A message from new CEO Diane McGiffen

First, let me wish you a happy new year. Despite all the ongoing challenges, I hope 2022 will bring everything that you hope for professionally and personally, for you and all your loved ones.

I am thrilled to start my 2022 as the new chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland. And I can’t start without saying thank you to Lorna Jack. Over the course of 13 years, Lorna made an outstanding contribution as chief executive, transforming the Society into a truly world-leading professional body. She has been so kind and gracious in helping me get ready for my new role and has given me an insight into her passion and pride in the Society. I am excited to have the chance to build on her achievements, working with the Society’s Council and colleagues in leading legal excellence.

From afar, I have seen a Law Society that is passionate about the rule of law and ensuring we have a thriving solicitor profession at the heart of a free and fair system of justice. These are proud goals – they matter now more than ever – and the chance to help achieve these goals is what made me want to come and work in your Society.

As your new chief executive, I want the Society to continue to play a critical role in helping solicitors succeed, wherever you work and whatever area of law you practise.

One thing which has already struck me is the sheer diversity of today’s Scottish solicitor profession and its work. Indeed, this is a core part of its strength. So, whether you’re in a big firm, a smaller high street practice or working in-house; whether you’re starting out on your career or a longstanding member; whether you work here in Scotland or work internationally, I am determined to ensure your Law Society is of help and relevance to you.

It is why I am looking forward to meeting and listening to you, our members, hearing your views and ideas. This will be particularly important as we embark on developing the Society’s new strategy and deciding what kind of organisation we want to be in the years ahead.

That strategy will need to confront some big issues: the still fragile economic recovery; major changes to our courts and system of justice; maintaining wellbeing in the profession; improving equality and diversity; protecting access to justice through the proper resourcing of legal aid; the impact of the proposed changes to human rights legislation and much more.

This will also be the year when the Government decides the next steps in its plans to reform legal services regulation. As chief executive, I am determined to put forward a strong, confident and compelling case for the Society continuing to play a central role in the regulation of solicitors. In doing so, we can focus on reforming the areas which desperately need change, not least the current complex system of complaints.

There is much to be done and I look forward to representing your interests with energy and commitment. I will be so proud to work with you all and can’t wait to get to know you.