About us

“Across Cornwall, my priorities for 2025/2026 are member wellbeing, practical sustainability, and clearer communication—so our profession stays connected, supported and forward-looking.”

It is an honour and a privilege to serve as the current President of Cornwall Law Society.

As a profession, we are at our best when we are open, inclusive and supportive—regardless of background or identity. My aim this year is simple: to ensure every member feels welcome, represented and able to take part in the life of the Society.

Working together

I’m grateful to be supported by a dedicated Committee, by Neil Lewin as Vice President and by Verona Cocks in her role as Treasurer and Secretary of the Society. We are always keen to welcome new Committee members fresh perspectives and new energy make a real difference. If you’re interested in getting involved, I would be delighted to hear from you.

My focus for 2025/2026

I’ve seen first-hand how demanding legal practice can be, including experiencing significant burnout earlier in my career. That experience has shaped my commitment to wellbeing and to creating a culture where support is normal, not exceptional. This year I will also place sustainability firmly on our agenda, helping the Society and member firms take practical steps that are realistic and achievable.

Key priorities

1) Wellbeing

Long hours, heavy workloads and the demands of client care can take their toll. We will continue to normalise conversations about mental health, share practical support, and create space for members to learn from each other about what truly helps in day-to-day practice.

This includes:

• signposting resources and support (including LawCare and other partners)
• sharing examples of firm-level initiatives and peer learning
• hosting events focused on resilience, boundaries and healthy workload management

2) Sustainability

Some member firms are already well advanced with greener ways of working; others are only just starting. We will focus on practical steps that reduce environmental impact without adding unnecessary burden—sharing local ideas, tools and examples that work in Cornwall.

This includes:

• reducing the Society’s own footprint where we can
• encouraging realistic greener practices for member firms
• running a Sustainability Workshop to support confident first steps and share expertise

3) Website and communications

We are improving our website and strengthening our communications so members can quickly find what they need and so we can better showcase the Society’s work, events and impact.

This includes:

• a more functional, user-friendly website with clearer navigation and up-to-date content
• more regular updates on events, training and member achievements
• better visibility for our sponsors and their support of the Society

Charity of the Year: Cornwall Air Ambulance

I’m delighted to announce Cornwall Air Ambulance as our Charity of the Year. Entirely funded by public generosity, it delivers rapid, life-saving emergency care across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We’ll be supporting the charity throughout the year, and I hope as many members as possible will get involved in our fundraising and awareness-raising activities.

Looking ahead

Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to leading the Society over the coming months—celebrating achievements, addressing challenges together, and strengthening the profession across Cornwall.

Please keep an eye on our events and updates, and do consider getting involved.

Warm regards,

Rachel Pearce
President, Cornwall Law Society