Brett Dixon has been appointed the new president of the Law Society of England and Wales, succeeding Mark Evans. Dixon, admitted as a solicitor in 1999, brings extensive experience in civil litigation and is an accredited mediator.
Dixon’s career includes training and qualifying in general practice in Manchester, followed by work at firms across North West England. He previously served as a consultant solicitor specializing in strategic litigation and currently runs a business providing training and consultancy to law firms nationwide. He holds the position of honorary professor of law at the University of Leicester, is a mediator with Trust Mediation, and is a member of the Online Procedure Rule Committee.
His previous roles include serving as president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Dixon joined the Law Society Council in 2019 as the representative for personal injury lawyers, where he also chaired its Civil Justice Committee. He contributed six years to the Civil Procedure Rule Committee, focusing on policies to assist vulnerable individuals within the civil court system, particularly in County Courts and Small Claims Courts.
Dixon stated he is honored to serve as president during a significant period for the legal profession. He emphasized his commitment to advocating for clear standards, appropriate regulation, and responsible innovation as artificial intelligence transforms legal practice and digital justice.
Regarding proposed reforms to criminal justice, Dixon intends to champion a future-ready criminal justice system supported by sustained investment and early intervention. This approach aims to move beyond crisis management and foster safer communities. He plans to focus on three key areas during his tenure: modernizing civil justice, leading on digital justice and technology adoption, and enhancing access to the legal profession.
Dixon views the civil justice system as a vital economic asset that bolsters the UK’s standing as a global hub for dispute resolution. He plans to continue advocating for improved domestic access to justice and addressing structural challenges such as court delays and judicial capacity. His efforts will also target possession processes and broader court modernization.
On the topic of digital access, Dixon pledged to promote the ethical and effective use of technology while ensuring the solicitor’s role remains central. He aims to assist members in adapting to technological advancements and foster discussions about the evolving responsibilities of solicitors in an AI-influenced landscape. He also intends to push for greater clarity on regulatory standards for AI usage.
In alignment with other legal leaders, Dixon will prioritize supporting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds entering the profession. He also plans to amplify the voices of disabled members through consultations across England and Wales, using the gathered insights to inform the Law Society’s resources and support for disabled solicitors.
Dixon anticipates significant opportunities in the coming year to advance these key issues. He plans to share further details on each of these three themes in upcoming communications. He will be supported by vice president Dana Denis-Smith OBE and deputy vice president Jeff Lewis.
