Seven individual views from seven independent lawyers in response to Walter Semple’s letter of resignation


Dear Walter

- You have done a Herculean job on Council in standing up for the principles that we all hold dear as independent Scottish solicitors; I am amazed that you were able to keep on going against the hostility, arrogance and complacency that now defines our 'leadership'. We all owe you a debt of gratitude in doing the right thing and never compromising your principles, as sadly others on Council have all too readily done.

- You are a deeply honourable man and an excellent lawyer. Your reasons for resignation are fully understandable, although a great loss to the profession.The real tragedy is that you were compelled by circumstance to act as you have. I extend my warmest thanks to you for all that you have done.

- Your resignation will be the profession's loss with no-one left on Council willing to challenge those who would seek to lead the Society. Your own efforts have been commendable, honourable and, at all times, principled.

- I echo the sentiments of my colleagues who have already responded to your letter. I witnessed the partisan attitudes on Council and the intolerance of those who did not accept the agenda of the (still) unconstitutional Board. I admire your tenacity and thank you for your efforts on Council.

- I am sorry that you will be leaving the Council of the Law Society because you are now virtually the only member of that Council in whom we can repose any trust. However, I am very glad for your own sake that you have at last, decided to lay down this burden. Your continuation on Council this past 2 years or so has been away beyond the call of duty and has been of great service to the profession and, although they are not likely to be aware, to the public also. You have towered above your colleagues on Council and your departure is their great loss.

- I fully understand your reasons for resigning. The tragedy is that with your departure the light of reasoned intelligence has gone out of the Council of the Law Society. There may yet be those within the executive of the LSS whose conscience prompts them to consider their own position and to follow your example. Thank you on behalf of the Scottish legal profession and of the public for all that you have done in their service.

- Couldn’t have expressed it better myself!

Paragraphs individually written by Mike Dailly, Gerry Sweeney, Paul Carnan, Catriona Walker and others. 13/12/2011