Paragon Costs’ Managing Director Nicholas Lee is the new President of Bristol Law Society (BLS). Nick was voted in during the AGM of the country’s oldest law society on 20 November 2018. A council member since 2013, Nick has been a central part of the organisation’s transformation into a dynamic and innovative representative - and promoter - of the city’s legal industry.
As well as seeing Nick take up his new position in place of the outgoing Gary Lightwood, the event saw a number of new council members voted in. Ben Holt of VWV is the society’s new Senior Vice President, while Erin Sawyer from Irwin Mitchell and Jonathan Peacock from VWV are the newly appointed Junior Vice President and Treasurer respectively. Coralie McKeivor, formerly of Foot Anstey, has been appointed Honorary Secretary.
With a treasured membership of over 4,500, the society under Nick’s presidency will continue to work towards innovative ways of adding value for its members and ensuring a good return on investment. With a view to attracting more legal talent to the city, Nick will work towards growing the “Bristol Brand”, promoting the historic city as a great place to study, work and live.
Nick commented: “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.”
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, who provide 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. He added: “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. 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.”
Bob Hollis, Chairman of Bristol Children’s Help Society, said:
“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.”
Paragon Costs has been helping law firms navigate the complexities of costs law since 2011. Using an expert understanding of many areas of law, the team provides effective costs management, detailed and provisional assessment, summary assessment, and dispute resolution and consultancy services. Based on unequivocal and commercially pragmatic advice, Paragon Costs works as an extension of your legal team.
Bristol Law Society was founded in 1770, making it the UK’s oldest law society. Through its services and events, the society works to promote and represent the local legal profession and add value to the operations of its members.