New Law Society president to promote access to justice and raise awareness of legal aid deserts
updated on 13 October 2023
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Earlier this week Nick Emmerson took over the presidency of the Law Society of England and Wales from Lubna Shuja, and outlined his aim to promote access to justice “in all parts of the country” as “legal aid deserts continue to rise in the North”.
Emmerson, who’s a partner at Lewis Mathys Emmerson LLP and has represented Leeds on the Law Society Council since 2015, is “honoured to serve as Law Society president” and says it’s “critical that we continue to focus on improving the justice system, upholding the rule of law and support members”.
As well as working closely with local law societies, Emmerson is “eager” to hear the stories of all solicitor firms to “ensure their voices are heard on the national stage”.
He said: “Solicitor firms provide local expertise and high-quality jobs and prospects for people in every town and city across England and Wales.
“These firms play a critical role in the local ecosystem of each region. They are well acquainted with the key issues and concerns that each region faces.
"By recognising the local value of our profession, we can support members and communities in regions across England and Wales.”
In his work as a City lawyer, Emmerson specialises in international capital market transactions and cross-border M&A. He’s spent time working internationally, including seven years in Japan, and has been admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and the Republic of Ireland, and as an attorney at law in the State of California.
He believes that his global approach to work, regional experience and time in the City will allow him to “bring a fresh perspective to the Law Society and strengthen the future of the profession”.
Emmerson added: “I will be raising awareness of legal aid deserts and the need for accessible advice that everyone is legally entitled to. I will also lead on our response to the civil legal aid review and continue our fight to restore fair funding to the criminal legal aid system.”
