me if you’d like to be involved in this potential event as a sponsor.
At the moment we are focussing on building our presence in Manchester, but if you’re based elsewhere and you’d like to see either Summer / Christmas Drinks or NetworkingAF in your location, do get in touch for a chat by emailing me.
If you’d like early access to tickets to future Law Firm Supplier Network events straight into your inbox – sign up to the LexRex newsletter, Legal Resource today.
Victoria
Victoria Moffatt is the founder and managing director of LexRex.
A non-practising solicitor she has been supporting law firms with their PR for over a decade. Get in touch with Victoria to discuss your law firm’s PR needs.
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