Death of former Society chief accountant, Leslie Cumming

Leslie Cumming, the former chief accountant and deputy chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, has died of cancer.

Mr Cumming, who retired in 2006 after 22 years with the Society, survived an attempted murder by stabbing in January 2006, in an attack near his Edinburgh home by a hitman who police believed had been hired by someone disaffected by his work investigating the finances of solicitors' firms.

During his time at the Society, Mr Cumming oversaw major improvements in the inspections regime for law firms, identifying financial and accounting problems and irregularities, and working on claims involving the Society’s Guarantee Fund. A regular programme of inspections was put in place, and the number of inspectors rose from three to 12 over the period.

In an interview with the Journal at the time of his retirement, Mr Cumming said he believed that his work was appreciated by the great majority of solicitors. “I think I’m on remarkably good terms with a profession who no doubt see me as the regulator with the big stick", he commented. "I have to say that in recent months following the attack I was extraordinarily moved by the number of people who took the time to write to me, to wish me well and to thank me for some intervention in their business which they had found to be well timed and helpful. I’m sure there are a number of solicitors who didn’t write to me who would have the alternative view, but nevertheless I think it shows that those who want help were always able to get that from the Society and from my staff.”

Paying tribute yesterday, Lorna Jack, the Society's current chief executive, said: "Leslie was well regarded by his colleagues and seen as very effective by the Law Society and its members, providing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. We were saddened to hear the news of his death and extend our condolences to his family.

“As chief accountant, Leslie oversaw and instigated huge change in our regulatory work and financial monitoring, which resulted in more robust processes and greater levels of public protection. His later promotion to deputy chief executive highlighted the importance of his role within the Society at that time and the work he did to improve how solicitors run their businesses and, most importantly, enhance the protections for the clients who rely on solicitors’ services and advice.”