Dr Eunice Shang-Simpson, a Senior Lecturer Practitioner in Law and Faculty Strategic Lead for Equity and Inclusion at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), has been elected as President of the Kent Law Society.

She specializes in International Investment Law, holds several national and international positions, including Chair of the International Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales, and is Member of the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) Africa Commission representing Ghana.

Speaking at her Inaugural Dinner, Dr Shang-Simpson commented on the achievement:I am deeply honoured by this opportunity to lead the Kent Law Society. My Presidency marks several historic firsts. I am the first woman of Ghanaian Heritage and the first Person of Colour to hold the role, as well as being the first Academic to occupy this position”.

“I am delighted that my successor, Mary-Joyce, is also a woman of Ghanaian Heritage and that Michael Cressy, the Deputy Vice-President, will be the first legal professional to accede to the role of President of Kent Law Society via a non-traditional trajectory. Not a moment too soon and we must continue to challenge perceived norms and celebrate these historic firsts.”

From left: Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales and Dr Eunice Shang-Simpson
From left: Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales and Dr Eunice Shang-Simpson

Dr Shang-Simpson’s chosen charities for her Presidential year are Africa in the Moot and East Kent MIND Home - East Kent Mind. Her choice of charities reflects her aims, which include supporting students wishing to pursue a career in Law, the promotion of Equality and Diversity in the legal profession and creating an environment that promotes and nurtures positive mental health for Law students and legal professionals.

Dr Shang-Simpson is a member of the Ghana Bar, a Solicitor-Advocate qualified to practice in England and Wales, an International Arbitrator and an ADR Group Accredited Mediator.

A former Specialist Crown Prosecutor and Seconded National Expert to the UK Desk at Eurojust in the Hague, Dr Shang-Simpson is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a frequent Arbitrator at the Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna.

Passionate about helping women and girls reach their full potential, Eunice is an Alumni Mentor for the Cherie Blair Foundation Mentoring Women in Business Programme, which matches women in middle income countries with mentors around the world. She is also a Director of Golden Age International School, a Junior High School in Ghana, and channels her passion into championing EDI at CCCU and inspiring and encouraging her students by providing opportunities for them to take part in extra-curricular activities such as Judicial Shadowing and International Arbitration competitions.

Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: “I am delighted that Eunice has been elected as the President of Kent Law Society. In being elected she passed several milestones as the first person of colour and the first academic to be elected to the role.

"She also takes on the role while continuing in her role at the national law society where she chairs our International Committee. Eunice’s experiences in both the profession and academia will unquestionably bring a great deal to Kent Law Society which when added to her boundless energy and indominable personality will mean that Kent is in for a very good year.”

Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales with Dr Eunice Shang-Simpson, President of Kent Law Society
Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales with Dr Eunice Shang-Simpson, President of Kent Law Society

Key priority areas for Dr Shang-Simpson in her Presidential Year at the Kent Law Society are:

  • Membership Growth and Engagement:

To position KLS as the go-to professional organisation for legal professionals in Kent.

  • Student Support and Legal Career Development:

To expand Mentorship and Work Experience opportunities for student members, thus helping students from all backgrounds access pathways into the profession.

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing:

To champion mental health support at every stage of the legal profession, promoting open dialogue to ensure long-term wellbeing for all members.

  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):

To integrate EDI principles into all areas of Kent Law Society’s work.

Find out more about studying Law at Canterbury Christ Church University and about the Kent Law Society.

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