Law Society of Scotland pays tribute to Leslie Cumming

Mr Cumming joined the Law Society as its chief accountant in 1984 and remained for 22 years until his retirement in 2006.

During his two decades at the Scottish solicitors’ professional body, he oversaw major improvements to the way law firms were regulated in order to protect the public.

Under his auspices, the Law Society introduced a more rigorous inspections regime for law firms, identifying financial and accounting problems and irregularities, and he worked to ensure that claims involving the Law Society’s guarantee fund were dealt with speedily and effectively.

Mr Cumming believed an important part of his own role and that of his team, was being willing to provide support and practical help to firms or individual solicitors who, for many different reasons, were having difficulties and needed assistance – with many among the profession expressing thanks for interventions made.

However, the nature of his role also attracted serious risk.

In January 2006 Mr Cumming suffered an attempted murder near his Murrayfield home, thought to have been a “hit” motivated by the work he did which included exposing illegal activity by solicitors.

His attacker, Robert Graham, was convicted of the crime after he confessed to a colleague he had “done a judge in” and was given £10,000 by someone to give Mr Cumming “a good working over”.

Police believe the attack had been planned by a “disgruntled” individual.

After the verdict in 2011, Mr Cumming, who was then 68, said the attack was “horrific and bloody” and that it had been traumatic.

A neighbour of his said: “ was well respected and he will be missed.

“He was a quiet man but be was always willing to stop and talk. We feel very sad.”

Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society, 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.”