Brett Dixon takes office as president

Brett Dixon has officially begun his term as the 182nd president of the Law Society of England and Wales. In his new role, he will be supported by vice president Dana Denis-Smith OBE and deputy vice president Jeff Lewis. With a wealth of experience in civil litigation, Brett has been a solicitor since 1999 and is an accredited mediator. His career started in general practice in Manchester, and he has since worked for various firms across Northwest England. Currently, he holds the position of Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Leicester and is also the legal expert member of the Online Procedure Rule Committee.

In the past, Brett has served as president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and became a member of the Law Society Council in 2019, representing personal injury lawyers. Reflecting on his ascent to presidency, he remarked, “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.” He further emphasised his commitment to championing a criminal justice system that is fit for the future. “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,” he added.

Brett’s presidency will also focus on modernising civil justice, recognising that the civil justice system is a vital economic asset that enhances the UK's reputation as a leader in dispute resolution. He aims to address pressing issues such as court delays and judicial capacity, calling for stronger domestic access to justice.

As digital justice becomes increasingly integral, Brett intends to lead discussions on the ethical use of technology, ensuring that solicitors’ roles remain prominent. He will assist members in transitioning to technological changes while advocating for clarity regarding regulatory standards concerning artificial intelligence.

Additionally, an essential aspect of Brett's agenda is improving access to the profession for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. He plans to gather insights from roundtable discussions across England and Wales, particularly focusing on the views of disabled members to shape the Law Society's resources and support services for disabled solicitors.