Lubna Shuja is first Asian to become Law Society president

Lubna Shuja this week (12 October) became the first Asian president of the Law Society. She is also its first Muslim president.

The beginning of her term also coincides with the 100-year anniversary of the first woman – Carrie Morrison – being admitted to the roll of solicitors. She is the seventh woman to be president.

Shuja is a sole practitioner who specialises in professional discipline and regulation. She also has experience in contested wills and probate, divorce, child access, personal injury and contractual disputes.

Shuja said: “I am honoured to serve as Law Society president. I take on the role at a difficult time for the legal profession.

"The rule of law has been in the spotlight as never before in recent history. The UK’s economy is on a knife-edge and businesses are having to deal with rising interest rates and high inflation.

“If the pandemic has proven one thing, however, it is that solicitors are resilient and adaptable. They keep the wheels of justice turning by providing services remotely, innovating at pace and ensuring the public can get the justice they deserve.”

Amongst other things, she plans to “launch a major focus on ethics in the profession to help members navigate this increasingly complex environment and to seek solutions to cope with the constantly changing narrative”.

Nick Emmerson also took office as vice president and Richard Atkinson became deputy vice president.