WS scheme attracts expert panel
29 Jan 07
"Signet Accreditation" aims to encourage lifelong learning and professional development
The WS Society has appointed a high-profile panel of external members to the board of its new accreditation scheme.
The Signet Accreditation is aimed at changing the way lawyers work by giving them the opportunity to gain a new kind of assessment qualification that proves their practical expertise.
The objectives of the accreditation, which is due to operate from October this year, are to encourage lawyers in lifelong learning and professional development, promote improved standards of service and to help clients recognise lawyers and law firms with specialist advisory skills.
The external appointees are Lord Cullen, the former Lord President; Jeremy Peat, director of the David Hume Institute; Malcolm Wood, general counsel and secretary of Standard Life plc; Kenneth Reid, Professor of Property Law at the University of Edinburgh; Kaliani Lyle, chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland; Richard Henderson, solicitor to the Scottish Executive; Professor David Rowley, Director of Education at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and head of department at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Dundee.
The WS Society's chief executive Robert Pirrie, said: “The Signet Accreditation scheme is set to revolutionise the way lawyers are recognised, through rigorous assessment of their technical knowledge, client skills and ethical integrity.
"The appointment of this board is a key milestone. We have drawn together some of the sharpest legal and commercial brains in Scotland who will influence the way the scheme works and succeeds.”
David Hardie, a partner of with responsibility for the strategic development of Dundas & Wilson’s knowledge and learning programme, welcomed the scheme, which is similar to others being devloped in Australia and the United States.
He said: “Younger lawyers are increasingly aware of the need to develop their careers through training and development. This scheme offers them the opportunity of recognition from an independent and highly respected source."
Based in the Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh, the WS Society already provides the professional competence course for trainee solicitors in association with the Glasgow Graduate School of Law.