Serena Sutherland nominated as Law Society president-elect 2026-27

Orkney solicitor Serena Sutherland has been nominated as president-elect 2026-27 of the Law Society of Scotland.

Serena was elected to the Society's Council in July 2018, representing solicitors in Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain and Wick. She is currently a member of the Law Society’s Board, and its Legal Aid, Complaints and Oversight, and Finance Committees, giving her a deep understanding of work across the Law Society.

Serena is owner of the law firm d and h which has offices in Orkney, Thurso and Elgin. She joined Drever & Heddle, as the firm was known in 2003, becoming a partner in 2008 before taking over as the sole director in 2016. Serena is responsible for the general running of the firm and deals mainly with court work with a focus on family law. She also sits on the Board of Relationships Scotland, is Chair of Advocacy Orkney and Kirkwall BID, as well as being legal advisor to the Orkney Island Games 2025 Organising Committee.

Law Society President, Susan Murray, said, “I am very pleased to congratulate Serena on her nomination. She is a highly experienced solicitor and has a deep understanding of the issues facing the legal profession and the needs of people who rely on the advice and services provided by solicitors, particularly those in rural areas of the country.

“As a member of our Legal Aid Committee, Serena is acutely aware of just how necessary legal aid is to access to justice and how fragile the current system is. She will be a great support to our current Vice President and Legal Aid Committee Co-convener Pat Thom, who will take up the role of president in May 2025.

“As a Council member, in addition to her committee work, Serena has played a key role in shaping how we develop as an organisation and I have no doubt she will be a strong voice for our members and in driving positive change.”

The nomination for the Law Society of Scotland president-elect 2026/27 will be confirmed on 6 December. Once confirmed, Serena will take up the role of vice president in May 2025, becoming president in 2026.

Law Society of Scotland Vice President, Pat Thom will become president in May 2025 and current president, Susan Murray, will move into the role of immediate past president.