Brett Dixon, Law Society Council member for Personal Injury – Claimant, has taken office as vice president and Dana Denis-Smith OBE, who represents women solicitors on the Council is the founder of the First 100 Years campaign, has become the Law Society’s deputy vice president.

Evans has more than 28 years’ experience working in property and private client law and four years as a lecturer.

He was a member of the Law Society’s Wales Committee for nine years and acted as chair for four of those years.

He has been on the Law Society Council for more than nine years and was a former president and chair of the Cheshire and North Wales Law Society.

Evans said: “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.

"I will also encourage our members to look to the future with aspiration, confidence and optimism.”

The new President said that at a time when 33,000 solicitors are expected to be admitted to the profession by 2027, it remained a priority to continue supporting those entering the profession and making sure all solicitors feels like they belong.

He 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 prepare them well for their careers.”

He also said it is critical that aspiring solicitors in Wales have access to the same opportunities as those in England.

“I’ll continue to urge the Welsh government to at least 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,” he said.

Evans added that he wanted to make sure that the government “understands the barriers to growth that the legal sector faces – from court disrepair to justice system investment. 

“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.” 

The new President also intends to speak out about mental health and support solicitors in managing their own welfare.

He said: “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.”

Among other things, Evans will work with LawCare to promote the ‘Life in the Law’ report and use the information gathered to shape ongoing conversations around mental health and wellbeing.