Social mobility champion and property law pioneer awarded honorary membership

(Pictured: Ross MacKay, Susan Murray, President of the Law Society of Scotland, and Christine McLintock)

A champion for social mobility within Scotland’s legal profession and a moderniser of Scottish conveyancing have been awarded Honorary Membership of the professional body for Scottish solicitors.

Christine McLintock and Ross MacKay have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to both the legal profession and the public at a special event held in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 12 November, to mark the Law Society of Scotland’s 75th anniversary. Scottish Government Minister of Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown MSP, and Annabelle Ewing MSP also addressed guests at the event.

Christine McLintock, Law Society President in 2015-16, was nominated as an honorary member for her profound effect on not just the current, but future generations of Scottish solicitors.

Christine led the Law Society’s work in modernising the route to qualification as a solicitor, creating a standard that is admired both at home and by jurisdictions around the world. She also led the charge on the creation of the Lawscot Foundation in 2016, a charitable trust, which has in its short existence supported over 50 school leavers from less-advantaged backgrounds to pursue a career in the law. She has led the trust’s board since its inception and continues to be a passionate advocate in breaking down unnecessary barriers facing those who have the talent and ambition to pursue a career in the profession.

Ross MacKay, former Convener of the Law Society’s Property Law Committee, was a driving force in modernising Scotland’s conveyancing practice. He changed the face of Scottish conveyancing through the introduction of nationwide Scottish Standard Clauses, assuring swifter, more efficient conclusion of missives – in turn providing more certainty and peace of mind for homebuyers.

The impact of the Scottish Standard Clauses represents one of the most important changes in residential conveyancing in the last 30 years and it took vision and commitment over many years to make them a reality. Ross’s standing in the profession and his reputation for fairness and consideration, were key to achieving such a significant change, with his work greatly benefitting the profession and the wider public.

Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray said: “Honorary membership is the most prestigious accolade that the Law Society can bestow.

“It is such a privilege to award honorary membership to both Christine and Ross in recognition of the hugely significant, positive contributions that they have made throughout their highly distinguished careers. Their work has influenced the profession itself, as well as having a far-reaching impact for members of the public.”

Christine McLintock said: “I am so delighted to receive this honour from the Law Society of Scotland. My work with the Society, spanning over 20 years, has been hugely interesting and rewarding and I would like to pay tribute to both former and current chief executives Lorna Jack, and Diane McGiffen, and all of the staff and members I have worked with.

“The work has been meaningful and important but also enormous fun. It has been inspiring to lead the Lawscot Foundation since its inception and to watch our students developing into accomplished and confident lawyers with a passion for the Scottish legal profession. Again, I would like to pay tribute to all of those students, to all of my fellow Trustees and to all Law Society staff who have helped us to build a wonderful charity."

Ross MacKay said: “I’m not normally a fan of surprises but for this completely unforeseen honour, I will happily make an exception. As a solicitor, from apprentice to consultant for over 40 years, I had two guiding principles - one from my first senior partner was the instruction ‘if you look after your clients they will look after you’ and the other was simply ‘do your bit’. If you are a member of a profession, I think it’s important to do what you can to promote or enhance or develop that body, even if only in a small way but in whatever way your time or business or skills will allow.

“To be awarded honorary membership, especially in light of prior recipients of this honour, for simply ‘doing my bit’ is humbling.”