Scotland’s legal profession celebrated at the Herald Law Awards
One of Scotland’s most distinguished advocates has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2025 in association with 123 Medical Services.
Ian S Forrester KC LLD, who served as judge from the UK in the General Court of the European Union before returning to the Scottish Bar in 2020, received the accolade for his extensive experience in the European Court of Human Rights and for his record in arbitration and mediation over many decades.
His award was just one of many that were handed over during a glittering ceremony hosted by Rob Rinder, which took place in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on Friday, 7 November.
The Herald Law Awards of Scotland recognise the greatest achievements across Scotland’s legal sector and, during the evening, awards were made to a roll-call of leading professionals and practices, including to MJC LAW, who won High Street Firm of the Year, sponsored by Denovo and to Livingstone Brown, who were named Criminal Law Firm of the Year, presented by LOCALiQ.
The Rising Star at the Scottish Bar title, sponsored by 123 Medical Services, went to John Brannigan of Black Chambers for his rapid professional progression and impressive advocacy in high-profile criminal cases. Judges praised his exceptional recent record, legal acumen, and growing reputation as a standout rising talent at the Scottish Bar , while the Digital & Intellectual Property Team of the Year, presented by Newsquest Events Scotland & NI, went to Blackadders LLP for their innovative intellectual property and technology practice in support of video games and digital ventures.
123 Medical Services were also sponsors of the Paralegal of the Year title, which was won by Laura Brown of Brown Owl Legal Support for her innovative freelance paralegal model and commitment to professional standards, while the Pro-Bono Award, presented by The Herald, was won by The Glasgow Open Justice Centre at the University of Glasgow, where innovative, student-led pro bono initiatives are part of the training for the next generation of socially conscious lawyers.
The ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Award, presented by s1jobs, went to Gillespie Macandrew for embedding ESG across its business, combining charitable giving, pro-bono work, and sustainable legal practice, while Charis Brooks of Govan Law Centre was the recipient of the Up and Coming Award, sponsored by 123 Medical Services, making her mark with a for a raft of exceptional, early-career achievements, including instructing a UK Supreme Court case, and for her advocacy for vulnerable women and children.
Aileen Entwistle, Head of the Private Client Team in the Glasgow office of Aberdein Considine LLP, was named Solicitor of the Year, in a category sponsored by Law Society of Scotland, while Aberdein Considine were also awarded the Debt Recovery Team of the Year title, sponsored by Stirling Park, for their innovative mortgage and commercial recovery solutions.
In handing over the Innovation Award, sponsored by Law Society of Scotland, the judges described litigation and commercial law specialists, rradar, as a ‘trailblazer, highlighting its unique hybrid digital-human model that proactively prevents legal issues for over 147,000 UK businesses. Meanwhile the Litigation Team of the Year title, sponsored by Stirling Park, went to Thompsons Solicitors Scotland for their innovative use of Group Proceedings, commitment to historic abuse and catastrophic injury cases, and consistent delivery of significant client outcomes.
Gilson Gray LLP were double winners, picking up both the Family and Child Law Team of the Year title, sponsored by Family Wealth powered by Acumen, and the Law Firm of the Year (up to 150 certificates) title, sponsored by IDEX Consulting.
Meanwhile Thorntons Law was recognised as Scotland’s leading large firm, receiving the Law Firm of the Year (over 150 certificates) title, again sponsored by IDEX Consulting, while the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Border Biscuits, went to Laura Cameron of Pinsent Masons.
Afterwards, Sairah Din, managing director, 123 Medical Services, says: “The whole evening was a tribute to the hard work, and expertise that is the hallmark of the Scotland legal profession and it was wonderful to be able to recognise those people and practices that have made such an outstanding contribution to the sector’s reputation.”
And Ronnie Murison, Director of Sheriff Officer Services at Stirling Park, said “What a brilliant event conducted by the funny Rob Rinder and well done to the winners of their respective categories, in particular the Litigation and Debt Recovery Firms of the Year, which aligns to our provision of sheriff officer services across Scotland”.