Jason Lartey, founder of London-based law firm Lartey & Co, is now the first Black man to be elected president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA), a practitioner group established in 1948 for solicitors working in the criminal justice system, as reported by The Law Society Gazette.
Lartey was officially declared president when the LCCSA held its annual meeting on November 3. Lartey, who took over from Casey Jenkins, said he was proud to be the first Black male president of the association. Angela Campbell, who led the association in 2005, is the first Black female president.
Growing up on a council estate in Peckham, Lartey said he saw “first-hand the important role our legal system plays.”
Thirteen years ago, he became qualified to practice and his firm, Lartey & Co, currently provides specialist legal advice in the areas of Criminal Law, Extradition Law, Regulatory Law & Professional Discipline, Appeals, Confiscation Cases and Cash Seizure & Forfeiture proceedings.
The law firm chief, who describes himself as a “frontline lawyer” working in the police station and courts, highlighted some challenges in the profession, including the disruption caused by the cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency, the courts’ backlog and the legal aid rates that have not kept up with the cost of living. He also raised concerns about “a shortage of new blood” in the profession.
“I would love the opportunity to meet [lord chancellor] David Lammy to discuss how we can address these issues,” Lartey said.
He vowed to continue Jenkins’ work, catering to the well-being of solicitors. “The job we do is not easy. The hours are long, the pressure and stakes are high, and the emotional toll is real. But we love what we do. We must make wellbeing a collective responsibility, not just a personal one. We must encourage new entrants and support younger lawyers starting their journey. We have to show this profession is worth joining. It is a career that makes a real difference, upholds justice and gives a voice to the voiceless.”
He continued: “We are stronger when we work together – across firms, communities, the justice system. Collaboration gives credibility, influence and the power to drive meaningful change. By standing together, we amplify our voice and ensure that it’s heard where it matters most. I ask you to stay engaged, stay connected. Criminal law is built on compassion, integrity and justice, and each of us has a role to play in its future.”
Defending complex and sensitive matters, Lartey has achieved outstanding results in several landmark cases, including acting as the supervising solicitor on the legal team that prevented the extradition of Lauri Love, a landmark case that received national and international attention, his website says.
His recent election as the President of the LCCSA reflects his commitment to protecting defendants’ rights and promoting access to justice across the UK.
