255-Year First: Salma Maqsood Appointed First Muslim President of Bristol Law Society

For over two and a half centuries, the Bristol Law Society has stood as a pillar of the British legal establishment. Founded in 1770, it holds the distinction of being the oldest local law society in the United Kingdom. This week, however, the organization looked firmly toward the future rather than its past, marking a watershed moment for diversity in the profession by appointing Salma Maqsood as its president for the 2025-2026 term.

The appointment is historic in every sense of the word. Maqsood, a highly regarded partner at city law firm Thrings, becomes the first British Muslim Pakistani woman to lead the organization in its 255-year history. Her rise to the presidency follows a dedicated tenure as junior vice president from 2023 to 2025 and years of service as a council member, signaling a significant cultural shift for the 7,500-member body.

Maqsood is best known in the South West legal circuit for her expertise in commercial property. At Thrings, she has built a reputation for handling complex transactions, acting for pension funds, and managing landlord and tenant matters for household names. Her transition from managing high-stakes property portfolios to managing the strategic direction of Bristol’s legal community highlights the growing influence of commercial solicitors in broader legal advocacy.

The significance of the moment was not lost on the incoming president. Addressing her appointment, Maqsood acknowledged the weight of the legacy she is inheriting while emphasizing the necessity of progress. She noted that she is standing on the shoulders of those who opened doors before her, expressing a firm intention to keep those doors open even wider for the next generation. For Maqsood, the appointment is about more than a title; it is proof that representation matters for every young person looking at the legal profession and wondering if there is a place for them.

This changing of the guard represents a broader modernization of the Society’s executive structure. In a move that further shatters the "glass ceiling," the Society has confirmed an all-female triumvirate of presidential officers for the first time in its history. Joining Maqsood is Sabeena Pirooz of Thompsons Solicitors, who has been named vice president. They will work alongside the immediate past president, Coralie McKeivor, who retains a seat on the executive committee.

Pirooz, a fierce advocate within the personal injury sector, expressed her enthusiasm for the year ahead. She described the swearing-in as the start of a new chapter, praising Maqsood as an outstanding leader and noting the poignant nature of the achievement for her own family, particularly citing the support of her father.

The establishment of this leadership team comes at a critical time for the UK legal sector, which is currently grappling with issues regarding retention, diversity, and the modernization of legal practices. By elevating two women from diverse backgrounds to its highest offices, the Bristol Law Society is sending a powerful message to the national legal community.

As Maqsood takes a moment to let the historical significance sink in, the region's legal professionals are preparing for what promises to be a game-changing year. With a leadership team that looks distinctly different from the founders of 1770, the UK’s oldest law society appears ready to redefine what modern legal leadership looks like.