The Aberdeen Law Project held its Annual Lecture on 31 March 2023 at the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College with Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court, as guest speaker.

The event was well attended both in-person and online and marked the Project’s 14th anniversary. It provided an opportunity to discuss access to justice, raise awareness, inspire people to get involved and to highlight the difference volunteers can make for people in their local communities.

Lord Reed’s address on “Success in the Law” focused on the different paths those in the profession take to get there, its members having varied experiences and the value of diversity. He also spoke on the importance of pro bono and the part it could play in helping to define what success in the law meant to future lawyers.

A short awards ceremony led by Anna Robertson, Chair of the Board, was held after Lord Reed’s address at which the Daniel McColgan Award; the Casus Omissus Rising Star Award; the St Ivo Award for Outstanding Contribution; the University of Aberdeen School of Law Award for Excellence in Advocacy; the Womble Bond Dickinson Award for Enterprise and Innovation; and the CMS Award for Project of the Year were presented to this year’s award winners.

Anna Robertson, Chair of the Board, said: “Lord Reed said of ALP that he is ‘filled with admiration for the passion and dedication of the students involved.’ It’s testament to this that he made the time to travel to Aberdeen and address the students. ALP really is a special organisation, and I’m extremely proud of the team and what they achieve year on year for the people of North East Scotland.”

James Grainger, Co-student Director, said: “It was fascinating to learn of Lord Reed’s journey into the law and particularly of the things he did as a student. His emphasis on the importance of different experiences and the value of diversity was poignant and demonstrated how well equipped law students are to help make a difference in communities. There was a lot to take away from the event, which will no doubt have inspired our members to continue in their efforts to close the access to justice gap in the North East.”

Hope Laing, Project Member, said: “I am immensely proud to be part of such a meaningful cause and work alongside my peers who are all working hard to make legal knowledge and provision in the North East a little better every day.

Award winners

The Daniel McColgan Award – Megan Humphries

Ryan Whelan, Founder and Patron of the Aberdeen Law Project, personally sponsors this award, which takes its name from his late grandfather, Daniel McColgan. Ryan, like his grandfather before him, believes passionately that public service and community are of utmost importance. This award is therefore bestowed annually upon the student that has made the greatest individual contribution to the Aberdeen Law Project in the preceding twelve months.

Megan Humphries received the Daniel McColgan Award for her outstanding contribution to the Project in her position as Assistant Director.

The Casus Omissus Rising Star Award - Hope Laing

This award is sponsored by the Aberdeen Law Project’s Chair of the Board, Anna Robertson, who is a former Student Director and has closely worked with and supported the Project throughout the years. It is presented to an individual in their 1st or 2nd year of law within the Aberdeen Law Project who has gone above and beyond their remit and who has shown exceptional drive, determination and perseverance to help bridge the justice gap in our society.

Hope Laing, who only joined the project earlier this year, received the Casus Omissus Rising Star Award for the contributions she has made to the Schools team.

The St Ivo Award for Outstanding Contribution – Nicola Dempsey

Ryan Whelan, Founder and Patron of the Aberdeen Law Project, personally sponsors this award. It is bestowed on the student who has made an outstanding contribution to the Project over a number of years.

Nicola Dempsey received the St Ivo Award for the outstanding contributions she has made over her four years at the Aberdeen Law Project.

The University of Aberdeen School of Law Award for Excellence in Advocacy – Natalia Lastowska

In honour of its close working relationship with the Aberdeen Law Project, the School of Law is delighted to sponsor this Award for Excellence in Advocacy. The student judged to have excelled most in representation during the last academic year will be recognised. Both case management and advocacy skills are assessed when selecting the recipient of this award.

Natalia Lastowska received the University of Aberdeen School of Law Award for Excellence in advocacy for her diligence in a long-running Scottish Social Services Council case.

The Womble Bond Dickinson Award for Enterprise and Innovation – Symone Strath

Womble Bond Dickinson are proud to sponsor the innovative work of the Aberdeen Law Project particularly in recognising and responding to the community's needs. This award is bestowed upon the individual who has particularly stood out in their work showing inventive approaches to a changing environment.

Symone Strath received the Womble Bond Dickinson Award for Enterprise and Innovation for her creative approach to creating new community outreach materials.

The CMS Award for Project of the Year – Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Team (HART)

“Social background should not be a bar to opportunity.” CMS believe in an opportunity to contribute to the development of future generations. CMS help children develop their reading and numeracy skills, mentor older students and provide work experience. Social mobility requires action. CMS are proud to sponsor the exceptional work of the Aberdeen Law Project, particularly within their educational and community outreach projects.

The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Team received the CMS Award for Project of the Year for all their work on the Project’s Outfit Like scheme, an initiative which provides homeless people with formal clothes to wear for job interviews.

ALP is grateful for continuing financial support from the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.