Tribute paid to former Society President Jock Smith

Jock Smith, a former President of the Law Society of Scotland, died least week, his family has announced.

Born in Aberdeen and educated in Edinburgh, John Mitchell Melvin Smith WS was a partner in Peterhead firm Masson & Glennie during his working life. He represented Stonehaven, Peterhead & Banff sheriff court districts on the Society's Council for 15 years until 1996, and was elected President of the Society for the year 1987-88. 

Eilidh Wiseman, current President of the Society, said: “We were very sorry to hear about the death of Law Society past President Jock Smith.

“During Jock’s presidential year he steered the Society and the profession through a period of immense change, including the introduction of the first ever advertising rules for Scottish solicitors, the establishment of the new Legal Aid Board in Scotland and the coming into force of the Financial Services Act 1986.

“Jock was instrumental in securing the best possible arrangements for Scottish solicitors in the new UK financial services regime. He was a very skilful negotiator and excellent ambassador on behalf of the profession. He held clear views as to how the profession had to adapt to the demands of modern business while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his friends and family.”