The 179th Presidential of the Law Society of England and Wales was inaugurated this week, alongside a new leadership team following the end of Lubna Shuja’s time in post.
Nick Emmerson, a partner at Lewis Mathys Emmerson LLP, has been sworn in, with Richard Atkinson, vice president, and Mark Evans, deputy vice president. Nick specialises in international capital market transactions and cross-border mergers and acquisitions and has worked in Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as being an attorney at law in the State of California. He was previously president of Leeds Law Society
Commenting on his appointment, Nick Emmerson, said:
“I am honoured to serve as Law Society president. It is critical that we continue to focus on improving the justice system, upholding the rule of law and supporting members.
“I am eager to lead a profession that is both outward-facing and internationally minded. In an increasingly interconnected world, I have adopted a global approach to my work. I have coupled this approach with both regional experience and time in the City. This triangle of experience will allow me to bring a fresh perspective to the Law Society and strengthen the future of the profession.
“Solicitors play an essential role in our economy and society. During my presidency I look forward to promoting the legal services sector as an economic powerhouse and the profession benefiting local communities and wider society as well.”
The new team have a number of key areas of focus,
- championing domestic legal services sector, and promoting England and Wales as a welcoming jurisdiction to international markets
- the importance of regionality and the value of local legal services, working with local law societies to promote the positive role they can play for members and the community
- promoting access to justice across “all corners of society” whether someone is facing eviction, protecting a business or dealing with a family breakdown.
Reflecting on her term outgoing president Lubna Shuja said she was proud to be the first Asian, first Muslim and seventh woman President of the Law Society.
“I have kept diversity at the forefront of all my conversations and had the privilege of welcoming our first ever Lady Chief Justice at her swearing-in ceremony.”
adding
“It has been a whirlwind year and I have been proud to serve as President. I am excited to see what the next chapter may hold for me. I know that the Law Society will continue to fight for solicitors, uphold the rule of law and do what it can to ensure there is access to justice for everyone. I wish the incoming President, Nick Emmerson, all the very best when he takes office.”
