Law Society marks 75-year anniversary with celebratory dinner

The Law Society of Scotland has marked its 75th anniversary year with a formal dinner in Edinburgh, celebrating its ongoing role supporting and overseeing the solicitor profession.

The black tie event at the National Museum of Scotland on Friday, 10 May was also an opportunity to mark the contribution of outgoing Law Society President Sheila Webster in what’s been a busy year for the legal sector.

The changing face of Scotland’s legal sector and the Law Society’s key achievements since its establishment in 1949 were marked with speeches and video tributes from influential voices for the profession.

Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen told guests: “The Law Society’s challenge and mission is to continually evolve and adapt to ensure that we represent, reflect and regulate a thriving and evolving profession. And with your contribution now and with the contribution of others over the past 75 years, that is what we strive to do.”

Sheila Webster said in her speech: “What an honour it is to stand and address you tonight, just as it has been a huge privilege to be Law Society President over the past 12 months.

“The achievements, influence and growth of our thriving solicitor profession are always deserving of celebration, but that’s especially the case this year as the Law Society marks its 75th anniversary.”

Guest speaker for the gala dinner was the Right Honourable Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws KC, who spoke about her distinguished legal and political career and the importance of the rule of law.

Baroness Kennedy said: “Scotland produces wonderful lawyers, so I'm here to pay tribute to you all.

“But I'm also here to remind us about our role in protecting democracy. We're living in a time when it's fragile. There are assaults being made upon it and there are ways in which we have to have our voice heard and it's through organisations like the Law Society.”

Those in attendance at the dinner also generously donated £7,500 towards the Lawscot Foundation’s charitable work supporting aspiring Scottish lawyers from less-advantaged backgrounds.