I. Stephanie Boyce, former President of the Law Society of England and Wales, has been appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s New Year Honours for 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the legal profession, promotion of diversity, and advancement of access to justice.
Born in Aylesbury, UK, to parents from St Vincent and Barbados, Boyce moved to the USA with her mother as a teenager. At nineteen, with no lawyers in her family, she returned to the UK after high school to pursue her ambition of becoming a solicitor.
She soon realised that her American high school diploma did not meet UK university requirements, so she spent two years earning an access qualification before enrolling part-time at London Guildhall University in 1996, while also working for British Rail.
After accomplishing these milestones, Boyce became a qualified solicitor in 2002. She later served as a consultant at Linklaters, advising global companies and financial institutions. In 2021, she became the first woman of colour elected president of the Law Society, and she is set to chair the Solicitors Charity.
In 2022, Boyce received an honorary doctorate from the University of East London’s Royal Docks School of Business and Law and was named to the Power List 100 of the UK’s Most Influential Black People. In 2023, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards, presented by The Global Legal Post, for her contributions to the legal profession and diversity.
Law Society president Mark Evans praised Boyce for her commitment to the profession, diversity, and justice, highlighting her lasting influence.
Boyce commented that she accepted this recognition with humility. Her award is not just a personal achievement, but a powerful tribute to everyone who has united with her to break barriers, open opportunities, and build trust in the profession.
“Together, through dedication, strong leadership, and courage, we are not only pressing for change but transforming obstacles into opportunities and opening new doors for others to follow.”
Stating that her motivation has always been to make a difference, not chase titles. She is energised by the road ahead and will continue working to ensure that success is built on talent, not background; that our leaders reflect the diversity of society; and that justice is accessible to all.
“Remember: every door can open if you PUSH—Persevere Until Something Happens. Seize opportunities, support one another, and keep striving for progress.”
