Law Society of Scotland names new chief executive
3 Oct 08
Lorna Jack of Scottish Development International to take over in January
Lorna Jack is to take on the mantle of chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland in the new year.
She will replace departing chief executive Douglas Mill, CEO of the Society for the past 11 years, and return to Scotland after spending six years in Boston as President Americas for Scottish Development International, part of Scottish Enterprise.
Ms Jack is a chartered accountant who graduated from Aberdeen University in 1982, with an MA in Accountancy and Economics, and qualified as a CA in 1984.
Previous roles include head of National Food Industry Team, Scottish Enterprise; head of Global Companies Research Project, Scottish Enterprise; and CEO/chief operating officer for Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, before her current position in the USA. She takes up post on 5 January 2009.
"Unparalleled change"
Ms Jack said: “I am delighted to be joining the Society to lead an ambitious and innovative organisation through a period of unparalled change. My impression is that the Society already has a first class team of office bearers, council and staff and I look forward to working with them as colleagues in the new year.
“The Law Society of Scotland has a vital role to play in business, political and civic society in Scotland and elsewhere. With the external economic environment as tough as we’ve seen it and the legal profession in Scotland set to make some of the most fundamental changes in its history, this is a challenging and exciting time to help lead the Society through the next stage of its journey.
"It’s a terrific opportunity for me and there is much to do. I will start by building on improvements already made and continue from there.”
Richard Henderson, President of the Society, commented: “Lorna has a considerable track record in promoting the interests of Scotland's business community. I am confident that she will use her talents to benefit one of Scotland's important and distinctive economic sectors.
“The Legal Profession Bill in this year’s Scottish Government legislative programme will make way for radical changes to how law firms can operate. It is our hope that this will improve access to legal services for members of the public and business alike, as well as create new opportunities for Scottish solicitors to ensure they thrive in highly competitive markets in Scotland, the UK and internationally.
“This is a key point in Scotland’s legal history and I am more than confident that Lorna will be equal to the challenges ahead.”