Fish becomes first solicitor president to head the CCBE

Two top positions in the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) have been filled by solicitors.Irish solicitor John Fish has taken over as president of the CCBE, officially recognised as the voice of the European legal profession, while English solicitor Jonathan Goldsmith - formerly the Law Society's head of international - is its new secretary-general.Mr Fish, 63, is the first solicitor to hold the post.

A commercial lawyer by experience, he is now a consultant at leading Dublin firm Arthur Cox.He takes over at a time when activities of lawyers are ever more in the spotlight.

He names his primary challenge as tackling the initiatives coming out of the European Commission and European Parliament which affect legal practice, such as plans to harmonise European contract law.Mr Fish has concerns over how strong lawyers' voices are in Europe.

'If we have something positive and constructive to say, we are listened to,' he said.

'However, if we take an unpopular view [such as over anti-terrorism laws], then not so much.'Another key issue is multi-disciplinary partnerships.

The ECJ should hand down its decision in the Nova case, regarding the Dutch Bar's ban on MDPs.

The court's advocate-general last year came out against MDPs between lawyers and accountants.Mr Fish maintains that independence is the core issue.

He said: 'My personal view is that MDPs would compromise the core values of the legal profession to such a degree that it prevents us entering into relationships with other professions.'Neil Rose