New president for theLaw Society
Our new team at the top: Lorna Jack, Chief Executive; Christine McLintock, President; and Eilidh Wiseman, Vice-President.
Christine McLintock will take up the reins as President of the Law Society of Scotland from today (Friday, 29 May).
Christine was formerly the Risk & Knowledge Management Partner and a board member at McGrigors. She then became General Counsel for Pinsent Masons, following its merger with McGrigors, and headed up the Risk, Compliance and In-House Legal Services Group for the firm until 2013. She joined the Law Society’s Council in 2005 and also sits on the Society’s Board, where she has played an important part in directing the strategy of the organisation.
She said: “I’m very proud to become president of the Law Society of Scotland and am looking forward to the year ahead.
“I very much want to thank outgoing president Alistair Morris, who has done a terrific job in a year that has seen a global spotlight shine on Scotland regarding its constitutional future – something that will continue to be a major part of the Society’s work following the publication of a new Scotland Bill yesterday. We will play a full role in examining the bill as it progresses to ensure that its proposals will work in practice.
“This week’s Queen Speech also confirmed that there will be an EU referendum. We will maintain a neutral position, as we did throughout the Scottish independence debate, however we will urge the political parties to consider how they would maintain any economic benefits and barrier-free access to critical markets after any exit from the EU. We will also call for an analysis of whether the major policy, legislative and administrative complexities from an EU exit would have a detrimental effect on relations between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“I plan to build on the work Alistair has done during his term in office alongside new vice president Eilidh Wiseman in leading the Society and ensuring that it can meet the needs of our membership and those who rely on solicitors’ professionalism and expertise. There is much to be proud of within Scotland’s legal profession and I am keen to highlight the work that solicitors do day in day out for their clients and a whole range of organisations across the public and private sectors.
“I also want to promote Scotland’s legal education system which I truly believe is second to none and should be recognised as the jewel in the crown that it is. It’s important that we have a diverse legal profession and that we can continue to attract talented individuals who, if they have the ability and ambition to become a solicitor, should not have to encounter unnecessary barriers, particularly financial barriers.”
The Law Society is set to launch a new five-year strategy in the summer.
McLintock said: “The Society published its ‘Towards 2020’ strategy in 2011 and while that’s only four years ago, there has been huge change affecting the solicitors’ profession, justice system and wider legal sector. To remain relevant, effective and a truly world class professional body we have reviewed and substantially revised the strategy we put in place to ensure it is fit for 2016 and beyond.
“We’re excited by its ambition and scope and I’m looking forward to discussing our plans with our solicitor members and other stakeholders.
“It is of course important that everything we do is underpinned by our core principles of the role of law in society, the rule of law, fairness, justice and access to justice.
“Access to justice will be particularly key following publication of our recommendations on improving the legal aid system. It is fundamental that people can access the legal advice and representation that they need regardless of their financial circumstances and we will work with the Scottish Government and others to develop a better legal aid system for Scotland.”
Eilidh Wiseman, Council member and current convener of the Society’s education and training committee, becomes vice president today.
Council also paid warm tributes to two of its longest-serving members who retired today.
Former Law Society president Bruce Beveridge and former In-House Lawyer Group Chair Janet Hood retired from Council after eight and 17 years respectively.
Christine McLintock said: “Both Bruce and Janet have made enormous contributions to the work of the Law Society.
“As president, Bruce provided leadership, determination and good humour and was a fantastic ambassador for the solicitor profession. As the new president, I hope to be able to continue to rely on his wisdom and good judgement.
“Ever since joining Council in 1998, Janet has been a champion for the ever growing numbers of in-house lawyers. Most recently, she has helped us to become a leader on equality and diversity issues and I am delighted she will build on that work by continuing to chair our Equality and Diversity Committee.
“Both leave Council today with our thanks and best wishes for the future. While we say goodbye to two of our longest-serving Council members, I am delighted to welcome our new and returning Council members following the recent elections. I look forward to working with them during an exciting time for the Law Society.”
ENDS 29 MAY 2015
Christine McLintock, President of the Law Society of Scotland
Before the merger of McGrigors with Pinsent Masons, Christine was the Risk & Knowledge Management Partner and a member of the Board of McGrigors. She then became General Counsel for Pinsent Masons and headed up the Risk, Compliance and In-House Legal Services Group. In May 2013, she retired as a partner in Pinsent Masons to explore consultancy and non-executive opportunities.
Christine has an extensive record of involvement with the Law Society of Scotland. She joined Council in 2005 and has served on the Society's Board since its inception in 2009. Prior to that, she was a member of the Strategy and Governance Group, as well as being the Convener of the Education & Training Committee since 2007. In that role, Christine was responsible for delivering the new route to qualification, working with the Education & Training Policy Team. She has also worked with Past President Alistair Morris, Law Society Director of Regulation Philip Yelland and Law Society solicitor Samantha Hollywood on the alternative business structure licensing scheme.
New Law Society Council members
Duns, Haddington, Jedburgh, Peebles and Selkirk:
Iain Burke, Bannerman Burke, Selkirk
Patricia Thom, Patricia Thom & Co, Galashiels
Campbeltown, Dumbarton, Dunoon, Fort William, Oban & Rothesay (uncontested):
Philip Lafferty, Clyde Defence Lawyers Ltd, Clydebank
Campbell Read, Stewart Balfour & Sutherland, Campbeltown
Arbroath, Dundee & Forfar:
Murray Etherington, Thorntons Law, Dundee
England & Wales:
Naomi Pryde, Matthew Arnold & Baldwin, London
Returning Council members
Alloa, Falkirk, Linlithgow & Stirling:
Ken Dalling, Dalling Solicitors, Stirling
John Mulholland, Marshall Wilson Law Group Limited, Falkirk
Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain & Wick:
George MacWilliam, MacArthur & Co, Inverness
Sheekha Saha, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar Council, Stornoway
For more information about Law Society Council and committees see the website: About us
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Val McEwan on 0131 226 8884 / valeriemcewan@lawscot.org.uk