header-logo header-logo

09 February 2017 / Dr Jon Robins
Issue: 7733 / Categories: Opinion , Profession
printer mail-detail

Low Society?

nlj_7733_robins

Jon Robins reports on the latest crisis to hit Chancery Lane

It’s been a shambolic start to the new year at Chancery Lane. “The Law Society’s governance is costly, bureaucratic and does not reflect how successful modern organisations operate,” wrote outgoing chief exec Catherine Dixon in her blistering resignation letter.

Appearing in unedited form in the Gazette on the first working day of the year, it must have left an extraordinary impression on those practice fee paying solicitors not familiar with the internal workings of their representative body. “The Law Society, in my view cannot, because of its current governance arrangements, operate in a responsive and agile way,” continued the chief exec.

Dixon, who was only appointed chief exec in August 2014, reckoned it was “impossible, as an effective CEO, to navigate the complex and often overlapping boards in a way which best serves the organisation and its members”.

The council comprises 100 solicitors, almost two-third represents parts of the country and the rest cover practice areas and demographic groups. There are four boards covering

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Ogier—Martin Livingston

Martin Livingston joins Ogier in Cayman to strengthen regulatory support

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan—47 promotions

Blake Morgan announces 47 summer promotions across UK offices

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
back-to-top-scroll