Alan Kershaw’s Resignation as Chair of Legal Services Board
Alan Kershaw, the chair of the Legal Services Board (LSB), has announced his resignation less than a year into the role, citing personal considerations. His departure was confirmed in a notice to the Lord Chancellor, with his resignation taking effect last week.
Kershaw’s Contributions to the LSB
Kershaw, who assumed the chair position on 1 April 2023, has led several significant initiatives during his tenure. He has:
- Promoted greater use of technology and innovation in legal services regulation
- Strengthened expectations for how legal regulators, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), handle consumer complaints
LSB chief executive Craig Westwood praised Kershaw’s leadership and his dedication to the needs of consumers and the public good.
The Succession Plan
In the wake of Kershaw’s departure, the LSB’s senior independent director, Catherine Brown, will serve as interim chair until a permanent successor is selected. The Ministry of Justice will lead this formal recruitment process.
Resignation of SRA Chief Executive Paul Philip
Kershaw’s resignation coincides with the announcement that the SRA’s chief executive, Paul Philip, will also be stepping down. Philip’s departure at the end of 2025 follows heavy criticism over the SRA’s handling of the Axiom Ince collapse. The LSB had previously determined that the SRA had failed to act “adequately, effectively and efficiently” in its oversight of the now-defunct law firm.
Implications and Future Considerations
The simultaneous resignations of the heads of two significant regulatory bodies in the legal sector may trigger a period of uncertainty. The successors will need to address several key issues, including:
- Continuing the push for greater use of technology and innovation in legal services regulation
- Improving the handling of consumer complaints
- Ensuring effective oversight of law firms to avoid future failures like the Axiom Ince collapse
The new leaders will shape the future direction of legal services regulation, and their choices will have widespread implications for the legal profession and the consumers it serves.
