Davidson Chalmers partner becomes first Scots lawyer to gain chartered membership of CIWM

Laura Tainsh, a partner and waste management specialist at Davidson Chalmers LLP has become the first Scottish solicitor to achieve full membership of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). As the national body for the waste and resource management industry, the CIWM supports individuals and organisations by influencing future legislation and policy. The organisation also provides advice and training, shares industry knowledge and recognises outstanding achievements.

Full CIWM membership is a qualification which helps individuals develop their careers at the highest level as waste management experts. It demonstrates a deep understanding of the sector and a proven ability in advising on issues relating to resource efficiency.

Obtaining these respected credentials required a minimum of five years’ experience operating within in the UK waste management industry. A detailed application process, sponsored by two existing chartered CIWM members, then followed. This included attendance at a membership workshop and undertaking a professional interview where Ms Tainsh was required to demonstrate her knowledge and experience of the sector beyond her field of legal practice.

In achieving full membership, she takes on the title of chartered waste manager and adopts the letters MCIWM in her professional title. Ms Tainsh is also a Law Society of Scotland accredited specialist in environmental law, as well as an active member of the Law Society of Scotland environmental law committee and of the Scottish waste working committee of the UK Environmental Law Association. She was recently appointed to the editorial board of the Scottish Planning and Environment (SPEL) journal.

Ms Tainsh said: “I am delighted to become the first Scottish lawyer to achieve full membership of the CIWM. This is an important industry recognition which underlines the skills and experience I have acquired over my 14 year career as a legal adviser, working with a broad range of clients within this sector. I am passionate about the waste sector and look forward to working with other professionals who are within the sector in the future.”

Charlie Devine, chairman of the CIWM Scottish centre, said: “This is a very important achievement both for Laura and the Institution as we welcome our first solicitor in Scotland as a full CIWM member. This accreditation recognises Laura’s commitment and expertise in the industry and acknowledges her ability to offer her clients guidance on waste management issues which extends beyond legal advice.”