Fred Banning

Mr Banning was a highly respected and widely known legal communications professional and founder of Fifth Day. He was a valued member of Pinsent Masons for 13 years, having joined McGrigors in the summer of 2010.

During his time with the firm he played an integral role in developing Pinsent Masons’ communications function, pioneering the use of brand and reputation as a strategic driver of change, and reimagining the firm’s digital strategy – culminating in a progressive new website. He was considered a trusted advisor by successive leadership teams and his expertise was regularly sought on matters far beyond reputation.

Following a diagnosis of terminal cancer in 2020 he sought to re-engineer the world of pro bono by launching Fifth Day, a movement to ensure that pro bono is as valued and accepted among business operations professionals in law firms as it is for lawyers.

In 2021 he was recognised as one of The Lawyer’s Hot100 for spearheading a campaign during the pandemic to prioritise Covid vaccination for the terminally ill. His lobbying generated widespread media coverage and resulted in motions being raised in Scottish and UK parliaments.

Alastair Morrison, friend and board member at Pinsent Masons, paid tribute to him.

He said: “The legal industry has lost an exceptional communicator, strategist and innovator, and we have lost a dear friend.

“Throughout his illness he was always delighted to offer his insights, advice and counsel and was always on top of change. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred’s wife, Lesley, his two young sons Ollie and Charlie, and his family at this difficult time.”