Gowland qualified as a CILEx lawyer while working full-time and, in 2004, set up Durham personal injury practice ILS Solicitors.
Professor Chris Bones, CILEx chair, said: ‘It’s important that the LSB has direct access to the perspective of Chartered Legal Executives, one of the three main branches of the profession, so Stephen’s appointment is a significant landmark for both the LSB and CILEx. It was about time the LSB looked beyond solicitors and barristers.’