Rule of law and independence of the legal profession key themes at 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.

A wide range of topics were covered on the conference’s four days, with numerous sessions focused on ensuring the profession thrives and is able to continue its work serving people, businesses and communities.

Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen told conference attendees: “We want every Scottish solicitor to be as well equipped as possible to deal with the challenges of today and those coming along, both professionally and by supporting physical and mental wellbeing.”

Pierre-Dominique Schupp, the President of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), was the first keynote speaker yesterday, speaking on the independence of the legal profession.

He told conference delegates: “Independence is not merely a privilege of the legal profession; it is a responsibility that we as lawyers must safeguard for it is the foundation on which the rule of law rests.

“At the end of the day the independence of the profession is not an abstract principle; it is something that each of us as legal professionals must actively defend. we members of the profession must act to protect.”

The conference then heard from the recently appointed Advocate General for Scotland, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, who spoke about her role as one of three UK Government legal officers and its approach to legal issues.

She said: “This government will honour its international obligations and honour the treaties that we are signatory to.”

Baroness Smith said also that the relationship between Westminster and Holyrood is a priority: “There is a considered and concerted and real and genuine effort to press the reset button. That’s happening through members of my department engaging with other government departments to make it clear to them that they need to consider this right at the start.”

In her closing remarks, Law Society President Susan Murray commented on the key themes of the four-day conference - a thriving and inclusive profession, a modern and robust legal system and an innovative and sustainable future for the profession.

She said: “That we share important values and, together, strive to remain a successful, dynamic sector, is down to us all. As we always have done, we will continue to innovate, refine and improve what we do and I hope keep supporting each other, around those areas of our profession which need that support the most.

“We all have an interest in our clients’ legal needs being met by us as a profession, whatever the speciality and wherever the need arises.”

Keynote speakers at the flagship event also included Falklands Veteran, author and broadcaster Simon Weston CBE, Rachel Corsie, Captain of Scotland Women’s National Team and Aston Villa Women and Ross McNair, CEO of Wordsmith AI.

The event also featured a special presentation to the winners of the Law Society's inaugural Legal Pioneer Award winners.