Ground-breaking lawyer joins University Law Society as president

Leicester University Law Society has announced that I. Stephanie Boyce will act as its president for the next academic year, starting in October 2022.

Each year the society appoints a senior member of the judiciary or legal sector to take up the position to represent the standards and values of the society.

I. Stephanie Boyce made history when she became the first person of colour to become the president of the Law Society of England and Wales in March 2021. She is also the sixth woman to hold the position. 

Graduating from London Guildhall University in 1999, Stephanie was admitted as a solicitor in 2002. 

Her legal career has focussed on corporate governance, public and regulatory law advising some of the largest not-for-profit bodies, charities, regulators and government bodies. 

As president of Leicester University Law Society, I. Stephanie Boyce will make an annual Presidential Address at University of Leicester’s law school in March. 

Previous presidents to have addressed students at the University of Leicester have been Sir Nicholas Green KC, Sir Terence Etherton and Lord Neuberger. Former president Ms Justice Cheema-Grubb addressed students during their graduation in 2020.

I. Stephanie Boyce said: “I am deeply honoured to become president of Leicester University Law Society. I follow in a line of remarkable presidents, and I resolve to build upon their legacy. 

“Studying Law at university should be an opportunity open to all talented prospective students irrespective of their background.

“I will not only seek to encourage applicants from a broad range of backgrounds to apply to study Law at Leicester but as importantly, to demystify Law as a subject for anyone who might be contemplating studying it at degree level but for those who do to connect and seize brilliant opportunities.”

Professor Sally Kyd, Head of Leicester Law School, said “That I. Stephanie Boyce has accepted the position of President of LULS is excellent news for the School and our students.

“Her commitment to demystifying the law aligns perfectly with our ethos for legal education at Leicester, and the opportunity to hear directly from someone who has achieved such a high standing in the legal profession will no doubt provide valuable inspiration to our diverse student body.”

Ben Follows, Chairperson for Leicester University Law Society, said: “We gratefully welcome I. Stephanie Boyce to the position of LULS President for the upcoming academic year. 

“She is an exemplary figure in her field for campaigning for a stronger and more diverse legal sector, as well as improving access to justice, and supporting legal education. 

“In addition, I believe her story and career overcoming challenges will without a doubt provide a shining source of inspiration for our members as they begin their careers.”

“We look forward to welcoming I. Stephanie Boyce to the Law School in March for the annual Presidential Address.” 

More information about Leicester University Law Society can be found here.