Manchester Law Society, one of the country’s oldest and most influential legal associations, has announced the appointment of Geraldine Stephens as Deputy Chair of its Civil Litigation Committee. A senior associate at Clarke Willmott in Manchester, Geraldine is widely recognised for her litigation expertise and passion for supporting the city’s thriving legal community.
Clarke Willmott’s Manchester office opened in 2010 and has since grown into a full-service practice with over 70 professionals, offering expertise across family, employment, corporate and commercial property law. Geraldine joined the Clarke Willmott team in 2019, bringing with her strong academic credentials and over seven years’ experience.
Founded in 1838, the Manchester Law Society represents and supports a membership of over 4,600 legal professionals across Greater Manchester, including solicitors, barristers, judges, legal executives, paralegals and fee earners. The Society has a proud history of fostering professional excellence and collaboration within one of the UK’s most dynamic legal centres.
As Deputy Chair, Geraldine will work alongside Jeff Lewis, Chair of the Civil Litigation Committee, to advance the committee’s objectives and strengthen Manchester’s reputation as a centre of legal excellence.
The Civil Litigation Committee brings together litigators from across Greater Manchester, spanning international law firms, high street practices, barristers’ chambers, and legal education institutions. Its work focuses on ensuring that Manchester’s legal professionals have a strong voice in the development of civil justice and litigation practice.
The committee’s core activities include:
- Policy engagement: The committee regularly liaises with senior members of the judiciary, such as the Designated Civil Judge, to provide feedback on civil justice reforms and pilot schemes. The Society has representatives on all the relevant Court Users Committees
- Professional representation: It acts as a voice for civil litigators in the region, contributing to consultations and discussions on changes affecting litigation practice and procedure.
- Knowledge sharing: Members benefit from updates on procedural developments, case law, and best practices through meetings and collaborative discussions.
- Networking and support: The committee fosters a community where litigators can connect, share experiences, and support one another in navigating the evolving civil justice landscape.
Geraldine Stephens, said “It’s a real privilege to step into this role and contribute to the Manchester Law Society’s Civil Litigation Committee. Manchester has such a strong and forward-thinking legal community, and I’m excited to help drive progress and innovation in how we approach litigation across the region.”
Jeff Lewis, Chair of the Civil Litigation Committee, said “Geraldine’s appointment is fantastic news for the committee and for Manchester’s legal community. Her expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we continue our work to strengthen the city’s voice in the area of civil justice.”
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