Law Society of Scotland 2027 President confirmed as first ever to return to role

The Law Society of Scotland has announced criminal lawyer John Mulholland as president elect for the 2027-28 term, the first person to hold the role twice.

Mr Mulholland — who is based in Falkirk — served a previous term as president in 2019-20 at the outbreak of the covid pandemic and is considered one of the Society's 'most experienced members'.

Susan Murray, also nominated for the role (and who would also have been a returning president having served last year) will continute to contribute as a member of the governing Council, and Convener of teh Nominations Committee.

A criminal law consultant with Marshall Wilson Law Group, Mr Mulholland has also been a member of the Society's Council for more than a decade. He is the convener of the Law Society's Public Policy Committee, Administrative Justice Sub-committee and Insurance Committee, as well as representing the organisation as part of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

What John said

John Mulholland said: “I am honoured to once again be named as president-elect, and am excited to return to the role in 2027/28. My priorities will be ensuring the Law Society continues its important work benefiting members and the people, businesses and communities they serve.”

How the Society announced the news

Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom said: “I’m really pleased to offer my congratulations to John on being named president-elect for 2027/28. John’s return to the presidency is a great outcome for the Law Society and for its more than 13,000 members.

“John is one of the most experienced members of our Council and has shown his commitment to the Law Society and its work for its members and the general public over many years. His leadership will be so valuable as the Society faces the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“John overcame considerable challenges as President during the beginnings of the Covid pandemic, and I’m really pleased to see he’ll return to the role in 2027/28.

What happens now

Law Society of Scotland Vice President Serena Sutherland will become president in 2026 and current president Patricia Thom will move into the role of immediate Past President.