The Law Society’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Katie Rusbatch has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis, Law Society President and Board Chair Frazer Barton has announced.

“We recognise the importance of stability and the value of organisational knowledge. We are delighted that Katie Rusbatch has accepted our invitation to be the CEO on a permanent basis”, says Mr Barton.

“Since stepping into the acting CEO role in September, Katie has demonstrated to the Board that she is the right person to lead the Law Society forward in tackling future challenges and embracing new opportunities. Her understanding of the Law Society’s regulatory and representative roles will help drive the Law Society’s modernisation and transformation work.

“Katie is very highly regarded and I’m sure both Law Society staff and the profession will welcome this permanent appointment.”

Ms Rusbatch says she is honoured to serve in the role and support the functions of the Law Society. “It is a privilege to take on this role. The legal profession is changing at pace, and the Law Society is making good progress to do the same.”

Ms Rusbatch has been acting CEO since 1 September 2022. Previously she was the Law Society’s General Manager Professional Standards (Regulatory) and oversaw regulatory work, including the Lawyers Complaints Service, Registry and the 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’s appointment is effective immediately.