Leading figures in the Scottish legal establishment gathered in the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow on Friday night to hear the announcement of the winners of The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024.
This is the 20th anniversary of the legal industry’s most prestigious awards and host for the evening, Rob Rinder, presided over an evening of celebration as the most outstanding members of the profession were honoured for their achievements.
Amongst those being honoured was Stuart Munro of Livingstone Brown, who was named ‘Solicitor of the Year’, sponsored by Law Society of Scotland.
He was singled out for his work in the Supreme Court and in particular for his contribution to the Post Office Inquiry, with the judges underlining the “substantial difference” his work has made to the legal landscape in Scotland.
This year’s winner of the ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’ was Annemarie O’Donnell, former Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council and Director of the venture philanthropy organisation, Inspiring Scotland, who worked at the heart of local government for 33 years, helping to address the social challenges of the city’s communities and chairing the COP26 programme board.
On hearing the news, Ms O’Donnell, who was unable to attend the ceremony, described the award as “an incredible honour”, adding: “Good law and its practice is the foundation of society. Over my legal career I have proudly honoured and respected this. That said however - most law isn’t just once and done - it’s fluid and open to interpretation and challenge - and I have never shied away from pushing boundaries so that clearer and better law is made.”
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Meanwhile, the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Professor The Right Honourable Sir David Edward, one of Scotland’s most distinguished legal figures, who, from being called to the Bar in 1962, went on to become a towering presence within the profession.
During a long legal career, which included appearances before the House of Lords and the European Court of Justice, he was involved in a number of high-profile cases in Scotland, England and Europe.
He was Salvesen Professor of European Institutions and Director of the Europa Institute at the School of Law of the University of Edinburgh from 1985 to 1989.
In 1989 he was appointed one of the inaugural Judges of the newly created European Court of First Instance, followed by appointment in 1992 as a Judge of the European Court of Justice, and he sat as a temporary Judge in the Court of Session until 2009.
Outwith the law, he has served on the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, and on the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution and his honours have included Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2004, having been appointed Companion of that Order in 1981 and recipient of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s gold medal.
During his presentation, the judges revealed that he had been the “unanimous choice” to receive the highest accolade from The Herald Law Awards of Scotland.
Other winners on the evening included Macleod & MacCallum Ltd, who were named ‘High Street Firm of the Year’; Livingstone Brown, who won ‘Criminal Law Firm of the Year’ and Blackadders LLP who won the ‘Family and Child Law Team of the Year’ title.
And it was Beth Buchanan-Webster, of Blackadders LLP, who was named winner of the ‘Up and Coming’ award, with the judges praising her “exceptional promise and expertise in cutting-edge topics, such as technology and data,” citing her passion and commitment as “truly commendable.”
Also during the evening Gilson Gray LLP were named ‘Litigation Team of the Year’ and Aberdein Considine and Company won the ‘Debt Recovery Team of the Year’, in two awards sponsored by Stirling Park.
The Innovation Award, sponsored by Law Society of Scotland, went to rradar, who were praised for their in-house design and technology capabilities and the innovation that was deeply embedded in their business model, while Clarity Simplicity Ltd received the CSR Award, for their values-driven strategy.
The Govan Law Centre won the Pro-Bono Award for their work in addressing issues such as homelessness and education, while Blackadders LLP was named Employment and Pensions Team of the Year.
The Law Firm of the Year title, for Scottish independents, went to MBM Commercial, while Weightmans LLP won Law Firm of the Year - wider UK HQ, with both titles being sponsored by IDEX Consulting.
Afterwards Meena Bahanda, Head of Legal Recruitment Scotland, Idex Consulting, said: “This year’s awards were stunning and an outright success. The entries and finalists were of high calibre and we are seeing truly talented individuals and teams shine. Idex Consulting will continue to support the awards as they highlight the exceptional work that is happening in a sector which has many current challenges.
Other sponsors of this year’s awards were LOCALiQ and formalwear partner Suited & Booted, who sponsored the drinks reception space.
Ronnie Murison, Director of Sheriff Officer Services at Stirling Park, said “What a great evening conducted by Rob Rinder and well done to the winners of their respective categories, in particular the Litigation and Debt Recovery Firms of the Year, aligns to our provision of sheriff officer services across Scotland”.
Susan Murray, President of the Law Society of Scotland said, “As the professional body for Scottish solicitors, we are always keen to find out more about the exemplary work of the individuals, firms and organisations who make the Scottish legal profession shine.
“We were particularly delighted to celebrate their achievements at the 20th Herald Law Awards, in this the Law Society of Scotland’s 75th Anniversary year.
“It was my special privilege to present the Solicitor of the Year Award to Convener of our Criminal Law Committee, Stuart Munro, in much deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution to the profession.
“Our warmest congratulations go to all this year’s winners and finalists.“
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