Lartey vows to champion wellbeing and diversity as he takes the helm of criminal law group
Jason Lartey, founder of Lartey & Co, has made history as the first black man to be elected president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA), an organisation representing criminal defence solicitors since 1948.
Lartey officially took office during the association’s annual general meeting on Monday, succeeding Casey Jenkins as president. His election marks a milestone for representation within the criminal law community and follows in the footsteps of Angela Campbell, who became the LCCSA’s first black female president in 2005.
Addressing members after his appointment, Lartey described the role as “an honour” and said he was “proud to be the first black male president” of the 77-year-old organisation. “We are stronger when we work together across firms, communities and the justice system,” he said. “Collaboration gives credibility, influence and the power to drive meaningful change.”
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Lartey, who grew up on a council estate in Peckham, South London, founded his firm in 2020 and has worked as a frontline criminal defence lawyer throughout his 13-year career. “I love what I do,” he told members. “Growing up, I saw first-hand the important role our legal system plays, and that continues to inspire me every day.”
The new president acknowledged the pressures facing criminal defence practitioners, citing the impact of the recent cyberattack on the Legal Aid Agency, the persistent court backlog, stagnant legal aid fees, and the shortage of new entrants to the profession. “I would love the opportunity to meet [lord chancellor] David Lammy to discuss how we can address these issues,” he said.
He called for renewed focus on wellbeing among solicitors, pledging to continue the work of his predecessor, Casey Jenkins, in promoting mental health and resilience within the profession. “The job we do is not easy,” he said. “The hours are long, the pressure and stakes are high, and the emotional toll is real. But we love what we do. We must make wellbeing a collective responsibility, not just a personal one.”
Lartey also urged the profession to attract and support the next generation of criminal defence lawyers. “We must encourage new entrants and support younger lawyers starting their journey,” he said. “We have to show this profession is worth joining a career that makes a real difference, upholds justice and gives a voice to the voiceless.”
In his closing remarks, he called for unity and continued engagement across the legal community. “By standing together, we amplify our voice and ensure that it’s heard where it matters most. I ask you to stay engaged, stay connected. Criminal law is built on compassion, integrity and justice, and each of us has a role to play in its future.”
The LCCSA, founded in 1948, represents solicitors practising in the criminal courts of London and campaigns on issues including access to justice, legal aid reform and fair working conditions for lawyers. Its presidents are elected annually and play a key role in shaping dialogue between the criminal defence community and policymakers.
Lartey’s appointment has been widely welcomed across the profession as a sign of progress in a field long criticised for a lack of diversity at senior levels. His leadership is expected to focus on advocating for reform, supporting practitioner wellbeing, and encouraging inclusivity in the criminal justice system.