The new president of the Kent Law Society is looking forward to the challenges of her “rapidly changing profession” after her election this month.

Vanda James, a senior lawyer at Cripps, which has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill and Sandwich, has already been honorary treasurer of the body since 2007.

She was president of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society in 2011 and been a family lawyer for more than 25 years.

“It is a great honour to be elected president and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead in such a rapidly changing profession,” said Mrs James, who is a keen athlete and married with a grown-up daughter.

“I understand the society’s workings and how best to represent the interests of our members.”

Mrs James’ appointment follows the election of Cripss’ chief operating officer Christina Blacklaws as deputy vice president of the Law Society, which represents the interests of the public together with 165,000 solicitors in England and Wales.

She will become the society’s president in 2018.

Cripps managing partner Gavin Tyler said: “It is a great endorsement for the firm that two of our lawyers have been selected by their peers to leading roles within the Law Society – both regionally and nationally.”