Senior Regulator Chosen as New Board Chair for Law Society of England and Wales

Senior Regulator Chosen as New Board Chair for Law Society of England and Wales

Amerdeep Somal, a distinguished senior regulator and immigration judge, has been chosen as the incoming board chair of the Law Society of England and Wales. With extensive experience and expertise, Somal, although a non-practising solicitor, will assume the position in January 2024, succeeding Robert Bourns, the current chair and former president of the Law Society.

Somal holds an impressive portfolio of esteemed positions. She serves as the Complaints Commissioner to the financial services regulators in the UK and holds the role of Chief Commissioner at the Data and Marketing Commission. In addition, Somal's expertise extends to being a judge of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, while also serving on the board of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

The appointment solidifies the Law Society's unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the profession. This move comes as a direct response to society's call for a significant transformation in addressing these crucial matters, as outlined in their influential report from December 2022.

As the second person to assume this position, Somal achieves several remarkable milestones. She becomes the first woman, the first Asian lawyer, and the first person of colour to hold this senior role, breaking significant barriers that presidents of the society struggled to surpass for over a century.

Lubna Shuja, President of the Law Society and a trailblazer as the first Asian and first Muslim lawyer to lead the organisation, warmly greeted Amerdeep Somal's appointment to the role. Shuja expressed her anticipation of collaborating with Somal in the lead-up to her assumption of the chair, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing the Law Society's mission.

“As a solicitor with extensive board experience across various settings, Amerdeep brings a depth of knowledge which will benefit our members, the solicitors’ profession and the public,” Shuja said.

Additionally, Shuja expressed her gratitude towards Robert for his significant contributions, unwavering dedication, and steadfast commitment during his tenure on the board. She acknowledged his pivotal role in fostering the growth and success of the organisation, and conveyed her appreciation well in advance of his departure.

Established in 2018, the board holds paramount importance as a crucial supervisory entity within the Law Society. It consists of distinguished individuals who are members of the society's council, officeholders, senior executives, and independent members. Notably, one of the independent members serves as the chair, ensuring a diverse and inclusive representation in this essential governing body.

Bourns, who held the presidency of the Law Society in 2017, stepped down from his role as the board chair after serving two consecutive terms, having been reappointed in 2021.

Prior to his involvement with the board, Bourns had an illustrious career as a senior and managing partner at TLT, a prominent national UK law firm. In 2018, he transitioned to a consultant position at the firm while simultaneously taking on the responsibilities of the board chair.

As per the Law Society's financial records for 2021/22, Bourns' remuneration for his role as the chair amounted to £42,700. In acknowledging this compensation, he emphasised the significance of the position, recognising it as an essential responsibility.

Bourns expressed that chairing the board entailed collaborating with fellow members to effectively advance the profession both domestically and internationally while diligently working in the best interests of the public.

During the earlier stages of her career, Somal qualified and worked with the Crown Prosecution Service, where she ascended to the esteemed position of chief Crown Prosecutor. Subsequently, she embarked on a diverse portfolio career, taking on significant roles with various organisations. This included appointments with the General Medical Council, Refuge, the Nursery and Midwifery Council, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, the Financial Ombudsman Service, and her alma mater, Nottingham Trent University.

Somal said she was honoured to take the role, adding: “The Law Society is a strong voice of the legal profession, and I am excited to continue to build on the excellent work the organisation does.”

Expressing her profound gratitude, Somal conveyed her deep sense of honour in assuming the role, emphasising her excitement to contribute further to the remarkable endeavours of the Law Society.

Recognising the organisation as a resolute advocate for the legal profession, she said that she looks forward to leveraging this platform to advance its impactful initiatives and build upon the foundation of exceptional work already established.

“I welcome Amerdeep and am sure her experience will serve the Society well. I look forward to working with her over the coming months to ensure an effective handover,” Bourns said.