Scotland’s national competition which recognises and celebrates excellence in the Scottish legal sector has announced the recipient of its annual Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Scottish Legal Awards has revealed that Lorna Jack, the outgoing Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, will accept the honour at this week’s celebration dinner which takes place live in Glasgow on Thursday.
Ms Jack has announced her retirement from the Society after 12-years of service leading the Society and is credited with making major improvements in transparency, governance, engagement and business management. Her skills in business management have transformed the organisation which represents over 12,000 solicitors in Scotland.
Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, commented;
“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.”
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.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is sponsored by The Times and a full interview with Lorna Jack which appeared on Saturday can be found here.
The awards continue to raise funds for two nominated charities; LawScot Foundation, which supports students in pursuing a career in law and It’s Good 2 Give, which supports young cancer patients and their families in Scotland. £3,000 has already been paid out to the charities as part of donations taken when registering for this year’s competition.
All the winners in this year’s awards will be revealed at the Scottish Legal Awards annual dinner, hosted by Des Clarke which takes place on Thursday 23 September 2021 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. Digital tickets to watch a live broadcast of the event from home are also available. For full details and to book tickets visit www.scottishlegalawards.co.uk.