David Merkel elected Chairman of G.S.D

Following the sad death of Sue Maynard Campbell on Wednesday, 21st May 2008, David Merkel was elected Chairman of the Group for Solicitors with Disabilities, a Recognised Group of the Law Society, at their AGM on 22 May. This is David’s second term of office and he is also the Group’s Council Member.

David is severely partially sighted, but for many years practised as a solicitor in local government. He now lectures at various colleges and also trains the new entrants to the army and the RAF. David is also a Trustee of the Thomas Pocklington housing trust and a member of the Access Panel for Historic Royal Palaces.

Within the Law Society, David sits on the Equality and Diversity Committee and Law Society Charity Board. David believes in inclusion in society for all disabled people and works in various arenas to this end.

“With a revitalised Committee, I intend to continue Sue’s work. As I said in a eulogy given for Sue at the May Law Society Council, there can be no place for negative words such as ‘no’ or ‘cannot’.

During my year of office I intend to continue the work already undertaken by the GSD and in particular to concentrate on inclusion issues both for solicitors still working and the many seeking employment. In addition the interests and needs of our student members are foremost on my agenda.

I intend to pursue this agenda whilst working in close cooperation with the Law Society.”