The legal profession is in danger of losing its independence, incoming Law Society president Bob Heslett warned last week.

Heslett (pictured), who assumes the office next month, has identified three key themes and 11 objectives to tackle during his year in office. The themes will be the role of solicitors in maintaining the rule of law, the commitment of solicitors to the rights of the individual and the part played by solicitors in ­commerce.

In a speech to the Law Society council, the Leeds representative said he fears the ‘profession is in danger of losing its independence’ and wants to ‘give the profession a renewed sense of identity and importance’.

One objective will be to work with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Legal Services Board and the government to secure an appropriate regulatory regime.

Outlining his presidential programme, which runs for 12 months from July, Heslett said: ‘We have to settle with the SRA, deal with its new board. We have to settle with the LSB and deal with the Office for Legal Complaints. We have to deal with the practising fee and deal with the recession. There is an awful lot to do. I hope the plan allows me to fulfil [these] objectives.’

Other aims include leading the debate on legal practice and policy, promoting solicitors worldwide and reviewing Law Society governance structures. With a general election due during the presidential year, work will include fostering relations with political parties to influence policymaking.