A Gwent lawyer has been appointed as President of the Association of South Western Law Societies (ASWLS).
Clive Thomas, Managing Partner of Watkins & Gunn Solicitors with offices in Newport, Pontypool and Cardiff, has been selected to head up ASWLS, which is the representative body of six local law societies – Monmouthshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire, Devon & Somerset, Cornwall & also Plymouth. They represent over 10,000 solicitors in over 700 legal entities in South East Wales and the South West England.
As part of the one year post, Clive will act as the voice of solicitors in the region, chairing quarterly meetings with fellow Presidents to report and lobby on topical issues, supporting and promoting members in the area and working to maintain the standards of the profession.
Clive takes over the reins at a critical time for the profession due to reforms to legal aid, legal education, and the profession as a whole.
Clive Thomas said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed President of the ASWLS. I intend to be a very active President and want to make a real difference to solicitors within the local law societies that form ASWLS.
“My aim is to raise awareness of ASWLS and use the profile to gain a greater voice to address issues affecting the profession.”
An experienced personal injury solicitor, Clive has worked at Watkins & Gunn since he qualified in 1991. In 2003, he was appointed managing partner of the firm during which time it had grown from a high street practice in Gwent to a nationally recognised award-winning South Wales law firm.
Jonathan Stephens, Council Member of the Law Society, said: “Clive has a vast amount of enthusiasm and experience which will be a huge asset to him in his new role. I think Clive’s real impact will be the energy and drive that he is showing in bringing people together and getting them to work as a team. He has a passion for making a difference in the legal sector and we’re looking forward to the impact he will make on the South West region during his tenure.”
Watkins & Gunn Solicitors offer a wide range of legal services including Accident Claims, Medical Negligence, Wills and Probate, Employment Law, Business Law, Divorce and Family Law, Childcare Law, Criminal Law, Road Traffic Law and Property.