Solent: Humphries Kirk partner becomes Dorset Law Society president

Katharine Jones, partner and land law solicitor at leading Dorset solicitors firm Humphries Kirk, has been elected as president of the Dorset Law Society.

Jones takes over the role from Tim O’Sullivan, who has stood as president since 2012.  She is the second female to be elected president in the Dorset Law Society’s history, the first being former Humphries Kirk partner Felicity Hedger who currently works for the firm as a consultant.

Jones was admitted as a solicitor in 1990, and works as a property lawyer predominantly dealing with commercial land issues, landlord and tenant matters, enfranchisement and small business sales. She is also under sheriff of Dorset, supporting the high sheriff on her official duties. She juggles these roles alongside her busy family life with her husband Ross, a building surveyor with the Local Authority and her four sons.

Jones commented: “I am honoured to take the role as president of the Dorset Law Society. I'm taking over at a time when interest in local law societies is waning.  I'm hoping, among other things, to improve our numbers and make the society more relevant to those that are interested in membership."

The Law Society of England and Wales was founded 1825, to raise the reputation of the profession by setting standards and ensuring good practice. Women were first admitted as solicitors in 1922 and today account for over half the admissions to the profession.

Numerous local law societies exist to represent members in their locality to the Law Society but also to facilitate and promote good working and social relationships between fellow professionals.  Dorset Law Society is one of the oldest societies in existence.