The Law Society of Scotland has named Ben Kemp as its new chief executive officer, effective August 2025. The appointment comes at what the organisation calls a “pivotal moment” for Scottish lawyers.
Kemp, currently general counsel and executive director at the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, will succeed interim CEO Kevin Lang.
Who is Ben Kemp?
Ben Kemp brings deep experience in both private practice and professional regulation.
A University of Edinburgh law graduate, he qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in 2001 and later gained English qualification. He spent years in commercial firms in Edinburgh and London before moving in-house to the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in 2012.
At the IFoA he rose to general counsel and served as interim CEO for 15 months until a permanent replacement was found last year.
Why This Appointment Matters Now
The Scottish legal profession faces major change.
The Scottish Government is still considering long-awaited reforms to legal services regulation following the 2018 Roberton Review, which recommended moving to a fully independent regulator. The Law Society has strongly opposed losing its dual role as representative body and regulator.
At the same time, firms grapple with rising costs, access-to-justice concerns, and rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in legal work.
President Susan Murray said Kemp stood out in a tough recruitment process for his understanding of membership organisations and his track record in regulatory environments.
“He is joining us at an exciting time as we prepare for generational reforms around regulation and as the legal sector embraces technological and cultural change,” Murray stated.
Kemp’s Vision for the Role
Speaking immediately after the announcement, Kemp told reporters he feels “excited and privileged” to return to the solicitor profession.
“We’re at a pivotal moment for Scotland’s legal sector,” he said. “I plan to hit the ground running, with a focus on long-awaited reforms to how legal services are regulated and on supporting members in their daily work.”
He highlighted three early priorities: defending the profession’s independence, helping firms adapt to new technology, and strengthening relationships with the Scottish Government and Faculty of Advocates.
Kemp has already met senior Society staff and council members this week. He will work alongside interim CEO Kevin Lang through the summer transition.
What Scottish Lawyers Are Saying
Reactions from the profession have been largely positive.
Glasgow commercial partner Laura McMillan called it “a smart appointment at exactly the right time.” Edinburgh criminal defence solicitor Ian Moir welcomed Kemp’s in-house and regulatory background, saying “he actually understands what it’s like to run a modern legal business.”
Some younger solicitors on social media noted Kemp’s experience leading the IFoA through its own governance changes could prove valuable if Scotland moves toward a new regulatory model.
The appointment ends a six-month search after Dianne McGiffen stepped down in November 2024 following eight years as CEO.
Ben Kemp will formally start in August 2025. He becomes only the fifth permanent chief executive since the current Law Society structure was created in 1949.
Scottish lawyers now have new leadership as they face perhaps the biggest structural changes in a generation. Many will watch closely to see how Kemp navigates the coming storms and opportunities.
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