TVLS' AGM for 2016 was held on Monday 4 July. Outgoing President, Helen Lyne of Tilly Bailey and Irvine, reported on her experiences as President, and on TVLS' activities over the preceding year - those thoughts are also included in the Review of the Year pamphlet.

Every year, the Society recognises those who have been in practice for more than 40 years. This year that recognition was shown to:

• Anne Elizabeth Elliott of Latimer Hinks
• Robert Evans of Evans & Co
• John Hall of Tilly Bailey & Irvine
• Christopher Fountain of Hewitts Solicitors
• Paul Bennett of Endeavour Partnership
• John Tillotson of Cochranes Law Firm

Following the presentation, Tony Luckett of Clive Owen LLP presented the Society's accounts for 2015, and these were duly approved by the members. Clive Owen LLP's appointment as the Society's auditors was also confirmed by the membership.

Elections were held for the role of President, and the roles of Senior and Junior Vice Presidents. Those elections saw Elaine McLaine-Wood of Punch Robson Solicitors take the President's role, Dermot Winters of Close Thornton LLP take the Senior Vice President role, and Chris Noon of NE Law elected as Junior Vice President. In addition, Leah Keating of Punch Robson, who had been co-opted to Council earlier in the year, was elected as Constituency Member for Stockton on Tees, whilst James Craddock of Endeavour Partnership was elected as a General Member of Council.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from Alan Devine who, along with Jo Wharton, acts as Law Society representative for the region. Alan drew attention to regular reports and briefings issued by the Law Society, and encouraged all legal professionals to become more involved in their local and national Law Societies. He also encouraged members to have their say on matters such as the potential sale of the Land Registry and further changes to the eligibility to receive legal aid. Alan Devine and Jo Wharton can be contacted at constituencycomms@lawsociety.org.uk.