The City of London Law Society (CLLS) appoints Patrick McCann as its new Chief Executive

Patrick is a recognised industry leader and the driving force behind initiatives including the Social Welfare Solicitors’ Qualification Fund, which has raised £1.2 million and counting to help 120+ aspiring social welfare lawyers qualify; City Century, a coalition of 50+ law firms supporting solicitor apprenticeships; and TheLLP!, a transformational development programme for queer-identifying emerging legal leaders.

He recently retired as global Director of Learning at Linklaters, having previously held senior positions at Bird & Bird, Berwin Leighton Paisner, and Herbert Smith Freehills over a 30+ year career in legal practice

Colin Passmore, Chair of the CLLS, said: "One of the main aims of the CLLS is to demonstrate the positive impact our members have on society generally and the economy in particular, with the hundreds of thousands of transactions and disputes we deal with every year. Patrick's appointment will ensure that we continue this work as he brings enormous energy and experience to the role of Chief Executive, backed by a track record of building relationships across our sector and driving collaboration between City law firms. I am looking forward to working alongside Patrick when he takes up the reins, and am confident in his hands that the CLLS will continue to drive positive change, continue to leverage the fantastic work our member firms do, and continue to deliver positive value for the City and beyond.”

“I want to pay tribute to Matthew Rous, who remains at the helm until the end of August, and has been a diligent and dedicated Chief Executive these past three and a half years. Our mission at the CLLS is challenging, but ultimately rewarding – not to mention deeply necessary – and Matthew has been relentless in improving the way we work and strengthening our relationships with so many across Government and the City. My sincere thanks to Matthew, and I wish him the very best in his retirement.”

As Chief Executive, Patrick will oversee the CLLS’s day-to-day operations, ensuring the Society effectively represents its membership of 67 leading law firms and more than 21,000 solicitors.

Patrick said: “It is a privilege to be taking on this role. The potential for the CLLS to lead the way – working in conjunction with its brilliant member firms – in law, business, and corporate responsibility is huge. I have worked with the CLLS for many years, most recently as its Training Committee Chair but also on some fantastic collaborative initiatives, and am deeply impressed at how much talent and goodwill there is. I am excited to make the most of this opportunity to leverage all the great work our sector does and drive positive impact, both within and beyond law.”

Commenting on his successor, Matthew Rous said: “It has been a delight to lead the CLLS for the last three and a half years and it will be a wrench to stand down in the early autumn. I can think of nobody more capable to hand over the reins to than Patrick. He has been the dynamo behind some of our most impactful campaigns in recent years, as well as an inspirational Chair of our Training Committee. I wish him the very best of luck in the role and look forward to cheering him on towards new successes.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

The City of London Law Society is the professional representative body for solicitors and law firms in the City of London, including all the largest national and international practitioners. Its membership takes in more than 21,000 solicitors and 67 corporate member firms.

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