Montgomery to retire from Scottish Legal Aid Board

Lindsay Montgomery, chief executive of the Scottish Legal Aid Board since 1999, is to retire from the post in August, the Board has announced.

Mr Montgomery's tenure coincided with an increasing Government squeeze on legal aid, with rates mostly frozen or cut and controversial attempts to bring in contributions in summary criminal cases, a measure which has been enacted but not yet brought into force. Proposals to introduce contracting have been presented to the Scottish Government but have not yet been published.

However the Board has also streamlined its own administration, with applications now being processed digitally. Recently it completed a move to new modern office premises.

Mr Montgomery, whose background was in government finance, audit and public administration, said he had originally intended to retire from the Board at 60 and  take up another post. "However, I decided to stay a bit longer given the various significant projects and challenges in which I was involved or leading.

“I believe that now is the right time for someone else to lead SLAB. The fact we have an excellent executive team and staff will help smooth the transition to a new chief executive."

He added: “I am fortunate indeed to have had the opportunity to lead SLAB for the last 15 years. During this time we have worked hard to improve the legal aid system and ensure it continues to deliver a high quality and efficient service which provides access to justice and supports the justice system.

“I have also enjoyed working closely with colleagues in the Scottish Government and the legal profession whose services are key to ensuring access to justice."

Thanking the board and staff of SLAB for their "huge support and commitment over the years”, he said he hoped to continue to make a contribution to the justice sector.

Chairman Iain Robertson commented: “Lindsay has been an outstanding chief executive of SLAB who has played a crucial role in furthering access to justice in Scotland and has made a marked contribution to improving the justice system.

“On behalf of the other board members and staff I would like to thank him for his excellent contribution and our best wishes for the future when he leaves SLAB in August. We will shortly be starting a recruitment process to appointment a new chief executive.”

in a tribute, Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said Mr Montgomery was a well known and respected figure within Scotland’s legal community who had effectively steered his organisation through major change during his tenure.

She added: “There have of course been times when our organisations haven’t agreed, but Lindsay has always been willing to engage with us and ensure that the door remained open for constructive discussion.

“Along with all of my colleagues at the Law Society, I would like to wish him a long and happy retirement.”