“We recognise the importance of stability and the value of organisational knowledge. We are delighted to advise that Katie Rusbatch will be the interim CEO until a permanent CEO is appointed”, says David Campbell, Vice-President of the Law Society.

“Katie brings both the skill set and ability to perform the role. She is highly regarded within the organisation and the profession, and her impressive resume speaks for itself in terms of her experience to manage the organisation in this interim period.”

Ms Rusbatch says she is honoured to serve in the role and support the functions of the Law Society.

“This is an important time for the Law Society, and it is a privilege to take on this interim role. The work the Law Society is progressing across the organisation is critical to maintaining the trust and confidence of the profession and the wider public.”

Ms Rusbatch is the General Manager Professional Standards (Regulatory), joining the Law Society in January 2021 to oversee regulatory work, including the Lawyers Complaints Service, registry and inspectorate. Before joining the Law Society, Katie was Head of Competition at the Commerce Commission where she led the cartel, merger and abuse of market power investigation teams. Ms Rusbatch started her legal career in New Zealand before working in the United Kingdom and Singapore.

She has an LLB(Hons), BA in Economics and Political Science and Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies from the University of Canterbury. Katie also has a Post Graduate Diploma in European Competition Law and a MA in European Competition Law from King’s College London. Katie is also admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Ms Rusbatch began in the role on 1 September 2022.