Mr Harris is currently a partner at international law firm Cooley LLP and is vice chair of its global litigation department. He is a solicitor who has practised in the area of commercial litigation all his career.

He advises governments, large corporates and high net worth individuals in complex commercial disputes. He was one of the founder partners of the London office of Cooley when it was launched in January 2015. Prior to joining Cooley, he had been managing partner of a UK law firm, and then deputy managing partner of a large US law firm. He is a solicitor-advocate and has been a trustee of the foundation since 2012.

CEO of The Access to Justice Foundation, Ruth Daniel, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Laurence as our new chair. This is an extremely challenging time for the legal advice sector, therefore Laurence’s knowledge, experience and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to manage the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would also like to thank Lord Goldsmith QC for his immeasurable support and dedication over the past 12 years. He has been chairman of the foundation since it was first established and we are thrilled that he will continue to work with us as president of the foundation.”

Mr Harris, said: “I am honoured and delighted to be succeeding Peter Goldsmith as chairman of the Foundation. He will be a very difficult act to follow; but at this critical time for the advice sector, I am hugely excited to be able to help lead the Foundation in its work, which, in these uncertain times, is more important than ever”.