Salma Maqsood, Presidential AGM Speech

 

 

Good evening,

Thank you for being here today.

Standing before you as the incoming President of the Bristol Law Society is both an honour and a responsibility which I embrace with gratitude and determination.

Bristol’s legal community has always been defined by excellence and collaboration. To be entrusted with leading such a community is something I do not take lightly.

 

Before I share my vision for the year ahead, I want to take a moment to recognise the exceptional leadership of our Immediate Past President, Coralie McKeivor.

Coralie has set an incredible standard through her dedication, professionalism, and the energy she brought to this Society. Her work has strengthened our community, and I am grateful for the foundation she has built. Thank you, Coralie, for your service and for the example you have set.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Past Presidents, Executive Team, Helen, Clair and our Council Members. Your dedication, insight, and tireless work behind the scenes keep this Society moving forward. I look forward to working alongside you as we shape the next chapter together.

Today is personally meaningful to me.

As I step into this role as the Society’s first British Muslim Pakistani President in over 250 years, I do so with deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility.

Representation matters, not just for me, but for every young person who may look at the legal profession and wonder whether there is a place for them.

I stand here because of those who opened doors before me, and I intend to keep those doors open even wider for others.

As we look ahead, I see a year full of opportunities to elevate our profession, inspire the next generation, and ensure that our Society remains inclusive, innovative, and supportive of all our members.

Taking each in turn:

Inspiring the Next Generation of Lawyers

A profession’s future rests with those preparing to join it.

One of my core commitments this year is to inspire and empower the next generation of lawyers.

We must show students, trainees, and junior lawyers that the law is a place where they belong and where they can make a meaningful impact.

Our Society will continue to work as a bridge: connecting experience with ambition through mentorship and opportunities that open doors for all backgrounds.

Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusion

The law is strongest when shaped by diverse voices. I will champion initiatives that promote equity, support underrepresented groups, and ensure our Society reflects the community we serve.

Strengthening Community, Collaboration, and Responsible Innovation

Our challenges and opportunities are collective. I want Bristol Law Society to continue to serve as a hub bringing together lawyers, academics, students, businesses, and community partners to share ideas and innovate together.

In particular, we must approach technology and AI responsibly. Any innovation or AI platform in the legal sphere should be developed inclusively, involving voices from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. By ensuring technology serves everyone fairly, we can strengthen access to justice, empower legal professionals, and uphold the values our Society stands for.

Celebrating Local Talent

Bristol is home to some extraordinary legal minds, individuals and organisations who contribute daily to our city’s strength, innovation, and reputation.

This year, I want us to shine a brighter spotlight on the talent within our own community. From established lawyers making a difference, to rising stars who bring fresh perspectives, their work deserves recognition.

Celebrating local talent builds confidence, attracts new skills, and shows future lawyers that excellence is born right here among us, within our city, and across our networks.

The year ahead will bring opportunities, challenges, and change. But I am confident that by continuing to work together; our Society is ready for all of it.

As we look ahead, I want to emphasise that the strength of our Society lies in the active participation and diverse perspectives of its members. I invite each of you to reach out, join our committees, attend our events, and let us know how we can better serve you. Together, we can build a Society that truly reflects and supports all its members

As your President, I will lead with integrity, transparency, and purpose; to listen, to collaborate, and to act with fairness; and to represent our community with the respect and commitment it deserves.

Thank you for placing your trust in me.

Thank you to Coralie, for her outstanding service as Immediate Past President.

Thank you to our Executive Team, Helen, Clair and our Council Members for your unwavering support.

Thank you to our local talent both established and emerging, for the inspiration you bring to this profession.

And thank you to every member who contributes daily to the legal profession.

Together, we will make this a year of progress, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

And together we will continue to break barriers and inspire the lawyers who will shape the future of our profession.

 

Thank you!

Salma Maqsood, November 2025