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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

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
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