McLintock, Wiseman take over as Society office bearers

Christine McLintock took up the badge of office as President of the Law Society of Scotland today, succeeding Alistair Morris on the completion of his presidential year.

With Eilidh Wiseman assuming office as Vice President and Lorna Jack in place as chief executive, the Society has its first all-female leadership in its 66 year history.

A member of the Society's Council since 2005, Ms McLintock was risk and knowledge management partner and a board member at McGrigors until its merger with Pinsent Masons, when she became general counsel to the merged firm. She left her position in 2013 but remains a consultant to the firm. As a member of the Society’s board she has played an important part in directing its strategy, a new version of which will be launched this summer.

Following the handover ceremony at today's Council meeting Ms McLintock said: “I’m very proud to become President of the Law Society of Scotland and am looking forward to the year ahead.

“I very much want to thank outgoing President Alistair Morris, who has done a terrific job in a year that has seen a global spotlight shine on Scotland regarding its constitutional future – something that will continue to be a major part of the Society’s work following the publication of a new Scotland Bill yesterday. We will play a full role in examining the bill as it progresses to ensure that its proposals will work in practice.

“This week’s Queen's speech also confirmed that there will be an EU referendum. We will maintain a neutral position, as we did throughout the Scottish independence debate. However we will urge the political parties to consider how they would maintain any economic benefits and barrier-free access to critical markets after any exit from the EU. We will also call for an analysis of whether the major policy, legislative and administrative complexities from an EU exit would have a detrimental effect on relations between England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“I plan to build on the work Alistair has done during his term in office, alongside new Vice President Eilidh Wiseman in leading the Society and ensuring that it can meet the needs of our membership and those who rely on solicitors’ professionalism and expertise. There is much to be proud of within Scotland’s legal profession and I am keen to highlight the work that solicitors do, day in day out, for their clients and a whole range of organisations across the public and private sectors."

Having spent much of her time on Council as convener of the Society's Education & Training Committee, she commented: “I also want to promote Scotland’s legal education system, which I truly believe is second to none and should be recognised as the jewel in the crown that it is. It’s important that we have a diverse legal profession and that we can continue to attract talented individuals who, if they have the ability and ambition to become a solicitor, should not have to encounter unnecessary barriers, particularly financial barriers.”

As regards the Society's strategy she added: “The Society published its ‘Towards 2020’ strategy in 2011, and while that’s only four years ago, there has been huge change affecting the solicitors’ profession, justice system and wider legal sector. To remain relevant, effective and a truly world class professional body we have reviewed and substantially revised the strategy we put in place to ensure it is fit for 2016 and beyond."

She continued: “It is of course important that everything we do is underpinned by our core principles of the role of law in society, the rule of law, fairness, justice and access to justice.

“Access to justice will be particularly key following publication of our recommendations on improving the legal aid system. It is fundamental that people can access the legal advice and representation that they need regardless of their financial circumstances, and we will work with the Scottish Government and others to develop a better legal aid system for Scotland.”

Also at today's meeting, six new members successful in this month's election took their seats, and tributes were paid to longserving members Bruce Beveridge and Janet Hood on their leaving Council.

A welcome to the new President has been offered by James Wolffe QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, who said: “I congratulate Christine McLintock on her election as President of the Law Society, and look forward to working closely with her on matters of common interest to the legal profession as a whole.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Alistair Morris as he retires from that challenging role. His Presidency was marked by the successful Commonwealth Law Conference. It was a remarkable coup to bring this international event to Scotland and, under his Presidency, the event was a great success. I wish him well for the future.”