The Trustees’ Report and Group Consolidated Financial Statements for 2024 were approved by members at the AGM on 24 June. The accounts can be read here.
Jim Cormack KC WS oversaw proceedings — his first AGM since his appointment as Deputy Keeper of the Signet — and commended the Society on achieving a modest surplus. Jim celebrated the Society’s key highlights over the year, including it’s excellent CPD programme, new Heritage Portal, development of students and junior lawyers, stream of new members and number of high profile events. Pulling a quote from a recent member Spotlight, Jim repeated a few sentences which eloquently summarised his own thoughts on membership:
Being a WS has contributed immeasurably to my development – both in terms of the professional opportunities it has generated and from a personal perspective. I feel really strongly that the WS Society provides a platform for lawyers to engage with each other and share insight in a unique way. We all leave our “day jobs” at the door and the focus is always on sharing knowledge and experience, helping each other to develop our skills and grow our networks, and honouring the integrity of our profession.
Jim thanked all members, Council, Trustees and Executive staff for their engagement, support and hard work throughout the year.
With particular thanks from everyone at the Society, Council members retiring at the AGM last week were Stuart Clubb WS, Shoosmiths; Lynsey Kerr WS, Lindsays; Richard Murray WS, Connell & Connell WS; and Chris McGill WS, Shepherd + Wedderburn.
Council serves as a representative body of WS members who are ambassadors for the Society, keeping in touch with the Society’s activities throughout the year, and meeting three times annually as a group for the Trustees to inform and consult on strategy and activities.
New Council members elected at the AGM are: Alan MacMillan WS, Burness Paull; Donna Reynolds WS, Blackadders; Katrina Lumsdaine WS, Anderson Strathern; Kelly Hardman WS, Fragomen; and Zoe Hamilton WS, Lloyds Banking. Signet Post will profile the new Council members next month.