Member News
A partner at law firm Ward Hadaway has become the 200th President of The Newcastle and North of England Law Society during its bicentennial year, only the eighth female to hold the role in that time.
Lesley Fairclough’s appointment follows the merger in January 2026 of Newcastle Law Society with Carlisle and District Law Society and Tees Valley Law Society, which created The Newcastle and North of England Law Society.
The merger makes it the largest regional law society in England and Wales, bringing together members from across Newcastle, Northumberland, County Durham, the Tees Valley and Cumbria. It is also one of the oldest, with the national Law Society celebrating its own bicentenary only last year. Lesley, who started her career as a trainee solicitor at Ward Hadaway and is now the Head of Housing, has chosen the theme for the year of ‘Honouring the past, preparing for the future’.
Lesley Fairclough said: “It is a privilege to take on this role at such an important point in the Law Society’s history. This is a significant year for the organisation, not only because it marks its bicentenary, but because the merger has created a stronger regional body to support and promote the legal profession across Newcastle, Northumberland, County Durham, the Tees Valley and Cumbria.
“Local law societies play an important role in supporting legal professionals at every stage of their careers, championing the profession and helping it adapt to change. I have seen this first-hand throughout my own path but also through my father’s involvement, who was President of the Durham and North Yorkshire Law Society some years ago. I am passionate about the role local law societies can play, and keen to ensure we continue to provide relevant support for members and help strengthen the legal profession across our region.
“Following the merger, I am particularly keen to build greater awareness of the Law Society's presence in Carlisle and Teesside and to make sure legal professionals across all of our vast region feel part of a shared community.”
As part of her presidential year, Lesley has chosen to support two charities: Smart Works North East and Suitability. Smart Works North East supports unemployed women with interview coaching and workwear, while Suitability provides clothing and practical guidance to help men prepare for interviews and move into employment.
Sanchia Coatsworth, Director of Operations at the Newcastle and North of England Law Society, said: “Lesley takes on the presidency at a landmark point for us. As we begin our bicentennial year and continue to build on the merger, her experience and commitment to the legal profession will be invaluable.
“The new Newcastle and North of England Law Society brings together legal professionals from across a much wider area and that gives us an important opportunity to strengthen connections and build new ones, providing support for members across the whole region.”
