Who? Jason Lartey, managing director of Lartey & Co and president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association.  

Why is he in the news? The association led a protest on Tuesday outside parliament over the government’s controversial plan to curtail the right to a jury trial, when the Courts and Tribunals Bill was debated for the first time by MPs in the House of Commons.

Thoughts on the case: ‘The Courts and Tribunals Bill is a monumental piece of legislation that’s being proposed, which could affect the rights of many in the criminal justice system. We are concerned about the potential implications of this being introduced. There are alternative ways we can resolve the court backlog, one being more investment into the court system. We would need to sit down with MPs and would be willing to speak to justice secretary David Lammy and courts minister Sarah Sackman to discuss the proposals before any decisions are made. Clearly, not everyone is in agreement on these proposals.’ 

Dealing with the media: ‘This has forced me into a position I was not expecting to be in. I’ve [effectively] taken up the role of being a politician, which was the last thing I wanted to do. I initially did not want to take up the role as president of the LCCSA, but I’m glad I have now, because I’m able to represent those who need a voice and need their voices put forward on a day-to-day basis. I’m glad to have the privilege of speaking on behalf of members. I’m acting in the interest of the “party” – my “party” being solicitors.’ 

Why become a lawyer? ‘I was very good at history. I wasn’t good at everything else like maths. Growing up in an African family, it was always be a lawyer or doctor. I have a lot of friends who have been in trouble in the past. I grew up in Peckham. If I hadn’t become a solicitor, I could have easily ended up being on the other side of things.’  

Career high: ‘Helping Patryk Pachecka, who was wrongfully convicted and served four years for murder, get released from prison. We were able to get fresh evidence not available before the jury at the time of the original trial.’

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