Lorna Jack to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, has been named as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Legal Awards 2021, which take place this week.
Ms Jack, who has been in post since January 2009, has announced her retirement from the Society at the end of the year. She is credited with making major improvements in transparency, governance, engagement and business management during her time at the Society.
She will accept the honour at the celebration dinner for the Awards, which takes place in Glasgow on Thursday 23 September. Winners of the other awards will be revealed on the night.
Shonaig Macpherson, chair of the Scottish Legal Awards, commented: "Lorna has been an immensely positive force in the Law Society of Scotland and can be credited for a number of improvements, including most recently the Society's response to the pandemic, a considerable effort involving a two-year recovery and renewal strategy. At a time of great change in legal markets Lorna has ensured that the Society has had a laser focus on supporting its members and their vital role in upholding justice in Scotland. The judging panel is delighted that we are able to present this to her in person and kick start her retirement celebrations."
Ms Jack responded: "I am extremely honoured to receive the Scottish Legal Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. We have much to be proud of in Scotland’s solicitor profession and it has been a great privilege to lead the talented, dedicated team at the Law Society, along with our many volunteer committee members who do extraordinary work in addition to their day jobs.
"I have been fortunate to work with a diverse and committed group of Council members over the years, all of whom care deeply about this profession and its impact on society, and I’ve been blessed to ride shotgun with 14 wonderful men and women who stepped into the office of president, themselves incredible leaders with passion for the law.
"So much of what has been accomplished is the result of the hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved in the Society’s work in creating a modern, outward-looking organisation that supports our members in their work, raises standards across the profession, and puts the public interest at the heart of everything we do with no complacency. As the legal profession evolves there will always be more to do.
"I would not have been able to achieve so much without the good advice and support of colleagues and friends in the legal community and am both delighted and deeply humbled to have been chosen by the Scottish Legal Awards judges this year."