Andrew Mackenzie appointed co-chair of IBA Access to Justice and Legal Aid Committee

Andrew Mackenzie, chief executive of the Scottish Arbitration Centre, has been appointed co-chair of the International Bar Association Access to Justice and Legal Aid Committee.

The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, is the an organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies.

The IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world.

The Access to Justice and Legal Aid Committee aims to gather information from around the world on the barriers to access to justice in each jurisdiction and any ways in which these barriers are overcome, with specific emphasis on statutory schemes such as legal aid, publicising its findings with reports and events. Andrew’s co-chair is Mark Woods from Australia and the other Officers of the Committee are Heike Lörcher from Germany and James Robottom from England.

Mr Mackenzie, who is a solicitor on secondment from the Scottish Government Justice Directorate to the centre, said: “I am delighted to have been appointed by the IBA as co-chair of the committee. One of the great strengths of the IBA is its global reach, which is key to the committee’s objective of sharing and spreading good practice on access to justice around the world.”

Brandon Malone, chairman of the board of the centre, said: “One of our core beliefs at the Scottish Arbitration Centre is that Scots law and Scottish lawyers have much to offer the legal world, and that Scottish lawyers should become more involved in the international legal framework. It is fantastic to see Andrew leading by example, and taking on such an important international position. I wish Andrew great success in this new role.”

Graham Matthews, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “In the course of his legal career, Andrew has made a varied and remarkable contribution to government and legal services and the outstanding breadth of his experience, knowledge and energy will be an invaluable asset to the committee.”

Gordon Jackson, QC, Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, said: “The Faculty very much welcomes this appointment. It is so important for Scotland that it should have a voice on influential, international bodies such as the IBA, and in areas as vital as access to justice and legal aid.

“We are confident that Andrew Mackenzie has all the attributes to ensure that his is a strong voice, and one which is heard and respected. We wish him well.”