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Simon Davis takes office as 175th president

10 July 2019
Issue: 7848 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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Clifford Chance litigation partner Simon Davis has taken office in Chancery Lane as the Law Society’s 175th president.

Davis, who joined the global firm in 1982, said upholding the rule of law would be a priority ‘at a time when the rule of law is under serious threat after years of under-funding in the justice system and legal aid’.

He takes office under the shadow of Brexit, whether the UK leaves with or without a deal. ‘Whatever happens we must ensure bridges with our European colleagues are maintained and citizens and corporates are reassured that the strengths and openness of English law and jurisdiction will remain,’ he said.

Davis will continue the campaign led by his predecessor Christina Blacklaws for greater diversity and gender equality. Other key themes include legal technology, ethical issues surrounding the use of algorithms and lack of funding in the criminal justice system.

David Greene, senior partner at Edwin Coe and NLJ columnist, is vice president and general counsel and consultant. Stephanie Boyce is deputy vice president.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Carey Olsen—Kim Paiva

Carey Olsen—Kim Paiva

Group partner joins Guernsey banking and finance practice

Morgan Lewis—Kat Gibson

Morgan Lewis—Kat Gibson

London labour and employment team announces partner hire

Foot Anstey McKees—Chris Milligan & Michael Kelly

Foot Anstey McKees—Chris Milligan & Michael Kelly

Double partner appointment marks Belfast expansion

NEWS
Is a suspect’s state of mind a ‘fact’ capable of triggering adverse inferences? Writing in NLJ this week, Andrew Smith of Corker Binning examines how R v Leslie reshapes the debate
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has not done enough to protect the future sustainability of the legal aid market, MPs have warned
Writing in NLJ this week, NLJ columnist Dominic Regan surveys a landscape marked by leapfrog appeals, costs skirmishes and notable retirements. With an appeal in Mazur due to be heard next month, Regan notes that uncertainties remain over who will intervene, and hopes for the involvement of the Lady Chief Justice and the Master of the Rolls in deciding the all-important outcome
After the Southport murders and the misinformation that followed, contempt of court law has come under intense scrutiny. In this week's NLJ, Lawrence McNamara and Lauren Schaefer of the Law Commission unpack proposals aimed at restoring clarity without sacrificing fair trial rights
The latest Home Office figures confirm that stop and search remains both controversial and diminished. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Parpworth of De Montfort University analyses data showing historically low use of s 1 PACE powers, with drugs searches dominating what remains
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