Stephanie's impact extends far beyond her presidency of the Law Society of England and Wales; it sits at the intersection of leadership, equality, ethics, governance, and public trust in the profession.
“Achieving Change Together" (ACT) was an initiative by I. Stephanie Boyce during her time as president of the Law Society of England and Wales to bring together legal bodies like the Bar Council, Bar Standards Board, CILEX, and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The collaborative effort focused on driving equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the legal profession, particularly in the areas of social mobility and professional progression. The goal was to create measurable change through collective action, addressing issues like access and advancement within the profession that affect all legal bodies.
Collaborative leadership: she united different legal bodies to work together on shared issues, emphasising collaboration over individual action.
Focus on social mobility: The initiative made social mobility a key priority, aiming to create fair and structured routes into the legal profession for people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Driving measurable change: The initiative was intended to demonstrate tangible progress by the time she left office, moving beyond discussion to concrete action and measurable results.
Addressing systemic issues: ACT aimed to tackle inequalities that were becoming more visible, and to align with a shared ambition for a more diverse and inclusive legal profession.
Building on momentum: The initiative was launched during a period where external events, such as the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, highlighted existing structural inequalities, creating an appetite for change.
Impact
1. Transformational Leadership in the Legal Profession
As the first person of colour and first Black President of the Law Society of England and Wales in its 200-year history, I. Stephanie Boyce changed both the face and the future of the profession. Her presidency (19 March 2021–12 October 2022) was a landmark for diversity, representation, and progress. She broke a centuries-old barrier, paving the way for others to see themselves in positions of authority and influence.
Impact Highlights
Became a visible symbol of progress and inclusion in one of the UK’s oldest professional institutions.
Brought authenticity and humanity to the role, demonstrating that leadership can be both values-driven and people-centred.
Her presidency inspired countless aspiring lawyers, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in law.
2. Champion of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Stephanie has consistently used her platform to advocate for systemic change and embed EDI into the DNA of the profession.
Impact Highlights
Oversaw and supported the development of The Law Society’s EDI framework, aligning the organisation’s mission with measurable action on inclusion.
Advocated publicly for equality, equity, and accessibility, becoming one of the most recognisable and respected voices on these issues in the UK legal landscape.
Served as a role model and mentor, helping countless lawyers from disadvantaged backgrounds through speaking engagements, outreach, and mentorship programmes.
Reinforced that diversity is not a moral gesture but a professional and institutional necessity for justice and legitimacy.
3. Defender of Ethics, Integrity, and the Rule of Law
Stephanie’s leadership has consistently returned to one central tenet: “Integrity is not optional, you either have it, or you don’t.”
Impact Highlights
Reasserted the solicitor’s professional duty to act with integrity, independence, and public purpose, particularly in times of political and social uncertainty.
Actively promoted ethics in practice, ensuring the profession upholds trust and accountability.
Publicly defended the rule of law and access to justice, championing the independence of the legal profession from political interference.
4. Advocate for Social Mobility and Education
From her own journey, “Persevere Until Something Happens (PUSH)” - Stephanie has drawn a lifelong commitment to social mobility and opportunity.
Impact Highlights
Advocated for the teaching of law and civic understanding in schools, to help young people engage with democracy, rights, and justice.
Partnered with universities, widening participation programmes, and mentoring initiatives to broaden access to the professional and financial services professions.
Inspires students through public lectures and mentorship, such as her upcoming “Law, Leadership and Legacy” Annual Lecture at King’s College London, connecting personal story with public purpose.
5. Governance and Public Service
Stephanie is a respected governance professional whose influence extends beyond law into board leadership and charitable service.
Impact Highlights
Serves or has served in strategic and non-executive roles across multiple organisations, strengthening governance, transparency, and ethical leadership.
Chair-elect of The Solicitors’ Charity, where her leadership will shape its vision of supporting the legal community.
Legacy and Global Influence
Stephanie’s story has transcended professional boundaries, becoming a symbol of perseverance, representation, and ethical leadership.
Impact Highlights
Featured internationally in media, conferences, and legal forums, sharing insights on leadership, governance, and equality.
Recognised as a trailblazer and thought leader, her voice continues to shape discussions around leadership integrity, professional ethics, and social justice globally.
Her PUSH framework has become both a personal mantra and a wider message of resilience and transformation.
Transformation
Stephanie continues to support a wide range of charities, frequently donating her speaking fees to good causes. During her presidential term, she demonstrated outstanding law, leadership and legacy by hosting a Presidential Gala that raised over £65,000 for LawCare, the Sutton Trust, and the Access to Justice Foundation. Her commitment to giving back, widening access to the profession, and supporting the legal community remains a defining hallmark of her work.
I. Stephanie Boyce’s impact lies not only in what she achieved but in what she made possible for others. She transformed representation within the legal profession, championed inclusion as a matter of justice, and restored ethical leadership as the cornerstone of public trust. Her legacy is one of integrity, perseverance, and service, a reminder that leadership, at its best, changes both people and systems.
