General counsel elected Law Society deputy vice-president, will become president in 2021

Boyce has worked in-house at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She currently sits on the Law Society Council, holding one of the seats from the Women Lawyers Division. She also chairs the Council Members’ Conduct Committee.

She was elected by the Council and will take office as deputy vice president in July, becoming vice president in 2020 and president in 2021.

Boyce said: “It will be my honour to lead our independent, strong and diverse legal profession - supporting the work of solicitors and all of the positive contributions they make to our society.

“The legal sector is going through a period of unprecedented challenge: there is a crisis in access to justice, widespread uncertainty with Brexit and the pressure of regulatory reform. We must guide our members through the storm, whilst continuing to lobby government for a justice system that is equitable, accessible and affordable.”

Christina Blacklaws, president of the Law Society, said: "I want to give my heartfelt congratulations to Stephanie. I am sure her tenure will prove to be a great success.”