Six inspiring winners of inaugural Legal Pioneer Award
Six inspiring members of the Scottish legal sector have been announced as the inaugural winners of the Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Pioneers Award.
The new award has been launched as part of the Law Society’s 75th anniversary commemorations, with nominations sought for solicitors and non-solicitors from the past or present who have made a significant contribution to Scotland’s legal sector.
Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray presented the awards at the Society’s annual conference in Edinburgh on Thursday, 31 October 2024.
The recipients are:
- Barbara Bolton, Legal Director at JustRight Scotland – awarded for contributions to human rights law and improving access to justice for all.
- Geraldine Kelm, Partner and Head of Vario Flexible Services at Pinsent Masons – awarded for her contributions to legal freelancing, helping make it a sustainable career option for lawyers.
- Alison Reid, CEO and Principal Solicitor at Clan Childlaw – awarded for her work championing the importance of legal representation for children and young people.
- Professor Colin Reid, Professor Emeritus at the University of Dundee Law School – awarded for his contributions to environmental law which have been reflected in the development of legislation.
- Melissa Rutherford, Director at Rutherford Sheridan – awarded for leading developments in trauma informed legal practice.
- Iain Smith, Partner at Keegan Smith - awarded for leading developments in trauma informed legal practice.
Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen told the annual conference: “The Society’s judging panel were impressed by all of the nominees put forward for our new award and it was certainly no easy task to decide on our winners.
“In making more than one award today, we wanted to highlight not just the passion and dedication that these individuals have for their work, but the breadth of the work of our nominees and the real impact they have had. Huge congratulations to all of our legal pioneers – they have all made such important contributions to the law and legal practice in Scotland and beyond.”
Rule of law and independence of the legal profession key themes at Law Society Annual Conference
The critical importance of the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession were among the key themes considered at the Law Society of Scotland’s Annual Conference. The final day of the keynote event for the professional body for Scottish solicitors was held as a hybrid event in Edinburgh on Thursday, 31 October.
Law Society of Scotland 75th Anniversary
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Law Society of Scotland. Our anniversary year is an opportunity to showcase the fantastic work of the Scottish legal profession and reflect on how the law and practice has progressed, as well as look to the future.
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