First consecutive Plymouth Law Society President since 1933
James Walsh, asbestos litigation specialist and partner of GA Solicitors, has been named as Plymouth Law Society President for the second consecutive year. James is the first consecutive Plymouth Law Society President since 1933 when P.S. Snell held the position for an unprecedented two-year period.
Formed in 1815, Plymouth Law Society represents solicitors and lawyers in the city and its surrounding areas. It strives to maintain the standards of the profession through training, sharing best practice and providing a collective voice for its members.
James has more than 20 years of legal experience and is head of GA Solicitors’ asbestos and industrial disease team. He is acknowledged nationally for his specialist work in asbestos disease claims, particularly those related to mesothelioma victims. He has also developed a formidable reputation in industrial disease litigation, together with securing significant damages in public and employer liability cases.
In his first year as President, James overhauled the organisation’s website; secured charitable donations to purchase and distribute Lady Brenda Hale’s books to 70 local primary schools; acted as a liaison between the Courts and practitioners over COVID protocols; helped the Plymouth Conveyancing Law Panel publish and implement their protocols; and met with the Law Society President.
Commenting on his appointment, James said: “It’s been a tough year for so many people across Plymouth, the UK and globally. It was not how I envisaged my year as President to be, but I am glad to have been able to provide some support in such a difficult time. To be asked to steer the Plymouth Law Society through another year as President is a genuine honour, especially with challenging times still ahead.
“Hopefully with the worst now behind us, we can look to offer more of our face to face support and continue to plan key events such as The Mayflower 400 Lecture and our annual dinner and fundraiser.”
David Wallis, managing partner of GA Solicitors, added: “We are very proud that one of our senior lawyers has been invited to lead such a prestigious organisation for an extended term. As members, we look forward to fully supporting the Plymouth Law Society in the year ahead.”
ENDS
08/03/2021
Note to Editors
Photo: James Walsh
GA Solicitors can trace its roots back more than 200 years and has been advising the people and business in the South West for its duration. Originally based in Devonport, the firm gets its initials from Thomas Husband Gill who joined the practice in 1875 and later went into partnership with Albert E. Akaster.
Now one of the region’s leading law firms, the 78-strong team at the Lexcel-accredited LLP, has offices in both Plymouth and Bath. It is ranked in The Legal 500, Chambers UK and Chambers High Net Worth and is structured around eight practice areas, each comprising its own specialist department:
For more information visit: www.GAsolicitors.com