New Law Society President brings in-house perspective

National Health Service solicitor Susan Murray has today begun her tenure as President of the Law Society of Scotland, bringing her in-house perspective and expertise to the role.

Susan – who has worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years and is currently a Senior Solicitor in the Litigation Department of the Scottish Health Service’s Central Legal Office – will be supported in the role by new Vice President Pat Thom and Past President Sheila Webster.

It marks the first time in the Law Society’s 75-year history that the three office bearer positions have simultaneously been held by women. This leadership first will be underpinned by the support of Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen.

Susan was first elected to the Law Society’s Council in 2017, representing the constituency of Edinburgh. She became convener of the Equality and Diversity Committee in 2018, and has also been on the Law Society Board since 2019.

Susan said: “Taking up the role of President of the Law Society of Scotland today is one of the proudest moments of my career. I’m honoured to represent and advocate for the Scottish solicitor profession, and to stand up for fundamental principles such as access to justice and the rule of law.

“I’m proud to become just the seventh woman to become President in the Law Society’s 75-year history, and also to join an even smaller handful of in-house practitioners who’ve held this important role. Having three women in these key roles for the profession is a truly historic moment.

“My focus during my year as President will be on the challenges and issues that matter most to our members. I know in particular that the Law Society will be continuing its work around key legislation including particularly Bills concerned with legal services regulation and criminal justice.

“I will of course be bringing my perspective as an in-house solicitor to the presidency, but will be working to represent and benefit all Scottish solicitors. I’m looking forward to meeting and speaking with as many members as possible over the coming year.”

New Vice President Pat Thom has been a Law Society Council member since 2015 for the constituency of Haddington, Peebles, Jedburgh, Duns & Selkirk. Pat retired from practice in 2021 after a career spanning a variety of legal roles in Scotland and Canada, having worked in both in-house and in private practice and represented clients in criminal and civil cases.

She is currently co-convener of the Legal Aid Committee, convener of the Child and Family Law Sub-Committee, and a member of the Civil Justice Committee. Pat joined the Law Society Board in 2023 and is also a former member of the Admissions Committee.

Pat said: “It’s nearly a decade since I first became involved with the Law Society’s important work, and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to step up into the role of Vice President to support Susan and continue our important work for the profession and for the public.

“I’ll be vocal as the Law Society continues to push for a resolution to the ongoing crisis in legal aid, and to play my part in navigating the significant challenges ahead over the next two years.”

Vice President Pat Thom, Past President Sheila Webster and President Susan Murray at the Law Society's 75th anniversary dinner held on Friday, 10 May 2024.