Scottish Legal Complaints Commission announces new CEO

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC), the independent body for complaints against solicitors, advocates and other legal practitioners in Scotland, has announced the appointment of Neil Stevenson as its new chief executive officer.

Mr Stevenson has been with the Law Society of Scotland since 2004.

He is currently the society’s director of representation and professional support.

He will be joining the SLCC in mid-July.

As the new CEO Neil’s priorities will be to drive the full implementation of the SLCC’s strategy – to provide an “excellent” complaint resolution service for legal complaints in Scotland, to provide guidance on service standards to the profession and consumers and to raise the confidence in the legal profession in Scotland.

Bill Brackenridge, chair of the SLCC welcomed the appointment, saying: “I am delighted to welcome such an accomplished professional to the commission; he will inspire our staff to deliver their challenging role and move the commission to a higher level.

Mr Stevenson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Law Society and am grateful to have all the opportunities and challenges afforded to me.

“I am looking forward to joining the SLCC and working with the staff to deliver some very challenging objectives.”

The Law Society welcomed the news of Mr Stevenson’s appointment.

Law Society chief executive, Lorna Jack said: “I am delighted for Neil and congratulate him on his appointment.

“As someone who understands the legal profession and with his passion, good judgement and positive attitude, I know Neil is going to make an outstanding contribution as SLCC chief executive.

“Whilst I am sorry to lose Neil from the Law Society, we will benefit from his hard work for many years to come.

“In his time as director of representation, he has helped to transform the range of services and support we offer the profession.

“He has championed our innovative new Smartcard project, ensured we remain a leader on equality and diversity, and has helped develop our new long term strategy.

“All of us at the Law Society are grateful for everything he has done.

“I am now looking forward to working with Neil in his new role.

“The relationship between the Law Society and the SLCC has improved greatly over the last few years.

“Given the specific roles we play in the regulation of solicitors, this has been important, particularly for the public who depend on both of our organisations to work together to protect their interests.”