Meet Kevin Lang — new interim CEO of Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Scotland has confirmed that Kevin Lang, currently executive director, will replace CEO Diane McGiffen on an interim basis.

Currently overseeing the Society's external relations operation, Mr Lang will assume the post on Monday, April 28.

The move also means Mr Lang will step back from his position as leader of Edinburgh Council's Liberal Democrats while overseeing the Society full time.

His interim appointment will ensure stability and continuity until a new chief executive is in post.

On announcing her resignation at the end of 2024, Diane stated that it had been an “enormous privilege and a real pleasure to work alongside my colleagues to support Scotland’s solicitor profession to thrive” adding that it was the “right time to pass the baton”.

Susan Murray, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “Since joining the Law Society in 2022, Diane has spearheaded the Society’s strategic development, and we now look to meet future challenges and seek out further opportunities for Scotland’s solicitor profession and the wider legal sector. In her time with us, Diane has championed the legal profession in Scotland, and I thank her for all of the support she has provided to members, as well as her work in leading the staff team at the Society. I wish her a successful future.

A recruitment process is currently underway for the organisation’s next permanent chief executive.

Susan Murray said: “I'm very pleased that Kevin Lang will be our interim chief executive until the Society makes a permanent chief executive appointment.

“Kevin is highly experienced, having held senior positions at the Law Society for 14 years and led on many high profile and complex areas of work including legal aid, policy and the current Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. His interim appointment will ensure stability and continuity until a new chief executive is in post.”

Kevin Lang said: “Diane has been a huge asset to the Law Society during her time as chief executive and I wish her the very best for the future.

“It’s a huge honour to be asked to be interim chief executive of the Law Society. My focus is to ensure the organisation continues to deliver for our members and for the public as we transition towards a new permanent chief executive being in place.

“This is a critical period for us at the Society, particularly with the final stages of the Regulation of Legal Services Bill expected soon. The Bill is the fruition of almost a decade of campaigning by the Society and, as we approach Stage 3, it’s vital that we ensure it brings greater protections for legal services consumers as well as much needed modernisation to the current regulatory structure, benefitting both solicitors and clients alike.

“Separate from the Bill, I plan to drive forward the strategic goals set by our Council and will look forward to delivering a smooth handover to our new permanent chief executive once appointed.”