Law Society: former crime lawyer joins from Scottish accountancy body to lead representation

A one-time Manchester criminal law solicitor has been appointed chief executive of the Law Society's representative and professional services arm.


Desmond Hudson is currently chief executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. He was previously chief executive of SMG Publishing (Scottish Media Group) and, before that, managing director and operations director with the Britannia and Yorkshire building societies.


The 50-year-old's basic salary will be £190,000. A bonus payment, up to a maximum of 30% of basic pay, may be payable, subject to an assessment of performance measured against specific targets and objectives.


Antony Townsend, who was appointed last month as chief executive of the Law Society's midlands-based regulation division, will be paid £135,000, with a similar bonus arrangement. The process to recruit a chief executive for the Consumer Complaints Service is ongoing.


The need for three chief executives has been driven by the separation of the Law Society's representative and regulatory functions, supported by Sir David Clementi and the government.


Born in Halifax, Mr Hudson qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and worked at three Manchester law firms, becoming a salaried partner and specialising in criminal law and child protection work. In 1987, he joined the Yorkshire Building Society as an in-house solicitor before moving into a non-legal role.


He has been in his present post since 1 January 2005, where he is responsible for the institute's overall strategic direction and improving its regulatory, representational and membership services.


Law Society President Kevin Martin said: 'I am delighted to announce that we have appointed such an accomplished and energetic leader with an impressive record across several industries.'


Mr Hudson's start date is still to be confirmed. He said: 'I am proud to have been given the opportunity to lead this renowned and respected professional organisation. As a former member of the Law Society and practising solicitor, I have an abiding interest in the work of the Society. It is pivotal to the success of law firms and vital that the profession is represented by a strong, national body.'


Mr Martin praised the outgoing chief executive, Janet Paraskeva, as 'the driving force behind the Law Society's considerable achievements in recent years'. She received a salary of £196,074 and a bonus payment of 15% in 2005.