Diversity & Inclusion
Profile: Amanda Millar T
he Law Society of Scotland’s current president, Amanda Millar, who took up her post in June this year, has never sought to fit a particular mould, remaining true to her values of empathy, inclusion and robust challenge. She has committed her legal career to ensuring that voices of the under-represented are heard and as the Society’s President, wants to recognise the importance of listening to and encouraging a diverse range of voices both within the profession and in the public they serve. Amanda was the first solicitor in Scotland accredited by the Law Society in both Mental Health Law and Incapacity & Mental Disability Law and has remained the only solicitor with this dual accreditation to practice outwith Glasgow and Edinburgh. When first seeking election as Law Society President, it was impossible to predict that the role would be defined by a global pandemic. However, her ambition to make a difference and to give something back to the profession during this exceptionally challenging time remains. The legal profession’s challenges have multiplied as a result of Covid-19. Adding to economic challenges faced by the profession, particularly around legal aid, and ongoing constitutional issues, many solicitors and of course their clients, have been hard hit by the effects of Coronavirus. However, despite the enormous challenges the pandemic has brought, one benefit has been the ability to engage with many more solicitors around the country and listen to their concerns via a series of online events in the early months of her presidency. Much of what she is hearing reflects the difficulties caused by the closure of the courts and drop of income many firms have experienced. As President, Amanda has been a strong advocate for the profession, playing an active role in discussions on restarting the courts following lockdown and dealing with the current backlog of cases. She is continuing the dialogue with government on the importance of legal aid in ensuring that anyone has the ability to uphold their legal rights – and making sure that there is a solid network of lawyers who can continue to afford to carry out this critical work. Most recently she has condemned inflammatory language used by government ministers about lawyers, saying that “Lawyers dedicate their skills, experience and professionalism to protect and uphold people’s legal and human rights, ensuring those rights apply equally to all. In doing so, they are upholding the rule of law, a cornerstone of our society and democracy. They must be able to carry out this fundamental role without fear of intimidation or restrictions to their independence or impartiality. Every person in a position of power should reflect carefully on the language they use and respect the role of the legal profession in maintaining a democratic and civil society.” She believes having a sustainable and viable legal profession that’s robust, well-regulated and upholds the independence 14 | LegalWomen
Amanda Millar of the rule of law, is a fundamental pillar of civil society. This includes thinking about diversity and inclusion and the wellbeing of those within the profession to help secure its long-term sustainability. In addition to improving gender equality, she supports ongoing work towards removing financial barriers facing young people from less advantaged backgrounds through the Lawscot Foundation charity. While admitting that there is still more to be done regarding diversity within the profession, significant progress has been made and Amanda takes a unique role to play in encouraging people from different backgrounds to consider a career in law. As a gay woman who in her early career, could not find a visible role model who embodied her own experiences or ambitions, Amanda is embracing the challenge to be the inclusive change she wants to see and provide that visibility and voice for others. Amanda was first elected to the Law Society Council in 2010 and has served on several its committees including the Client Protection Committee, Audit Committee, Professional Practice and Mental Health and Disability Sub-Committee. She was Convener of the Society’s Rules, Waivers and Guidance Sub-Committee until taking up the role of President. She remains a member of the LawscotTech Advisory Board. Amanda sits on the expert advisory group for the Centre for Mental Health and Incapacity Law Rights and Policy at Edinburgh Napier University. Outwith her legal practice, Amanda has been a past SCVO Policy Committee Member and previous board member then Chair of Mindspace Ltd, using her skills and experience to support organisations and policy discussions in the third sector. She was also the first non-executive Chair of Changing the Chemistry, which aims to increase diversity on all types of Boards, holding that post until September 2019. Amanda lives in Perthshire, with her wife Joyce and their dog Darcy, and when not leading the charge for the legal profession she enjoys cooking, eating and supporting Liverpool FC. ■
