Richard Atkinson

Spear’s Review

Richard Atkinson is the 180th president of The Law Society of England and Wales, which represents solicitors, as well as advocating for justice and the rule of law. As the figurehead of this organisation, Atkinson is a leading voice in matters regarding the legal profession and people’s access to lawyers.

With over 30 years’ experience as a solicitor, Atkinson has previously served as chair of The Law Society’s policy and regulatory affairs committee and is a current member of the criminal law committee. He was vice president of the organisation from 2023 to 2024. 

Atkinson has a background in criminal law, having been a managing partner at Tuckers Solicitors since 2013. Over his career he has given evidence at select committees within both the House of Lords and House of Commons, and advised visiting foreign delegations on UK criminal law matters.

Upon his appointment, Atkinson said he would incorporate his experience as a criminal lawyer during his one-year term. ‘As a criminal defence solicitor, I know the justice system is an important public service. I will hold the UK government to account by campaigning for criminal legal aid, working collaboratively with politicians to ease the current prison overcrowding and tackling the courts’ backlogs.’

Read next: The 2025 Spear’s Power List – who made the cut