New Law Society president to focus on access to justice, education and wellbeing

Reading time: three minutes

Mark Evans has been inaugurated as the 181st president of the Law Society of England and Wales. He has pledged to champion all aspiring solicitors, noting that “there are still significant challenges for prospective solicitors, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds”.

Evans is the third Law Society president from Wales. Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am honoured to serve as Law Society president as we round out our bicentennial year. During my presidential year I look forward to championing the profession in England and Wales and demonstrating to the next generation that there is a place for them in the legal sector.”

He has outlined a clear set of priorities for his presidency, centred on strengthening access to justice, supporting aspiring solicitors and improving mental health support.

With 33,000 new solicitors expected by 2027, according to the Law Society’s Annual Statistics report, Evans stressed the need to strengthen legal education and training: “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.”

Evans highlighted how “non-traditional routes” into law can help tackle ‘legal deserts’, which are areas with declining solicitor numbers, by equipping small and medium-sized firms “with the tools they need to ensure access to justice”.

He also added: “It is critical that aspiring solicitors in Wales have access to the same opportunities as those in England. 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.”

Evans addressed the role of technology in supporting firms and future-proofing the sector. He welcomed the inclusion of legal services in the UK government’s Industrial Strategy but stressed: “We now need to hold the government accountable on its commitment to technology, so firms of all sizes can access the skilled workforce they need to thrive as the sector continues to move forward.”

Prioritising solicitor wellbeing is a key focus of the new presidency, with plans to collaborate with sector partners on mental health initiatives and to promote the findings of LawCare’s Life in the Law survey, which explores mental health across the legal profession.

He commented: “Long hours, high workloads and client care can have an impact on solicitors. 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.”

He also added: “Solicitors are part of a diverse community, with many volunteering their time to strengthen the profession locally and nationally. As president I want to recognise those contributions and to inspire more solicitors to raise their voices and help shape the future of the profession.”

The Law Society will launch its Get Involved Strategy this year, encouraging solicitors from all backgrounds to shape decisions that affect their work. Evans will also promote the Member Advisory Forum as a space for members to share expertise and gain recognition.

Evans currently works as a lecturer at The University of Law, previously specialising in property and private law for 28 years before moving into education. He has been involved with regional and national societies, serving as president of the Cheshire and North Wales Law Society in 2014, acting as the chair of the Wales Committee and joining the Law Society of England and Wales as the council member for North Wales in 2015.

He will be supported throughout his year in office by Vice President Brett Dixon and Deputy Vice President Dana Denis-Smith.