Aberdeen Law Project adds to board with new members

The student-run Aberdeen Law Project has appointed four senior figures to its board.

Judith Aldersey-Williams, an energy partner with CMS, Aberdeen University graduate and former principal advocate depute Dorothy Bain QC, Keith Napier, who retired last year as a partner of Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace, and Ian Taggart, who held a teaching fellowship at the university for a period after retiring from Grampian Police and remains an honorary lecturer there, have all joined the board. Professor Margaret Ross has stood down to take up the position of patron.
 
Ryan Whelan, an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and now the elected successor to Professor Ross as chair of the board, commented: “I am very pleased to welcome Judith, Dorothy, Keith and Ian to the board. It is undoubtedly testament to the impressive work of ALP’s talented student body that such eminent lawyers are willing to make time to support this project and its work.  

“With many in the city and shire feeling the adverse effects of the oil industry downturn, and the services of ALP being increasingly called upon, this support could not come at a better time. I know the students, as they work ever harder for the community, are buoyed that Judith, Dorothy, Keith and Ian have joined the team. Their appointment is a real coup and will be of great benefit to all involved with ALP, not least the deserving individuals, groups and communities that we serve.”
 
On Professor Margaret Ross becoming a patron, he added: “Without Professor Ross there would never have been an Aberdeen Law Project. Margaret has tirelessly championed, encouraged and supported ALP from day one. ALP will forever be in Margaret’s debt and we are thrilled that, on stepping down from the board, she has accepted our invitation to become a patron.”
 
Other patrons of ALP include Lord Hope of Craighead, Dame Hazel Genn, Lord (Nicol) Stephen and former Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC.