LCCSA Elects Its First Black Male President in 77 Years
Jason Lartey has reached a major milestone in British legal history. He has become the first Black man to be elected president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA). The professional body was founded in 1948 and represents solicitors working in the criminal justice system across London.
He was officially confirmed as president during the association’s annual meeting on November 3. Lartey now takes over from Casey Jenkins, marking a powerful shift in leadership. Angela Campbell, who served in 2005, remains the first Black woman to lead the association.
Lartey called the moment an honor and expressed pride in breaking this long-standing barrier. His election signals a growing effort to open doors within the UK’s legal sector.
From Peckham to the Presidency: A Story of Grit and Purpose
Lartey grew up on a council estate in Peckham, a background that shaped his passion for justice. He has said he saw “first-hand the important role our legal system plays.” Those early experiences helped fuel his career and his desire to serve people who often feel unheard.
Thirteen years ago, he qualified as a solicitor. He later founded his own firm, Lartey & Co, based in London. The firm provides specialist services in criminal law, extradition law, regulatory law, professional discipline, appeals, confiscation cases, and cash seizure matters.
His journey from Peckham to leading one of the UK’s most respected criminal law associations shows what determination and community-focused leadership can achieve.
Championing Criminal Law and Speaking Up for the Profession
Lartey describes himself as a “frontline lawyer.” He spends much of his time at police stations and in courtrooms. Because of that, he sees the struggles of the legal system up close. He has spoken openly about issues facing the profession, including the large impact of the cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency, the massive court backlogs, and legal aid rates that fail to match the cost of living.
He also warned of a “shortage of new blood” entering the field. According to him, fresh talent is urgently needed to keep the justice system strong. Lartey hopes to meet with Lord Chancellor David Lammy to discuss ways these issues can be addressed.
His voice carries weight because he understands the pressure of the job firsthand.
A Vision for Wellbeing, Unity, and a Stronger Future
As president, Lartey promised to continue the work of outgoing president Casey Jenkins. Supporting the wellbeing of solicitors is one of his top goals. He explained that the work is demanding, emotional, and often overwhelming. Yet he believes the profession is worth protecting because it gives a voice to the voiceless.
“We must make wellbeing a collective responsibility, not just a personal one,” he said. He urged older lawyers to guide younger ones and help them feel welcome in the field. He wants the legal community to show new entrants that criminal law is a career that creates real change.
Lartey also emphasized the importance of unity. “We are stronger when we work together,” he said. He believes collaboration among firms, communities, and justice partners will create meaningful change.
A Leader With a Record of Impact and High-Profile Cases
Lartey’s legal work speaks for itself. He has handled difficult and sensitive cases throughout his career. One of his most notable achievements was his role as the supervising solicitor on the legal team that prevented the extradition of Lauri Love. The case drew national and international attention and highlighted his legal leadership.
His election as president of the LCCSA reflects his dedication to protecting defendants’ rights and promoting access to justice across the UK. Many see his rise as a powerful example of what representation, skill, and community commitment can look like in the legal profession.
