Brett Dixon has taken office as the 182nd President of the Law Society of England and Wales, setting out priorities that place court modernisation, responsible technology use and access to the profession at the centre of his year.
The leadership handover took place at the Society’s annual general meeting on October 14. Dana Denis-Smith OBE became Vice-President, while Jeff Lewis took office as Deputy Vice-President.
In its official announcement, the Society said Dixon would address structural pressures affecting civil justice, including delays, judicial capacity and digital processes.
A solicitor since 1999, Dixon has extensive civil-litigation experience and is an accredited mediator. He previously led the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and joined the Law Society Council in 2019.
His presidency comes as firms and courts adapt to expanding uses of artificial intelligence. Dixon wants clearer regulatory expectations so that solicitors can adopt technology while maintaining professional standards and client protection.
His published presidential plan also calls for practitioners to have greater input into the design of digital court systems.
Access to the profession forms another major part of the programme. Dixon will promote opportunities for aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds and seek practical improvements for disabled lawyers.
Planned roundtables will gather disabled members’ experiences to inform resources and support. His agenda also includes examining barriers affecting solicitors seeking judicial appointment.
The programme links reform inside the profession with improvements for court users: more effective systems, better access and professional standards that keep pace with technological change.
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