What does it really take to lead the solicitors’ profession in 2025?

In this episode of But is it Legal?, host Simon Marshall welcomes Mark Evans, the 181st President of the Law Society of England and Wales, to discuss the pressures facing high street firms, why solicitor wellbeing can no longer be ignored, and how the profession must become more open, representative and fit for the future. Mark also shares the personal story behind founding the legal running community LegalRunner. 🎙️

🔥 What's included:

• Why he wanted the presidency: using the role to make the profession more open and representative.
• Pressure points: regulation, compliance and financial strain on smaller firms.
• Get involved: Mark’s push to open up the Law Society so more solicitors can shape change.
• Why wellbeing is personal: the family experience that changed Mark’s view of health and work.
• Running through grief: how taking up running became a turning point in his own life.
• LegalRunner: why he founded a running community for the legal profession and why it helps people open up.
• A profession fit for the future: Mark’s themes of wellbeing, representation and long-term resilience.
• Practical advice for lawyers: protect your personal diary with the same discipline as your work one.

🎧 Why you should listen: If you want to understand where the legal profession is under the most pressure, and what needs to change to keep it strong, this episode is essential. Mark brings honesty, warmth and a grounded view of leadership, wellbeing and why the profession must work harder to support the people within it.

👉 Subscribe now and be part of the conversation that’s changing up the UK legal sector!

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👉 Follow Mark Evans LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-evans-57927917 Profile: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/about-us/our-governance/council-constituencies-and-current-members/mark-philip-evans

👉 Follow Simon Marshall LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpaulmarshall/ Website: www.tbdmarketing.co.uk