Honorary membership awarded

In a special event, Christine McLintock and Ross MacKay were recognised for their outstanding contributions to both the legal profession and the public.

Two prominent figures in Scotland’s legal profession, Christine McLintock and Ross MacKay, have been awarded Honorary Membership of the Law Society of Scotland in recognition of their exceptional contributions. The accolade was presented during a special event at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 12 November, celebrating the Society’s 75th anniversary. Guests included Scottish Government Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown MSP, and Annabelle Ewing MSP.

Christine McLintock: Advocate for access to the legal profession

Christine McLintock, Law Society President in 2015-16, was honoured for her lasting impact on Scottish solicitors, both current and future. She spearheaded efforts to modernise the qualification route for solicitors, establishing a globally admired standard.

As the founder and chair of the Lawscot Foundation, created in 2016, Christine has enabled over 50 school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue legal careers. Her dedication to removing barriers for aspiring lawyers remains a cornerstone of her work.

Ross MacKay: Transforming Scottish conveyancing

Ross MacKay, former Convener of the Society’s Property Law Committee, revolutionised residential conveyancing in Scotland through the introduction of Scottish Standard Clauses. These clauses streamlined the process of concluding missives, providing greater efficiency and certainty for homebuyers.

Ross’s vision and perseverance over decades brought about one of the most significant advancements in conveyancing practice in 30 years, benefiting both the profession and the public.

Recognition of their achievements

The Society's President Susan Murray remarked: “Honorary membership is the most prestigious accolade that the Law Society can bestow. It is such a privilege to award this to both Christine and Ross in recognition of the hugely significant, positive contributions that they have made throughout their highly distinguished careers. Their work has influenced the profession itself, as well as having a far-reaching impact for members of the public.”

Christine McLintock expressed her gratitude: “I am so delighted to receive this honour from the Law Society of Scotland. My work with the Society, spanning over 20 years, has been hugely interesting and rewarding and I would like to pay tribute to both former and current chief executives Lorna Jack, and Diane McGiffen, and all of the staff and members I have worked with.

"The work has been meaningful and important but also enormous fun. It has been inspiring to lead the Lawscot Foundation since its inception and to watch our students developing into accomplished and confident lawyers with a passion for the Scottish legal profession. Again, I would like to pay tribute to all of those students, to all of my fellow Trustees and to all Law Society staff who have helped us to build a wonderful charity."

Ross MacKay reflected on the recognition: “I’m not normally a fan of surprises, but for this completely unforeseen honour, I will happily make an exception. As a solicitor, from apprentice to consultant doe over 40 years, I had two guiding principles - one from my first senior partner was the instruction 'if you look after your clients they will look after you' and the other was simply 'do your bit'. If you are a member of a profession, I think it’s important to do what you can to promote or enhance or develop that body, even if only in a small way but in whatever way your time or business or skills will allow.

"To be awarded honorary membership, especially in light of prior recipients of this honour, for simply ‘doing my bit’ is humbling.”