Law Society vice president Jonathan Smithers welcomes new Lord Chancellor at Royal Courts of Justice ceremony
Law Society vice president Jonathan Smithers welcomed the new Lord Chancellor as he was sworn in at the Royal Courts of Justice this afternoon
“On behalf of the Law Society of England and Wales, I would like to welcome you to the post of Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.
“We receive you as Lord Chancellor in a period of uncertainty for many of our members, particularly those who undertake publicly funded work. By working together, however, I am confident that we can find common ground to protect British values of freedom, tolerance, respect for the rule of law and equal access to justice.
“These are more than just principles. They are an essential compass to help make our society fair and just. These values along with others, such as the independence of our judiciary and the strength of our system of laws, contribute to the stability of the UK and furthers our reputation as a place to do business.
“Beyond our profession’s facilitative role, we make a major direct contribution to the economy. We generate 1.6 per cent of the UK’s GDP and employ north of 350,000 people. By working together, we have the opportunity to strengthen the UK’s overall economy and ensure that our country retains its pre-eminent position as the leading global centre for international legal services and the jurisdiction of choice for all.
“I have no doubt that you assume office with a very full brief. And your reputation for fairness and as a forward thinker most certainly precedes you.
“Lord Chancellor, I welcome you again to your new role. I hope that we can all ensure that the legal profession is able to uphold its professional principles, innovate in its practices and, most importantly of all, that together, we advance the cause of justice.”
