The Access to Justice Foundation has announced the appointment of Laurence Harris as Chairman of its Board of Trustees. He will take over from out-going Chair, Lord Goldsmith QC, who will step down at the end of the year after 12 years.

Laurence Harris. Copyright Gittings.

‘I’m delighted to welcome Laurence as our new Chair. This is an extremely challenging time for the legal advice sector, therefore Laurence’s knowledge, experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to manage the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic,’ said Ruth Daniel, CEO of The Access to Justice Foundation.

Harris is currently a partner at international law firm Cooley LLP and is vice chair of its global litigation department. Throughout his career, he has practiced in the area of commercial litigation as a solicitor. He also advises Governments, large corporates, and high net worth individuals in complex commercial disputes. Harris has been a Trustee of the Foundation since 2012.

Harris will be leading the Foundation at a crucial time for the charity, as it focuses its fundraising efforts on the Community Justice Fund, a joint initiative to help specialist social welfare legal advice organisations cope with the immediate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and lay the foundations for longer-term renewal.

Lord Goldsmith QC, who has been with the charity since it was established in 2008, will continue to support the Foundation’s work in the newly created role of President.

‘At this critical time for the advice sector, I am hugely excited to be able to help lead the Foundation in its work, which, in these uncertain times, is more important than ever,’ Harris said.