The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024 winners

Members of the profession gathered on Friday, 15 November in Glasgow to hear the winners of The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024 be announced. 

This was the 20th anniversary of the awards, with Rob Rinder acting as host as leading figures were commemorated for their achievements. 

The winners: 

Solicitor of the Year (sponsored by the Law Society of Scotland) - Stuart Munro, Livingstone Brown

Outstanding Contribution Award - Annemarie O’Donnell, former Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council and Director of Inspiring Scotland

Lifetime Achievement Award -  Professor The Right Honourable Sir David Edward

High Street Firm of the Year - Macleod & MacCullum Ltd

Criminal Law Firm of the Year - Livingstone Brown

Family and Child Law Team of the Year - Blackadders LLP

‘Up and Coming’ Award - Beth Buchanan-Webster, of Blackadders LLP

Litigation Team of the Year (sponsored by Stirling Park) - Gilson Gray

Debt Recovery Team of the Year (sponsored by Stirling Park) - Aberdein Considine

Innovation Award (sponsored by the Law Society of Scotland) - rradar

CSR Award - Clarity Simplicity Ltd

Pro-Bono Award - The Govan Law Centre

Employment and Pensions Team of the Year - Blackadders LLP

Law Firm of the Year (for Scottish independents) (sponsored by IDEX Consulting) - MBM Commercial

Law Firm of the Year - wider UK HQ (sponsored by IDEX Consulting) - Weightmans LLP

Stuart Munro of Livingstone Brown was named ‘Solicitor of the Year’, in an award sponsored by Law Society of Scotland. Stuart was selected for his work in the Supreme Court and in particular for his contribution to the Post Office Inquiry.

Annemarie O’Donnell, winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award, has worked at the heart of local government for 33 years, helping to address the social challenges of the city’s communities and chairing the COP26 programme board. Unable to attend on the evening, Annemarie O'Donnell, told The Herald that it was an honour and said: "Good law and its practice is the foundation of society. Over my legal career I have proudly honoured and respected this.  That said however - most law isn’t just once and done - it’s fluid and open to interpretation and challenge - and I have never shied away from pushing boundaries so that clearer and better law is made.”

Susan Murray, President of the Law Society of Scotland said, “As the professional body for Scottish solicitors, we are always keen to find out more about the exemplary work of the individuals, firms and organisations who make the Scottish legal profession shine.

“We were particularly delighted to celebrate their achievements at the 20th Herald Law Awards, in this the Law Society of Scotland’s 75th Anniversary year.

“It was my special privilege to present the Solicitor of the Year Award to Convener of our Criminal Law Committee, Stuart Munro, in much deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution to the profession.

“Our warmest congratulations go to all this year’s winners and finalists.”