Criminal legal aid solicitor wins Law Society presidential election
A criminal law specialist has been elected as incoming deputy vice president of the Law Society and is set to become president for 2024/25.
Richard Atkinson will take office in October 2022. He has specialised in criminal law for 30 years, with a focus on serious crime litigation. He is a duty solicitor and a higher rights advocate.
Atkinson said: "I am honoured to be elected as deputy vice president of the Law Society.
“I stood for office because of my strong belief in our profession, its values and the work it does to support our clients and uphold the rule of law,” he explained.
“As lawyers, we need to be courageous and speak out on behalf of those less able and for the institutions that are key to a functioning democracy. Many of these are under threat – not least our criminal justice system."
The Law Society’s current President, I. Stephanie Boyce, said: “My congratulations go to Richard Atkinson, who emerged as the winner from a strong field of candidates.
“I wish him all the very best for his three years as a Law Society office holder.”
Atkinson will be president in 2024/25, when the Law Society marks its 200th anniversary.
