The Law Society has elected a new vice president: TLT Solicitors senior partner Robert Bourns. Bourns is expected to become president in 2016.
The Law Society has been riven with conflict in recent months, with calls for the resignation of chief executive Des Hudson and current president Nicholas Fluck over their handling of cuts to legal aid.
After a the passing of a vote of no confidence in the Law Society’s leadership, which took place at a special general meeting in December, Hudson announced that he will retire in July, when Fluck will also stand down. Vice president Andrew Caplen will take over.
On his recent election, Bourns said: 'The Law Society has an incredibly important job to do in maintaining trust and confidence across a diverse profession. Representing in-house and general counsel alongside private practice both large and small. The Society needs to provide contemporary support and promote the interests of members and their clients. In the context of continuing changes to regulation it should be recognised for its relentless protection of the rule of law.
'Being elected deputy vice president is an honour, particularly given the experience and different qualities of the six other able candidates.'