Richard Atkinson appointed new Law Society president

Richard Atkinson has been inaugurated as the 180th president of the Law Society of England and Wales as the organisation nears its 200th bicentennial year. Richard will be supported throughout his year in office by Mark Evans, vice president and Brett Dixon, deputy vice president.

Richard is a managing partner at Tuckers Solicitors LLP and specialises in criminal law with a focus on serious crime litigation. He is a Higher Court Advocate and has appeared in several high-profile cases. He has also served on the Law Society’s Policy and Regulatory Affairs committee and has been Chair of the Criminal Law committee.

Previously, Richard has represented Kent on the Law Society Council as a member after being elected in 2016. He aspires to promote justice and the rule of law both in the UK and internationally.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard Atkinson said: “I am honoured to serve as Law Society president. I will continue to shine a light on the importance of improving the justice system, making it more accessible to everyone, upholding the rule of law and supporting our members. 

“As president, I will be using my experience as a criminal lawyer to speak out on behalf of those who are less able to do so. Access to justice is key to a functioning democracy and it is currently under threat, as legal aid continues to decline.

“Solicitors play an essential role in our economy and society. During my presidency, I look forward to promoting justice and to highlighting the contribution solicitors make to society and their communities as the Law Society celebrates its 200th year.” 

Justice matters 

Richard will promote justice and the rule of law with a range of stakeholders to inform them of the importance of every aspect of the justice system.  

"Justice is one of the essential foundations of our democracy. We cannot take it for granted and must continue to advocate for sufficient investment to our justice system so that it can be accessed by all. 

“Our 21st Century Justice project has identified areas where our civil justice system is failing those who need to access to it the most and we encourage the government to introduce our proposed reforms. 

“As a criminal defence solicitor, I know the justice system is an important public service. I will hold the government to account by campaigning for a sustainable future for criminal legal aid, working collaboratively with politicians to ease the current prison overcrowding and tackling the courts backlogs.

“As president, I will continue to promote England and Wales as an open jurisdiction, committed to excellence in legal services and the rule of law.” 

Pride in the profession 

Richard will engage with in-house solicitors, including those working in government, military legal services and large businesses providing relevant support.  

Richard added: “The Law Society continues to be the voice for all solicitors, promote the work of the whole sector as well as the wider contributions made by solicitors to their communities and maintains a sense of pride in the profession. 

“Our legal profession is more diverse than ever before. I will continue to champion our diversity and inclusion initiatives, particularly for those from diverse social backgrounds to ensure that our work reflects our ever-changing society.” 

Celebrating 200 years of the Law Society  

Richard will spearhead the bicentennial celebrations by promoting the Law Society as the voice of the legal profession in England and Wales and work with members to identify challenges and opportunities that will affect the future of the profession. 

Richard said: “As we proudly celebrate our 200th anniversary next year, we will demonstrate the impact of the legal profession and engage with as many members as possible on a regional, national and international level.  

“In partnership with members and colleagues, we will celebrate the achievements of our diverse solicitor community and present solicitors as an integral part of our society as we look ahead to the future.” 

Notes to editors 

• The Law Society has three elected office holders: the president, vice president and deputy vice president. They 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. 
• The handover takes place at the annual general meeting – held this year on 9 October. 
• The office holders are the Law Society's main ambassadors and represent the organisation at home and abroad. 
• The office of president is a full-time appointment and the president is chair of the Law Society Council, the governing body of the Law Society. 
• The Law Society’s office holder line up is completed by vice president Mark Evans and deputy vice president Brett Dixon. 
• Photos of the office holders are available on request.

About the Law Society  

The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.  

Press office contact: Kelis Edwards | 02036570144 | Meera Khanna | 020 8049 3957