Dean of Faculty named legal personality of the year and Cat Maclean solicitor of the year at law awards

The Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, James Wolffe QC was named “Legal Personality of the Year” last night at the Law Awards of Scotland.

Guests at a black tie ceremony in Glasgow’s Radisson Blu hotel were told that the Legal Personality of the Year award goes to someone who defined the way the law was perceived by the public and those outside of the legal profession.

Mr Wolffe said: “The law and the legal profession play a crucial role in underpinning a just and economically successful Scotland.

“The Law Awards give us an opportunity to celebrate the wealth of talent across the whole Scottish legal profession and I congratulate everyone who has received a nomination and won an award.”

Lynn Lester, managing director of events at the Law Awards organiser, Carnyx, added: “The reality is that in many professions your efforts can be taken for granted and resort to nothing more than a thankless task.

“That’s why the role of these awards is extremely important, to spotlight the talent and professionalism that continues to thrive in the legal fraternity and to give the high achievers their moment of glory.”

The “Solicitor of the Year” award went to Cat Maclean, partner at MBM Commercial.

Ms MacLean, who heads the dispute resolution team at the Edinburgh-based firm, has now been nominated for the top prize three times and won it twice.

Her colleague in dispute resolution, Liina Tulk, won the “Up & Coming Lawyer of the Year” award, while Laura Peachey, who works in MBM’s corporate department, received a commendation in the same category.

DLA Piper Scotland won “Law Firm of the Year (Over 40 Fee Earners)” and McSherry Halliday won “Law Firm of the Year (Under 40 Fee Earners)”.

The “Lifetime Achievement Award” was presented to Professor Robert Rennie from Harper McLeod, and the “Chairman’s Award” went to Fred Tyler from Balfour+Manson.

DWF won the “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR) accolade in recognition of its initiatives like 5 STAR Futures, which focusses on working with aspirational young people from low income backgrounds.

Tyrone Jones, director of corporate social responsibility and engagement at DWF, said: “We’re delighted to have won the CSR accolade at this year’s Law Awards of Scotland.

“Corporate social responsibility excellence is embedded within our culture and is key to driving our business forward in a profitable, responsible and sustainable manner.

“The award demonstrates how the right leadership, culture and approach can make a huge difference to local communities.”