Legal profession reacts to new Justice Secretary

Bethany Wren (she/her) is head of content and events at LawCareers.Net

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As UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham establishes his government and sets out his legislative agenda, the legal profession has been reacting to the appointment of Alex Norris as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.

Norris, a former trade union organiser and Nottingham city councillor, served as Minister of State in the Home Office from 2025, where he was responsible for border security and asylum. This is his first cabinet position. As Lord Chancellor he’ll oversee areas of the justice system, including the courts, prisons and probation services.

Law Society of England and Wales President Mark Evans said that the Law Society stands “ready to work with the Lord Chancellor and wider government to deliver a justice system that is efficient, productive, resilient and accessible to all.” 

However, Evans urged: “The new Lord Chancellor has a golden opportunity to resurrect our justice system – a vital public service.”  

“Our courts are under immense pressure, with backlogs delaying justice for communities. The new UK government must move quickly to set out a comprehensive, whole-system plan to implement Sir Brian Leveson’s recommendations. This should include sustained investment in people, infrastructure and technology.”

Evans also warned that legal aid has been underfunded for too long, advising that “the government should urgently review the means test and regularly increase legal aid fees at least in line with inflation. This will ensure everyone can access the legal support they need. This is why we continue to campaign to level the playing field for families and wider communities.”    

Meanwhile, managing partner at Reeds Solicitors, Jan Matthews, welcomed the appointment, but said “we hope that before the Lord Chancellor makes any decision on the reforms inherited from his predecessor, he first takes the time to understand the system he now leads".

“Reports that the Lord Chancellor engaged meaningfully with criminal barristers during a visit to Nottingham Crown Court, and witnessed the state of court disrepair first-hand, are encouraging. We urge him to extend that approach to the wider criminal defence profession before committing to any course of action.”

Matthews also stated: “The Lord Chancellor has an opportunity to look at [the court system] with fresh eyes; we hope he takes it.”