Tribute to former Society President Michael Scanlan

A tribute to past President Michael Scanlan, who passed away yesterday (20 October), has been paid by the Law Society of Scotland.

Mr Scanlan served as President between 1999 and 2000 and chaired many of the Society’s committees, including the Remuneration, Insurance and Education & Training committees. Admitted as a solicitor in 1971, he practised as a court lawyer in Glasgow where he was a partner in Russells Gibson McCaffrey, and represented Glasgow on the Society's Council from May 1992 until May 2003.

He also served as a temporary sheriff, lectured at Strathclyde University, was a member of the Scottish Committee of the Administrative Justice & Tribunals Service and sat for a term on the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland.

The current President of the Society, Christine McLintock, said: "Michael was an outstanding representative for the Scottish legal profession and a dedicated President. We are saddened by the news of his death and extend our condolences to Michael’s family at this difficult time.

“Michael was an exceptional solicitor, who enjoyed a distinguished and varied career. His wit and charm put everyone at ease and he did a fantastic job of hosting the Society’s 50th anniversary conference in 1999. He could turn his hand to anything from letting off Society balloons in George Square, Glasgow to promoting the legal profession, to leading a delegation to London to tender for financial services regulatory work.

“We will all remember him with great fondness and admiration.”

Michael Scanlan’s interview in 1999 as incoming President of the Society is available on Journal online: click here to view.