Law Society names new president to celebrate 200th anniversary
BIRMINGHAM Law Society appointed its new president.
James Turner is a partner at national law firm Tuckers Solicitors and manages the Birmingham office.
Mr Turner succeeds Andrew Beedham, of Clarke Willmott, in the chairman’s role as the society celebrates its 200th birthday during 2018.
He is a criminal defence specialist, duty solicitor and higher court advocate and is a member of the Legal Agency Peer Review panel, which is responsible for reviewing firms conducting publicly funded criminal defence work.
A member of BLS since 2006, Mr Turner chaired the organisation’s criminal law committee for five years, drafting and contributing to Ministry of Justice consultation papers affecting criminal justice, and became an officer of the society in 2016.
He said: “It has is an honour to be taking on this prestigious role in such a milestone year.
“I will use it to raise the profile of the profession, to encourage new members to join the organisation and work to ensure we remain inclusive and relevant.”
During his year in office, he will be supporting two charities – brain injury association Headway and the Jeff Astle Foundation, which supports those who have suffered head injuries in sport.
Also appointed at the AGM were vice-president Linden Thomas, solicitor and manager of the Centre for Professional Legal Education and research manager at Birmingham Law School.
Inez Brown, partner and head of clinical negligence at Medical Accident Group, was named deputy vice-president while joint honorary secretaries are Chaitali Desai of Weightmans and Sophie Samani of Shakespeare Martineau.