New Law society president to prioritise access to justice

The Law Society's new president has highlighted his priorities for the coming year, which include ensuring fair access to justice for all.

'As officers of the court, the upholding of the rule of law and the proper administration of justice is absolutely central to everything that we do, so much so that we do it without thinking and perhaps as a result of that do not get the credit we deserve,' commented Jonathan Smithers.

The Kent solicitor and senior partner of Cooper Burnett solicitors, pictured centre, said: 'I will be using my year in office to make society fairer by arguing that everyone should have access to our justice system.

'I will be promoting the role played by solicitors in our economy and strengthening the UK's global standing. The legal services market is worth more than £30bn and employs well over 300,000 people.'

Smithers, who has taken office as the 171st president, replaced Andrew Caplen as the head of the Law Society. In his inaugural speech, Smithers announced he would also highlight the importance of improving solicitors' expertise in conveyancing and land law.

Remarking on the government's plans to reform human rights legislation, Smithers said the Law Society looked forward to hearing the proposals but said it would 'make clear the importance of preserving the rights contained in the Human Rights Act and, to our international standing, of continued membership [in] the Europe Court of Human Rights'.

'The Law Society is proud that it lights the way internationally for other bars and law societies with the support we have offered our members in the area of business and human rights, particularly following the United Nations' guiding principles,' he continued.

'Our members are increasingly called upon to support their clients and the businesses in which they work to identify human rights abuses, for example child labour or workers' rights, not just in their own products and services but those hidden deep in the increasingly complex web of supply chains.

'This is an area where our members both in private practice and particularly in-house can have a massive impact on the lives of individuals for those who live in countries where the justice systems are less robust, governments are more powerful and human rights less respected,' he added.

Smithers joined the Law Society Council in 2007 as representative for Kent. In his previous role, he chaired the Conveyancing and Land Law Committee and was responsible for setting up the Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

The president also used his speech to highlight equality, diversity and inclusion, along with the importance of the Law Society's relationship with legal services regulators.

'Equality, diversity and inclusion are absolutely at the forefront of this Society's work, interwoven in all that we do,' said Smithers.

'Our profession must reflect the country as it is and draw talent from each and every part. Social inclusion and mobility are currently in the spotlight. I am proud of the progress we have made over the last decades but do not in any way shy away from the task ahead, for there is much still to accomplish.'

Robert Bourns, senior partner of TLT solicitors moved into the role of vice president and Joe Egan of Joe Egan solicitors, took office as deputy vice president.

From left to right: Joe Egan (deputy vice president), Jonathan Smithers (president), and Robert Bourn (Vice President). Image courtesy of Richard Barr

Esther Nimmo is an editorial assistant at Solicitors Journal

esther.nimmo@solicitorsjournal.co.uk @EstherNimmo