Summary
Closed its bicentenary year with a focus on legal deserts and access routes into the profession. Opposed jury-trial restrictions without clear evidence and issued practical guidance to solicitors.
Leadership in period: Mark Evans served as the 181st President from October 2025; Ian Jeffery is Chief Executive.
Key developments
- Raised legal deserts, non-traditional routes, small-firm sustainability, and wellbeing as presidential priorities.
- Published guidance on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, Mazur, criminal legal aid, and LASPO.
- Represented solicitors while distinguishing its role from the separate Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Criterion ratings
Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
Moderate
Access to Justice
Strong
Governance and Transparency
Moderate
Professional Standards and Education
Strong
Diversity and Inclusion
Moderate
Assessment
The Society was strongest on practical member support and access-to-justice geography. On jury trials its public profile was more measured than the Bar Council's.