Amerdeep Somal to succeed Robert Bourns as Law Society Board chair

Amerdeep Somal has been appointed as our incoming Board chair. She will take over from our current chair, Robert Bourns, at the end of his term.

Amerdeep brings a wealth of experience to the role.

As well as having experience as a solicitor, she is the complaints commissioner to the financial regulators, a judge of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal and sits on the Board of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. 

She is also the chief commissioner for the Data and Marketing Commission.

Our Board is our key oversight body, made up of Council members, senior executives and independent members. 

They are responsible for:

• overseeing the effective implementation of our strategy and business plan, as set by Council
• dealing with financial matters and risk management on behalf of Council
• recommending approval of our budget to Council
• making sure the Law Society is well governed

Amerdeep 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." 

Our president, Lubna Shuja, comments: "I am delighted to welcome Amerdeep to the Law Society and look forward to working with her in the run-up to her taking over the role of 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.  

“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.” 

Robert Bourns, adds: “I welcome Amerdeep and am sure her experience will serve the Law 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. The Board has an important responsibility, working with others, to ensure the Law Society is effective in promoting the profession at home and internationally, as one working in the public interest.”