SPRIG became a formal ADLS committee in 2005 having been originally established informally in 1985 as a means of countering the isolation which can be experienced by lawyers practising in small firms. SPRIG’s objective is to provide assistance and collegial support to sole practitioners, principals and employees of small firms, and barristers sole, to represent the interests of and provide a sounding board and voice for those practitioners.
During the 2007 year SPRIG organised a number of forums on topics of interest to small practices including marketing (including a thought-provoking presentation on personal style and grooming!), document management and archiving, and the benefits to clients of mediation services. As was the case in previous years, those who attended these forums had the opportunity to mingle socially after the presentations.
The committee recognized that a number of SPRIG constituents cannot conveniently attend forums held in the CBD after normal working hours and has actively explored holding functions outside the CBD and promoting networking at a local level.
The first of these functions was a lunch at Royal Oak attended by over 50 members. This occasion served also as an opportunity to launch two professional indemnity insurance products which resulted from an initiative by the committee. These products, offered by two separate insurance companies, have more modest premiums than the traditional PI policy and are specifically aimed at practices with smaller fee bases.
The mentoring scheme which was commenced in 2006 continued to provide a support network for SPRIG members. A questionnaire was also circulated to practitioners within SPRIG’s constituency seeking feedback on further suggested initiatives and services which can be provided either by ADLS/NZLS or buy SPRIG itself. The results of this questionnaire will be analysed and implemented by the incoming 2008 Committee.
In December SPRIG co-hosted a joint social evening with the Recently Admitted Members Committee. This function was attended by over 150 SPRIG and RAM members and gave practitioners from both groups a valuable opportunity to mingle -- and to draw the attention of recently admitted practitioners to the opportunities available in smaller law practices.
The committee recognized that a major focus for the forthcoming year will be the need to ensure that voluntary membership of the Society continues to offer a real benefit to practitioners within SPRIG’s constituency. Continuation and expansion of existing initiatives will provide a solid foundation for achieving that objective.
As has been the case in previous years the committee has had excellent liaison with and backup from the Society’s staff and expresses its thanks in particular to Marcus Martin (Members Services) for supporting the SPRIG objectives and initiatives.
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