In-house rising stars’ chance to shine

Launched in 2013, by the Law Society of Scotland, the award celebrates and rewards the brilliance of members of the in-house legal community, a group that now represents almost 30 per cent of Scotland’s legal profession.

Graeme McWilliams, convener of the In-house Lawyers’ Committee and legal counsel at Standard Life, said: “The composition of the Scottish legal profession is evolving and there is now a greater variety of in-house career opportunities available.

“Almost 30 per cent of Scottish solicitors work in-house, in a range of public, private and third sector roles. But the achievements and contributions of this growing community often go unsung.

“The Rising Star Award is very much in line with the Law Society’s broader efforts to provide the proportional support and recognition which this important in-house community deserve. It’s their chance to shine!”

Scottish charities, local authorities and banks are amongst the workplaces of previous nominees and winners. Leigh Kirkpatrick, legal counsel at RBS and the most recent Rising Star winner, said: “I was really delighted to be nominated for, and win, the Rising Star Award. It was great to have my role at The Royal Bank of Scotland recognised by the judges, and to my mind the award was equally a reflection of the high calibre of support provided by the wider legal function at the bank.

“Winning the award has created further opportunities to shadow and be coached by senior in-house lawyers in Scotland, all of which has been great for my on-going development.”

Nominations for the Rising Star Award 2017 are now open. Nominees must be Scottish in-house trainees or in-house solicitors with up to five years’ post qualification experience. The nominations will be judged by a distinguished panel of in-house lawyers and guest judges.

Along with the recognition of their peers and colleagues, the winner will receive career coaching sessions with a qualified professional. The award will be presented at a drinks reception following the in-house conference on 11 May 2017.

To nominate a colleague or someone you know who deserves this award, complete the nomination form and send it to Beth Anderson, head of engagement for in-house lawyers, at bethanderson@lawscot.org.uk by 5pm on Friday 31 March 2017.