11/23/2025
Jason Lartey, founder of the London law firm Lartey & Co, has made history as the first Black man elected president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA), a major organisation established in 1948 to support solicitors in the criminal justice system. He was declared president at the association’s annual meeting on November 3, taking over from Casey Jenkins.
Lartey, who grew up on a council estate in Peckham, said his upbringing showed him the essential role of the legal system. Now a qualified solicitor of 13 years, he leads a firm specialising in criminal law, extradition law, regulatory law, appeals and confiscation matters, among others.
Known as a “frontline lawyer,” Lartey highlighted serious challenges facing the profession—such as the cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency, court backlogs, low legal aid rates and a shortage of new entrants into criminal law. He expressed his desire to meet the lord chancellor, David Lammy, to address these issues.
He also promised to continue prioritising the wellbeing of solicitors, encouraging more young lawyers to join the profession while stressing the importance of unity and collaboration across the justice system.
Lartey has worked on several nationally recognised cases, including helping prevent the extradition of Lauri Love. His election as LCCSA president reflects his long-standing commitment to defending rights and expanding access to justice across the UK.
