Statement on retirement announcement of Scotland’s Lord Justice Clerk

The Lord Justice Clerk, Lady Dorrian, has written to the Law Society of Scotland to advise of her intention to retire in early 2025.

Lady Dorrian became a temporary judge in 2002 before being permanently appointed to Scotland’s Supreme Courts in 2005. She has been the Scottish judiciary’s second most senior member since her appointment as Lord Justice Clerk in 2016.

Lady Dorrian’s retirement will come into effect from 3 February 2025, the same date that Scotland’s most senior judge Lord Carloway has previously indicated that he will be stepping down.

Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray said: “On behalf of the solicitor profession, I would like to wish Lady Dorrian our very best wishes for her forthcoming retirement, although I have little doubt that she will continue to make a highly valuable contribution to the legal sector in Scotland for many years to come.

“Becoming the first woman to hold the office of Lord Justice Clerk was the culmination of an already impressive and very distinguished legal career.

“Lady Dorrian has also been a great friend of the Law Society, and we have always been grateful for the time she has generously set aside to share her knowledge and inspire future generations.

“This announcement combined with the impending retirement of the Lord President means 2025 will be a year of significant change for Scotland’s justice system. I look forward to working with Lord Carloway and Lady Dorrian’s successors when they are named in due course.”