The WS Society has now revealed the high ranking members of Scottish society that will sit on the board of its new Accreditation scheme.
The Signet Accreditation will change the way lawyers work by providing the opportunity to achieve a level of qualification that has not existed in Scotland until now - by proving their practical expertise and client focus through assessment.
The external appointments join the lawyer members on the board to create a breadth of expertise and experience to supervise the scheme. The external appointees are:
ï The Rt Hon Lord Cullen of Whitekirk, retired Lord President of the Court of Session.
ï Jeremy Peat, National Trustee for Scotland, BBC & Director, David Hume Institute.
ï Malcolm Wood, General Counsel and Secretary, Standard Life.
ï Professor Kenneth Reid, Professor of Property Law, University of Edinburgh.
ï Kaliani Lyle, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Scotland.
ï Richard Henderson, Solicitor to the Scottish Executive, Office of the Solicitor to the Scottish Executive.
ï Professor David Rowley, Director of Education, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Head of Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Dundee.

Speaking about the appointments, the WS Society\'s Chief Executive Robert Pirrie, said: “The Signet Accreditation scheme is set to revolutionise the way lawyers are recognised, through rigorous assessment of their technical knowledge, client skills and ethical integrity. The appointment of this board is a key milestone. We have drawn together some of the sharpest legal and commercial brains in Scotland who will influence the way the scheme works and succeeds.”
The objectives of The Signet Accreditation are to encourage lawyers in lifelong learning and professional development; to promote improved standards of service; and to assist clients in recognising lawyers and law firms with specialist advisory skills.
The scheme has already been welcomed by leading Scottish firms. David Hardie, a partner of with responsibility for the strategic development of Dundas & Wilson’s knowledge and learning programme, commented: “Younger lawyers are increasingly aware of the need to develop their careers through training and development. This scheme offers them the opportunity of recognition from an independent and highly respected source. The board is testament to the scheme’s credibility and the WS Society will benefit from the breadth of expertise the board represents.”
Internationally, the scheme is being recognised as breaking new ground and has already been adopted for a pilot in one US state.