The Aberdeen Law Project (ALP) hosted its Annual Lecture on 21 March 2025 at the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College Conference Centre, welcoming Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, Advocate General for Scotland, as the esteemed guest speaker.

This year’s lecture centred around key themes of diversity and inclusion, the Rule of Law, and the importance of volunteer work. Baroness Smith delivered a thought-provoking address, drawing from her own experiences in law and public service.

Speaking on “The Rule of Law,” Baroness Smith underscored the vital need for the public to have access to legal information and support. She stressed the importance of ensuring that laws are “clear, concise, and accessible” to all, arguing that a well-informed society is essential to upholding the rule of law. She highlighted how access to justice and legal education empowers communities and strengthens the fabric of society. She praised The Aberdeen Law Project for our efforts in educating the wider community in law, highlighting our work with the younger generation in schools.

A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Baroness Smith shared her views on the need to reflect these principles within the legal profession and beyond. She discussed how diversity enriches the legal landscape, offering a broader range of perspectives and fostering effective representation for individuals from all backgrounds. While acknowledging progress, she urged the audience to continue striving for greater inclusivity, both within legal institutions and in society at large. The Baroness also praised the Aberdeen Law Project’s own commitment to diversity, noting the wide range of nationalities, backgrounds, and experiences represented among its members.

Addressing her personal journey, Baroness Smith spoke candidly about overcoming gender stereotypes throughout her career. She encouraged the next generation of lawyers to champion equality and mutual support, calling on them to create a legal profession that is more accepting, accessible, and fair for all.

Turning to the value of volunteering, the Baroness reflected on how legal clinics such as the Aberdeen Law Project can make a significant difference in people’s lives. She shared her own experiences volunteering in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2023, witnessing first-hand the profound impact of pro bono legal work. “The law can and should work for the public good,” she stated, highlighting the role of volunteer initiatives in bridging gaps in access to justice.

In closing, Baroness Smith commended the Aberdeen Law Project and its volunteers, emphasising how involvement in projects like ALP not only provides valuable legal skills but also broadens perspectives, connections, and horizons. She encouraged students and aspiring legal professionals to embrace volunteerism as a means to grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful contribution to society.

Soma Mehmood, Former Student Director, said “Each year the Annual Lecture brings together students and legal professionals for an insightful address by a prominent legal figure. This year, Baroness Smith’s speech exceeded all my expectations – it was inspiring, engaging and even humorous. I am immensely grateful to her for supporting the work we do at the Aberdeen Law Project and for delivering a message that truly left a lasting impact.”

Jonathan Blackwood, Student Director, said: It was an honour to welcome Baroness Smith of Cluny KC to deliver this year’s Annual Lecture. Her words resonated deeply with all of us at the Aberdeen Law Project, especially her reflections on diversity, access to justice, and the power of volunteering. Baroness Smith’s insights reaffirmed our goals and inspired us to achieve more in the coming year. On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank her for being so generous with her time and for her continued support of the Aberdeen Law Project and its volunteers.

Emma Naylor, Student Director said: “It was a pleasure attending this year’s Annual Lecture, particularly having played a role in its organisation. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Baroness Smith for joining us as our guest speaker. Her reflections on the Rule of Law – emphasising clarity, conciseness, and accessibility, and her experiences on the importance of inclusivity in the professional world were deeply inspiring. Her support for the Aberdeen Law Project’s commitment to empowering the local community felt like genuine recognition of the work we do. She will undoubtedly be a welcome face at future Law Project events.”

Charlotte Kimm, Administration Lead, said “This lecture was an incredible experience and opportunity that I would never have had access to without The Aberdeen Law Project. Hearing from such an empowering woman has opened my eyes to the possibilities my future career may have. The Baroness is an incredible role model who I will look up to and be forever grateful I got to speak with her personally, she even personally told me to go for being a Barrister!”

An awards ceremony followed Baroness Smith’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.

The Daniel McColgan Award – Megan McLennan

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 who has made the greatest individual contribution to the Aberdeen Law Project in the preceding twelve months

Megan McLennan received this award for her remarkable impact as the Project Lead for the Health and Addiction Awareness Project. In her time, she has run the additional addictions campaign to raise awareness of less-recognised addictions, additionally prepared a workshop to prepare secondary school pupils for university life.

The Casus Omissus Rising Star Award – Levana Starkey

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.

Levana Starkey received this award for her drive, determination, and perseverance within the Representation Team. Since becoming an Advisor, she secured a four-figure settlement in an impressively short timeframe.

The University of Aberdeen School of Law Award for Excellence in Advocacy – Samantha Tapak

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.

Samantha Tapak received this award for her her unwavering commitment to securing the best outcomes for clients. She has made a series of representations to the Scottish Social Services Council on behalf of a client facing allegations of misconduct. The result being that the allegations were dismissed with no sanctions imposed. Throughout the case she ensured the client was comfortable, well prepared, and confident, despite the stakes involved.

The Womble Bond Dickinson Award for Enterprise and Innovation – Cameron Blair

Womble Bond Dickinson is 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

Cameron Blair received this award for demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation for the Schools Initiatives. Now as Assistant Director he has pushed the boundaries by introducing the Youth Crime Prevention Project, and encouraged collaborations between Schools and Communities.

The CMS Award for Project of the Year – Mock Trials

“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.

Mock Trials received this award for their notable successes this year. They have engaged with 150 school pupils in Aberdeenshire, consistently receiving exceptional feedback on their workshops. Additionally, they are collaborating with Police Scotland to achieve justice for the most disadvantaged pupils.

The St Ivo Award for Outstanding Contribution – Freya Stephen

The St. Ivo Award is sponsored by Ryan Whelan, the founder of the Aberdeen Law Project. Working as an advocate in the 13th century, St. Ivo was well known for his dedication to pro bono work on behalf of the poor and oppressed. A man of honesty, integrity and principle, St. Ivo is to this day revered as a model of justice, charity, and compassion, and widely venerated as the patron saint of lawyers and abandoned children. Noting St. Ivo’s sustained dedication to affecting change for those less fortunate, the St. Ivo award is bestowed upon an ALP student who has made a truly outstanding contribution to the project and access to justice over several years.

Freya Stephen received this award for her exceptional dedication and the difference she has made in her role as Director of Representation. Under her leadership, the Representation Team launched their advice note service to help the Project leach a wider ranger of clients. Additionally, Freya has created leadership opportunities within the Research Team, and fostered a culture of personal and professional growth.

The Aberdeen Law Project extends its gratitude to Baroness Smith for her attendance and insights, which have inspired our ongoing endeavours. Her endorsement serves as a testament to our commitment to advancing access to justice and fostering positive change within our communities.

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