Former Law Society president receives highest solicitor honour in 2026 awards

Senior legal figures are recognised in the 2026 honours, including a former Law Society president

Former Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce has received the most senior honour available to a practising solicitor in the 2026 New Year Honours list. Boyce, who served as president from March 2021 to October 2022, is awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the legal profession, diversity and access to justice.

The honours list was published on 30 December 2025 and includes a number of prominent figures from across the legal sector. Boyce’s recognition reflects her work during and after her presidency, with a focus on widening access to justice and promoting greater representation within the profession.

Also featured is Tim Eicke KC, who retired earlier this year after serving nine years as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Eicke has been appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in the overseas and international honours list for services to the protection of human rights in Europe.

Another recipient is His Honour Judge Patrick Peruško, a former solicitor who currently serves as a designated family judge at the Family Drug and Alcohol Court. He receives a CBE for services to the administration of justice. Peruško was admitted as a solicitor in 1988 and became a circuit judge in 2016 before being appointed designated family judge for Milton Keynes in 2020.

Peruško was the victim of a serious assault in November 2023 while sitting at Milton Keynes family court. He was attacked by a party to the proceedings who pinned him down and repeatedly punched him inside the court building. The incident raised widespread concerns across the legal community regarding judicial safety and security in court environments.

The honours list also recognises Zelda Perkins, founder of the campaign group Cant Buy My Silence. She is awarded a CBE for services to social justice, reflecting her work challenging the use of non-disclosure agreements and advocating for greater protections for individuals affected by them.

Elsewhere, Paul Lewis, firmwide managing partner at magic circle law firm Linklaters, receives an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to the community in Newport.

Commenting on the honours, Law Society president Mark Evans said the organisation was proud to see outstanding contributions to the legal profession recognised. He added that the Law Society particularly welcomed the recognition of individuals working to improve access to justice and promote diversity, congratulating former president Stephanie Boyce for her continued impact on the profession.