The new president of the Law Society of England and Wales has vowed to “champion a criminal justice system that is fit for the future”.
Brett Dixon became the 182nd president, replacing outgoing president Mark Evans, at this year’s annual general meeting. His 12-month term as the president will be supported by vice president, Dana Denis-Smith OBE, and deputy vice president, Jeff Lewis.
Admitted as a solicitor in 1999, Dixon has extensive experience in civil litigation and is an accredited mediator. He started his career in Manchester and has worked for firms across north-west of England.
Dixon is an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Leicester, a mediator with Trust Mediation, and the legal expert member of the Online Procedure Rule Committee. Previously, Brett has been the president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and joined the Law Society Council in 2019 as the representative of personal injury lawyers.
Dixon said: “I am honoured to serve as Law Society president at a pivotal point for the profession. As artificial intelligence transforms legal practice and digital justice, I will advocate for clear standards, appropriate regulation and responsible innovation.
“As president, I will champion a criminal justice system that is fit for the future, backed by long-term investment, earlier intervention and responsible innovation to break the cycle of crisis management and deliver safer communities.”
The Law Society has three elected office holders: the president, vice president and deputy vice president who each hold office for one year. Each year the council elects the deputy vice president; the previous year’s deputy vice president becomes the vice president, and the vice president becomes president.
Posting on LinkedIn, Evans wrote: “It has been an honour to serve as President of The Law Society of England and Wales.
“Tomorrow I will pass the baton on to the new office holder team, led by Brett Dixon with support from Dana Denis-Smith OBE and Jeff Lewis. I am proud to be a Solicitor and I wish them every success. It’s time to say goodbye to the Law Society. Thank you. Diolch yn fawr.”
