Two Law Society past presidents nominated to stand for 2027 presidency

Two former presidents have been nominated to stand as President of the Law Society of Scotland.

John Mulholland, who was president of the Society in 2019/20, and Susan Murray, president in 2024/25, have chosen to stand for the role for a second time.

John Mulholland is a criminal law consultant at Falkirk-based Marshall Wilson Law Group. He joined the Society’s governing Council in 2012 and is convener of the Law Society’s Public Policy Committee, Administrative Justice Sub-committee and Insurance Committee. John also represents the Law Society on the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

Susan Murray is a senior litigation solicitor with the NHS Central Legal Office and an accredited specialist in Medical Negligence. She has been a Law Society Council member since 2017 and is the current Past President. She is a member of the Law Society’s Board, convener of the Nominations Committee and is a former convener of the Equality and Diversity Committee.

Law Society Council members will vote for their preferred candidate, with the successful nominee announced in December. They will take up the role of vice president in May 2026, before becoming president in 2027.

Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom said: “Both John and Susan are highly experienced solicitors and as long-standing Council members would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to a second term as President of the Law Society. 

“John was in post at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and led the Council in its efforts to support our members during such a challenging period. Under his leadership Council agreed to a significant £2.2 million package of financial support. Throughout Susan’s presidency she championed the profession and the need for legal aid reform to ensure that access to legal services is available to all those in need.

“Significant changes are on the horizon as we look ahead to implementation of a new regulatory regime as well as ensuring we provide the right support and services for our members, particularly in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by increasingly rapid technological advances. Both John and Susan would be a strong voice for our members and for the Society in its commitment to driving positive change for the public and the legal profession.”

To be eligible to stand for the presidency, candidates must be a member of the Law Society’s Council for at least one three-year term immediately prior to their election. The successful candidate will be announced at its next meeting on 12 December.