Brett Dixon has become the 182nd president of the Law Society of England and Wales, taking up the role on Wednesday 14 October 2026. His presidential year is expected to focus on the future of civil justice, responsible technology adoption, access to justice and a more inclusive legal profession.
Who is Brett Dixon?
Dixon was admitted as a solicitor in 1999 and has extensive experience in civil litigation. He is also an accredited mediator. After beginning his career in general practice in Manchester, he worked with firms across north-west England.
He is an honorary professor of law at the University of Leicester, a mediator with Trust Mediation and the legal expert member of the Online Procedure Rule Committee. He joined the Law Society Council in 2019 as the representative of personal injury lawyers and previously served as president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Dixon takes office alongside Dana Denis-Smith OBE as vice president and Jeff Lewis as deputy vice president. The Law Society’s elected office holders serve one-year terms, with the handover taking place at the organisation’s annual general meeting.
- Brett Dixon is admitted as a solicitor.
- Joins the Law Society Council as the representative of personal injury lawyers.
- Is announced as the next deputy vice president of the Law Society.
- Takes office as vice president when Mark Evans becomes president.
- Becomes the 182nd president of the Law Society of England and Wales.
What are his civil justice priorities?
Dixon has identified modernising civil justice as a central priority. The Law Society describes the civil justice system as an important economic asset, supporting the UK’s position as a centre for dispute resolution, arbitration and litigation.
However, the system faces structural challenges, including court delays, judicial capacity, possession processes and the need for broader court modernisation. Dixon intends to press for stronger domestic access to justice and a long-term approach to these issues.
He also plans to make the economic case for the rule of law in engagement with other jurisdictions, including places where the rule of law faces visible threats. His work on the Online Procedure Rule Committee places him in a position to contribute to discussions about the design and effectiveness of digital justice systems.
What is his approach to digital justice and AI?
As legal services and court processes become increasingly digital, Dixon says technology must be adopted ethically and effectively. He intends to keep solicitors’ professional role and the protection of clients central to the design of digital court systems.
He will support Law Society members as they respond to rapid technological change, including through advice, support and opportunities to discuss how the solicitor’s role is evolving in the age of artificial intelligence.
Dixon also plans to promote a principles-based approach to AI and seek greater clarity about how existing regulatory standards apply when AI is used. The stated aim is to identify and address emerging gaps in collaboration with members, rather than allowing technology to develop without clear professional expectations.
How will he support access to the profession?
Improving access to the legal profession for people from disadvantaged and lower socio-economic backgrounds is another major focus of Dixon’s presidential year. As the first person in his family to attend university and become a solicitor, he has highlighted the importance of routes into the profession that widen opportunity.
He has said he will support initiatives including the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme, the Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund and the Sutton Trust’s Pathways to Law Programme. He also intends to continue advocating for solicitor apprenticeships as an alternative route into the profession and a potential driver of social mobility.
Dixon has also drawn attention to the barriers faced by disabled people and those who care for them. He plans to bring disabled solicitors’ experiences into the centre of his work through roundtables across England and Wales, using feedback to help shape the Law Society’s resources and support.
What happens during the presidential year?
The president acts as chair of the Law Society Council and is one of the organisation’s principal ambassadors, representing the profession at home and abroad. The role provides a platform to set priorities, engage with solicitors across England and Wales and contribute to debates about the direction of the profession.
Dixon’s stated agenda combines justice-system reform with professional support and inclusion. The key themes are a more effective civil justice system, responsible use of technology, stronger access to justice and practical steps to widen participation in the profession.
His plans will be pursued during his one-year term, with engagement across the profession intended to help identify the skills, training and support solicitors need as legal practice continues to change.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new president of the Law Society?
Brett Dixon became the 182nd president of the Law Society of England and Wales on 14 October 2026.
Who are the Law Society’s other office holders?
Dana Denis-Smith OBE took office as vice president and Jeff Lewis became deputy vice president.
What are Brett Dixon’s main priorities?
His priorities include modernising civil justice, addressing court delays and capacity, promoting responsible use of AI, improving access to justice and widening access to the legal profession.
What is Brett Dixon’s professional background?
He qualified as a solicitor in 1999, has experience in civil litigation, is an accredited mediator and has held roles with the University of Leicester, Trust Mediation, the Online Procedure Rule Committee and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.