Leading members of the Midlands’ legal profession are into their fifth week of jiving, foxtrotting and quickstepping their way across the dance floor.
For the second year running, No5 Chambers is to host Strictly 9 to 5 which will see representatives of the Judiciary, the Bar, solicitors, clerks and other legal professionals compete to lift the glitter ball trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Anton Du Beke will again compere the charity event, which is being held at Birmingham Town Hall on Friday, June 10.
Tickets have gone on sale for the evening of dance and entertainment, and organisers are hoping to at least match the £23,000 raised last year for The Child Brain Injury Trust. Entry includes a drinks reception and canapes, an auction and a raffle for which donations from the business community are still being accepted. Prizes last year included holidays and sporting memorabilia.
Tony McDaid, Practice Director at No5 Chambers, said: “I was privileged to be able to hand over a cheque to CBIT for £23,208 following last year’s hugely successful Strictly 9 to 5, and we really hope that we can at least equal that figure this year.
“Eleven business colleagues representing some of Birmingham’s top legal firms have put themselves forward for the 2016 competition, all hoping to follow in the footsteps of the 2015 winner Charlotte Doyle from The Wilkes Partnership.”
The 11 Midlands competitors are: Ruth Harrison of Carvers Law; Talita Bentley of Browne Jacobson; Eleanor Gilbin of Irwin Mitchell; a barrister from No5 Chambers; Craig Wain of No5; Stephanie Wray of Peter Brett Associates; Sian Griffiths of RCA Regeneration; Claire Crawford of Shakespeare Martineau; Katherine Allen of Slater Gordon; Jessica Duck of Thompsons Solicitors and Pam Arrowsmith of Thursfield Solicitors.
An excited Talita Bentley tweeted this week: “4th week of #Strictly9to5 training and we got our shoes!”
While the only male competition, Craig Wain from No5 said: “Each week just gets better and better, but all we want now is to meet our partners and find out which dance we will be showcasing on the night.”
The dance volunteers are currently undergoing their group dance training sessions before meeting their professional partners on February 22 and learning which dance they will perform on the night before a panel of judges.
The Child Brain Injury Trust was established in 1991 and is the leading charity providing support, information and guidance to families affected by childhood acquired brain injury across the UK. It receives no Government funding and relies solely on donations. The Trust has a national network of child and family support co-ordinators who deliver support to families and professional in hospital, home and in school.
Lisa Turan, CEO of the charity, said: “We are again delighted and feel extremely honoured to be the chosen charity to benefit from this spectacular event. If last year’s competition is anything to go by, the judges will have a hard time choosing a winner.”
For more information, contact the marketing team at No5 Chambers on 0845 210 5555 or email marketing@no5.com