THE son of a coal miner and cleaner has been honoured with one of the most prestigious titles in the UK's legal profession.

Solicitor Joe Egan travelled down to London for his inauguration as president of The Law Society.

The 68-year-old is the founder of Joe Egan Solicitors, which has offices in Mawdsley Street and Wood Street.

Mr Egan said: "It was a fantastic event and to be in the position is a privilege. I have already done four trips abroad when I was vice president, including to Kazakhstan and Russia.

"Our legal services are quite a big export. It is important, especially for the city lawyers, that we look at markets, particularly in China and Brazil.

"It is also our duty to represent our members and we host a lot of events all over the country."

Mr Egan grew up in Lever Grove and attended Thornleigh Salesian College. His father was a coal miner and his mother was a cleaner.

After graduating from Kent University with a degree in sociology and economy history, he travelled the world, visiting Europe, Australia and America.

At 30, he decided to train at Nottingham Trent Polytechnic in order to pursue a career in law.

He opened his practice's Mawdsley Street office in 1986 and expanded to Wood Street in 2002.

He now lives in Princess Road, Lostock, with his wife Clare, who is an accountant and practice manager at his firm.

His presidency means he will be head of the 136,000-strong solicitors' profession in England and Wales represented by The Law Society.

As well as helping to promote the industry abroad and improve its exports, he will be responsible for representing the groups members.

Mr Egan said: "It is really about promoting the profession and reminding people that we need to keep the wheels of justice in motion."

The Law Society is the independent professional body for solicitors.

Mr Egan has been a member of the society's council since 2005 and has served as the deputy vice president and the vice president.