Kevin Lang

Currently executive director of external relations at the Law Society, he will take up the interim post when Diane McGiffen steps down from Monday, 28 April.

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.”

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 three, 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.”