Law Society to consider chief exec candidates from public or private sectors

The Law Society has said it is looking for a new chief executive who has "outstanding credentials" in having delivered cultural change and performance in either the public or private sectors.

It is also offering a salary of between £230,000 and £250,000 for the candidate chosen to replace Des Hudson.

The advert for the role, which can be viewed here, says Chancery Lane is seeking an “exceptional” chief executive. “Reporting to the President of the Society, he or she will lead the organisation and support its members through an ongoing and challenging period of change in the legal services sector.”

It adds: “The Chief Executive will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Society, ensuring it continues to deliver on its strategic priorities and will enable the organisation to evolve and enhance its profile, effectiveness and influence.

“You will lead and further develop an outstanding executive team, create and embed a culture of continuous improvement and performance and which ensures that the Society’s values are upheld. Externally, you will play a high profile ambassadorial role, building on the Law Society’s achievements, to maximise impact, developing and maintaining critical, high-value relationships with key stakeholders.”

The advert says that the successful candidate will “ideally” be a qualified solicitor. In addition it says that they will “demonstrate a track record of achievement at chief executive or equivalent level in a comparable organisation, with strong experience in complex stakeholder management”.

It adds: “You will bring outstanding credentials in having delivered cultural change and performance improvement in either the public or private sectors, together with the ability to set and lead a demanding strategic course and ensure that you take others with you. Politically astute and a collaborative team builder, you will have outstanding interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, together with an understanding of the current challenges facing the legal profession.”

Des Hudson has been chief executive of the Law Society since September 2006. In March this year he announced his intention to step down – his retirement will take effect after the Society’s annual general meeting next month.