He is only the third Welsh-born president to lead the organization
North Wales-based solicitor Mark Evans has been elected to succeed Richard Atkinson as the president of the Law Society of England and Wales, reported the Law Society Gazette.
Evans is only the third Welsh-born president to helm the organization. He will be its 181st president.
He chaired the Law Society’s Wales committee for four years and is a North Wales council member on the Law Society National Board for Wales/Bwrdd Cenedlaethol Cymru. He was elected deputy vice president in October 2023 and then became vice president in October 2024, per LinkedIn.
Evans practised with cross-border firm Allington Hughes for 30 years, where he made equity partner and then became a consultant. He focused on property and private client law, working across North Wales and Chester.
Presently, he is a University of Law lecturer handling real estate, private client and professional skills courses. According to the Law Society, Evans is focused on helping solicitors kickstart their careers.
“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 prepares them well for their careers. It is critical that aspiring solicitors in Wales have access to the same opportunities as those in England,” Evans said in a statement published by the Gazette.
He said he intended to call on the Welsh government to match offers made to youth in England and to finance level 7 apprenticeship enabling students to train in Wales. He also sought to prioritize mental health and wellbeing.
“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. This year, I aim to support solicitors by holding crucial discussions on wellbeing across the legal sector and by engaging with local law societies, communities and networks to ensure we are united in prioritising our members’ welfare,” Evans said in a statement published by the Gazette.
Evans will be supported by vice president Brett Dixon, who is a former Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president. Dana Denis-Smith, who founded the First 100 Years project, has been elected deputy vice president.
