The solicitor, and founder and former chair of Young Legal Aid Lawyers, Dr Laura Janes, has been elected as chair of LAG’s board at our AGM, which took place on 12 July 2017. She replaces Christine Kings, director of Outer Temple Chambers, who will continue serving on the board as vice-chair.

Laura is the legal director of the Howard League for Penal Reform and has developed a specialism in advising and representing children and young people in prison. She is also a consultant solicitor at Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd and a visiting fellow at London South Bank University. A member of the board since 2009, Laura was instrumental in establishing LAG’s policy group two years ago. The group, which is led by an independent chair, leads on LAG’s policy and research work.

Laura writes: ‘It’s an honour to be elected the chair of LAG. I’ve been a subscriber to Legal Action since I was a student and use LAG books and articles to keep on top of the latest legal developments. I am looking forward to working with LAG’s brilliant staff, members and friends to support its vital work to make the law accessible to all who need it through high-quality and dependable legal analysis and valuable contributions to policy and practice.’

Two new members joined the board at the recent AGM, Angela Patrick and Russell Conway. Angela is a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers and the former director of human rights policy at JUSTICE. Russell is a partner in the London firm Oliver Fisher Solicitors.