Nick Lee, managing director of specialist costs management firm Paragon Costs, is the new president of Bristol Law Society (BLS).
Nick was elected during the country’s oldest law society’s AGM on Tuesday. A council member since 2013, he has been a central part of the organisation’s transformation into a dynamic and innovative representative – and promoter – of the city’s legal industry. 
Nick, who began specialising in legal costs in 2001 and founded Bristol-based Paragon Costs 10 years later, replaces Gary Lightwood as president.
Pictured: Nick Lee, right, with outgoing president Gary Lightwood
Under Nick’s presidency the society, which has more than 4,500 members, will continue to work towards innovative ways of adding value for its members and ensuring a good return on investment.
Nick has also pledged to carry on the work of growing the ‘Bristol brand’ to attract more legal talent to the city and promote it as a great place to study, work and live.
Nick said: “Being nominated president of the long-established law society is an honour, but also an opportunity to ensure that the organisation remains focused on the challenges faced by modern practitioners.
“As well as continuing to promote and protect the legal sector in Bristol, my primary goals for the presidency include enhancing membership benefits to ensure maximum value for our members. We will also work towards reducing inequality as well as promoting the city itself.”
A number of new council members were also elected at the AGM. Ben Holt, a partner at VWV, has become senior vice president while Erin Sawyer, a family finance specialist in Irwin Mitchell’s Bristol office and Jonathan Peacock, also a partner at VWV, are the newly appointed junior vice president and treasurer respectively.
Coralie McKeivor, until recently a real estate associate at Foot Anstey, has been appointed honorary secretary.
As well as providing innovative and collaborative services to its members, the Bristol Law Society is dedicated to raising funds for local charities. During Nick’s presidency the organisation will support the Bristol Children’s Help Society, which provides a safe and stimulating environment to the city’s disadvantaged children, empowering them to create a better future for themselves. 
For Nick, the work of the charity closely mirrors the work of the law society. “Community is at the heart of everything I do, and I hope to carry that on during my tenure as president of the Bristol Law Society,” he said.
Pictured: Nick Lee, centre, with Erin Sawyer and Ben Holt
“The legal industry can be a true force for good in society, helping people to achieve their goals, protect themselves and create the basis for a brighter future. By supporting the legal sector and helping to develop and promote the expertise available in Bristol, we are helping individuals and businesses to get the legal advice they need to grow and flourish.”
Bristol Children’s Help Society chairman Bob Hollis added: “Bristol Children’s Help Society is delighted that Nick has taken on this prestigious role, and that he has nominated us as the presidency’s charity after many years of backing through Paragon Costs.
“He has been a stalwart supporter and fundraiser for the charity, helping us immensely in our mission to offer respite breaks to disadvantaged local children. We wish him every success in his new position.”
