Robert Bourns, a partner at Bristol-headquartered TLT, has been appointed president of The Law Society of England & Wales, representing 166,000 solicitors.
A highly respected figure in legal circles in Bristol and nationally, Robert, pictured, joined The Law Society Council in 2011 and was elected deputy vice president three years later. 
He had previously served as secretary and president of Bristol Law Society and secretary of the Association of South Western Law Societies.
He remains actively engaged in the debate around regulatory change in the legal profession and is a trustee of a number of South West-based and national charities with a strong focus on projects promoting social mobility by raising levels of awareness and attainment.
He is the 172nd person to hold the presidency, which will last for one year.
He said: “It is a tremendous privilege to take up the presidency of the Law Society. This is a time full of both opportunities and challenges for the solicitor profession and indeed for the country, and I’m focused on what we can contribute over the coming year.
“We should be proud of our contributions to the communities we live in, in our professionalism and expertise, and our role in upholding the rule of law.
“A diverse profession that gives line of sight to people of all backgrounds – so they can see the possibility of a career as a solicitor if they want one even if their start in life is challenging.”
TLT managing partner David Pester added: “The Law Society has an incredibly important job to do in maintaining trust and confidence across a diverse profession during what will inevitably be a period of uncertainty and change.
“Having worked with Robert for many years, I know that his extensive experience and leadership will be a great benefit to the sector, providing a strong voice at a crucial time in the profession’s history.
“Robert led our equality and diversity charge here at TLT with great passion and it is reassuring to know that this will replay across the sector during his presidency.”
Robert qualified in 1980 after graduating from Cardiff University (then University College, Cardiff in 1976.
He was TLT managing partner for six years and senior partner for four consecutive terms, playing a critical role in the firm’s growth and emergence as a national player.
He stepped down from his senior partner role last December but remains a partner in TLT’s employment, pensions and incentives group.
He is an experienced advocate and employment lawyer, with particular expertise relating to TUPE, insolvency, partnership (including LLP), the exiting of senior executives and partners and issues concerning professional conduct.
He is chair of the Quartet Community Foundation, a member of the Society of Merchant Venturers and a Deputy Lieutenant for the County and City of Bristol, an honorary title.
