- Tuesday, April 23, 2024
She will take up the role on January 1 next year and succeed the current chair, Robert Bourns.
By: Shubham Ghosh
Amerdeep Somal has been appointed by the Law Society of England and Wales as the new chair of its board, it was announced on Monday (22). She will succeed current chair Robert Bourns and take up the role on January 1 next year.
The board is an important oversight body within the society and comprises members of the council, senior executives and independent members, one of which plays the role of the chair.
Somal is currently working as the complaints commissioner to financial regulators (Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulatory Authority). She is also a judge of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, chief commissioner at the Data and Marketing Commission and is also in the board of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
Welcoming Somal, Law Society president Lubna Shuja said she looks forward to working with her in the run-up to her taking over as the new chair.
“As a solicitor with extensive board experience across a range of settings, Amerdeep brings with her a depth of knowledge which will benefit our members, the solicitor profession and the public,” she said, according to a press release from the Law Society.
“I also want to thank Robert well ahead of his leaving the board, for his enormous contribution, dedication and commitment over the years, which has seen the organisation grow from strength to strength under his tenure.”
Speaking on her new role, Somal, whose appointment was approved by the society’s council on May 10, said, “I am honoured to be appointed as Board Chair and look forward to working with the board, office holders and executive colleagues.
“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.”
Current chair Robert Bourns said, “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.
“The solicitors’ profession has a fundamentally important role in the administration of justice and the Board has an important responsibility, working with others, to ensure the Society is effective in promoting the profession at home and internationally, as one working in the public interest.”
