Partner Shanika Haynes, from national family law firm Stowe Family Law, has been appointed president of the Leeds Law Society (LLS) following successful years as deputy and vice-president.
Shanika is the first Asian president in the Law Society’s 153-year history, and took over from Matthew Jones on 1 June 2023.
During her presidency, Shanika will focus on diversity and inclusion within the Leeds legal community, building on the position of Leeds as a centre for legal excellence, and progressing the pioneering work in legal tech undertaken by the LLS.
Shanika will be supported by vice presidents, Nigel Brook from Tyr Law and Luke Corcoran from the Government Legal Department to run various initiatives throughout the year, representing over 1,000 members both within Leeds and on a national platform.
At Stowe Family Law, Shanika is a family law specialist with a particular expertise in complex children work and high-net-worth financial matters, along with a niche specialism in private adoptions. She also leads a team of four solicitors and supports clients across Yorkshire from the firm's offices in Leeds and Harrogate.
Shanika said: 'I am honoured to step into the role of President of the Leeds Law Society.
'I will be the first brown person to hold this position since the inception of the society 153 years ago. I am excited to build on the work carried out by my predecessor, Matthew Jones, and the groundwork I have laid over the past two years in my role as Deputy Vice and Vice President.
'Leeds is such a diverse city, brimming with culture and energy. We have one of the largest legal communities outside of London, and I am focused on ensuring that those working within the sector reflect the rich makeup of the people who live here.
'We have a duty to ensure that those coming into the law as professionals and those who find themselves in the judicial system see themselves reflected at all levels in our firms, in the court staff and the judiciary.
'The Leeds Law Society has already made strides in making the profession more inclusive and diverse, and I am excited to build on those strong foundations.
'In addition to the important work on diversity, I and the Leeds Law Society will continue to position Leeds as a centre for legal excellence, the first choice for those embarking on their legal careers and home for those who have been practising for longer.
'Our tech committee will progress its pioneering work in legal technology, and our court committees will continue to build and develop practitioners' relationships with the business, property and family courts.
'I am excited to see the hard work and planning come to fruition over the next 12 months and get to know our wonderful members better.'
