Law Society pays tribute to Jock Smith

Law Society president Eilidh Wiseman has paid tribute to past president Jock Smith (John Mitchell Melvin Smith WS), who passed away last week.

Eilidh Wiseman, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “We were very sorry to hear about the death of Law Society past president Jock Smith.

“During Jock’s presidential year he steered the Society and the profession through a period of immense change, including the introduction of the first ever advertising rules for Scottish solicitors, the establishment of the new Legal Aid Board in Scotland and the coming into force of the Financial Services Act 1986.

“Jock was instrumental in securing the best possible arrangements for Scottish solicitors in the new UK financial services regime. He was a very skilful negotiator and excellent ambassador on behalf of the profession. He held clear views as to how the profession had to adapt to the demands of modern business while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family.”

Jock Smith was a member of the Law Society Council for 15 years, joining as the Council representative for Stonehaven, Peterhead and Banff in the early 80s and serving as president 1987-88. He retired from Council in 1996.