New Law Society President takes up post

Paul Marsh, a Surrey based property lawyer, took office as the Law Society's new President at the Society's AGM on Thursday.

Mr Marsh, 60, is a consultant at Surrey law firm Downs Solicitors LLP and specialises in property work. Mr Marsh has played a leading role in voicing the profession's criticisms of Home Information Packs (HIPS) legislation for many years.

Building on the Society's work on legal aid in the current year, the President will ensure that the Society and all legal aid solicitors will be fully engaged with the review of new legal aid schemes.

Speaking at the Society's AGM, Mr Marsh said: "Solicitors, like any other business providing a service and advice, have to achieve the highest possible standards to be able to survive in a competitive market. Clients expect and should be given the highest of standards. A solicitor's practice that has developed a good sound business model is much more likely to be able to survive in an ever changing market. We all face challenges, which are a mix of great opportunities interlaced with dangers. I aim to lead the Law Society and its members to take advantage of those opportunities and avoid the threats."

Mr Marsh takes over as President from Andrew Holroyd's year as president in 2007-2008. Bob Heslett has taken over as vice-president and Linda Lee started her year as deputy-vice president.