Our business future

The opening of a new legal year seems an appropriate time to embark on a new venture. And so it is that one day I am attending a ceremony in London that dates back to the Middle Ages, and the next I am writing the first instalment of a blog for the new look Journal Online. It is evidence of a profession that has deep roots in civic society but is focused firmly on the future.

Attending the legal year ceremony in London at the start of the month gave me the opportunity to discuss current  isues with a host of people from the UK and around the world. Not surprisingly, the economy was right at the top of the agenda. But so too was how we climb out of the downturn - and ensure the profession is able to take full advantage of opportunities in the future.

The message was similar during meetings at the American Bar Association conference in New York and with the Canadian Bar in August. However, it was encouraging that the level of goodwill towards the Scottish profession and appreciation of the professionalism of Scots lawyers remain undiminished. Much of that, I think, stems from an appreciation of Scottish business and professional values.

In continually working to develop the Society and enhance standards, I believe we will secure the reputation of the profession at home and abroad. But we also have an opportunity to significantly develop the Scottish legal services market - so that we will be well positioned to benefit when the recovery takes hold.

And those opportunities for business success and excellence are not confined to Scotland. I came back from New York convinced that we can do more to develop the US market, particularly given our reputation for maintaining the highest values and standards. It is one of the many issues we will discuss in the weeks and months ahead.

The influence of the States seems to be something of a theme this month with the announcement that Lorna Jack will become our new chief executive in January.

Lorna is returning to Scotland from the States where she was President Americas of Scottish Deveopment International, part of Scottish Enterprise. She brings with her a huge amount of knowledge, experience and skills, particularly in business and the economy. We are all looking forward to welcoming Lorna and to working with her in these exciting times.