North Wales solicitor Mark Evans today became the 181st president of the Law Society of England and Wales, succeeding Richard Atkinson. He is the third president to come from Wales, ’where he has made it his mission to support the next generation of solicitors at the start of their careers, regardless of their background’, the Law Society said.
Evans trained with and spent three decades at cross-border firm Allington Hughes, rising to equity partner and later becoming a consultant at the firm. He is now a lecturer at the University of Law in the north-west.
Evans is council member for North Wales on the Law Society National Board for Wales/Bwrdd Cenedlaethol Cymru. He joined the Law Society as council member for North Wales in 2015.
According to the Law Society’s Annual Statistics Report 2023, 33,000 solicitors are expected to be admitted to the profession by 2027. Evans said: ’There are still significant challenges for prospective solicitors, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I want to ensure young people are aware of the routes they can take to qualify and are confident that their legal education and training prepares them well for their careers. It is critical that aspiring solicitors in Wales have access to the same opportunities as those in England.’
He added: ’This year, I will continue to urge the Welsh government to match the offer available to young people in England and fund the level 7 apprenticeship so students can stay and train in Wales, therefore reducing legal deserts.’
Mental health and wellbeing will also be a theme of Evans’ 12-month tenure.
’Long hours, high workloads and client care can have an impact on solicitors,’ he said. ’It is critical that we continue the conversation about mental health and wellbeing and ensure that it is not stigmatised. This year, I aim to support solicitors by holding crucial discussions on wellbeing across the legal sector and by engaging with local law societies, communities and networks to ensure we are united in prioritising our members’ welfare.’
Brett Dixon, a past president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, has today become vice president of the Society. First 100 Years project founder Dana Denis-Smith is now deputy vice president.
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