Member Spotlight on Zoe Hamilton

Zoe Hamilton WS, in-house corporate lawyer at Lloyds Banking Group, has recently joined the WS Society.

Sarah Leask recently sat down with Zoe to find out about her path to law, career highlights and what her first impressions are of the WS Society.

1. What/who made you consider law as a career?

Like many who end up in the law, I was better at Arts subjects at school than maths and science (failing a test on wiring a plug in Secondary Three was a particular low point). My parents didn’t go to university and there aren’t any lawyers in the family. I was aware that a friend a couple of years above me at school (the screenwriter Nicole Taylor) was going to read law, and that piqued my interest. In 1999 the only access I had to information about universities was prospectuses in the school library – and what I read about studying law really appealed to me aged 16.

2. Tell us about your path to Corporate Law?

I studied at the Edinburgh Law School – I did a summer placement at Dickson Minto W.S. aged 20 and was offered a traineeship in corporate law. I then spent seven happy years in the Corporate team at the Edinburgh office of Dundas & Wilson CS LLP, and I’ve now been an in-house corporate lawyer at Lloyds Banking Group for ten years, which have gone by incredibly quickly.

3. Please tell us about career highlights, to date.

I’ve been very fortunate to have worked on some fascinating projects and transactions, both in private practice and as an in-house lawyer. My career at the bank has spanned significant changes in banking and I’ve worked on matters like the Brexit-driven transfer of our Dutch and German businesses into our new German bank, and more recently, on the creation of a new industry-owned company protecting access to cash within the UK.

4. You have recently joined the WS Society. How did you hear about the WS Society and why did you become a member?

As I trained at Dickson Minto W.S. (and took the Professional Competence Course with the WS Society back in 2006), I’ve always been aware of it, but hadn’t really considered being a member until quite recently, when I read that my old friend Chris Nicholson WS was now one of the Society’s council members, and I’ve moved office location to The Mound, just round the corner from the Signet Library. Now that I’m based nearby, being able to use the library resources was very appealing. I wish I had thought about it sooner – Lady Elish, Dr Pirrie, Sophie, Sarah and the whole team have been so welcoming.

5. What would you say to any lawyer considering the WS membership?

I regret not joining earlier – there is a very well-resourced library for practitioners, and members have access to both the facility of the library and the community of the Society. It is an honour to be part of this society with hundreds of years of heritage, and to help maintain and develop it for future generations. Whatever stage of your legal career you are at, there is something for you at the WS Society.

Employee Spotlight on Sandra Morel

Sandra Morel has been the Front of House and now Membership Associate since 2019. She is the first person visitors to the Signet Library will be welcomed by and has supported many events over the years.

Here she talks to Sarah Leask about her time at the WS Society, highlights and shares memorable moments.

Most visitors will be greeted by you, when visiting the Signet Library. Tell us about your role as Front of House and now Membership Associate.

I manage a variety of tasks including welcoming members and visitors, booking meeting rooms, handling subscription payment over the phone, and overseeing administrative tasks related to CPD bookings. I also provide support to Sarah Leask with new membership applications and enquiries. Since the Signet Library is just off the Royal Mile, I often provide assistance to tourists who are interested in the history of the building.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

I gain satisfaction from the events that WS puts on, such as the Annual WS Dinner and a memorable occasion was Secretary John Kerry’s phenomenal address on the Climate Crisis in 2023.

The variety of events, from corporate gatherings to weddings, showcases the Signet Library in diverse ways, highlighting its versatility and beauty. The WS Society team demonstrates remarkable flexibility and adaptability, skilfully managing a diverse array of events, from high-profile Royal visits to engaging Mock Court Sessions, ensuring each occasion is executed seamlessly and meets the unique needs of participants.

You joined the WS Society in 2019, please share some memorable highlights?

Witnessing the organisation required for the Royal family’s event was fascinating. And what a memorable moment when the security guard of the King asked for a glass of water for His Majesty, while attending an event at Parliament Hall!

The Signet Library and the WS Society supports events arranged at St Giles Cathedral such as the St Andrewstide Service and the Thistle Service. The Signet Library is often used for robing and crowd holding and this is an opportunity to see members of the WS Society walk alongside the Knights of the Order of the Thistle and other distinguished offices including Senators from the College of Justice.

Member Spotlight on Jennifer Skeoch

This month’s Member Spotlight features a member of the WS Society, Jennifer Skeoch.

We asked Jennifer about her inspirations to pursue law as a career, law in employment and discrimination law, career highlights and how the WS Society has impacted her career.

1. What/who made you consider law as a career?

Now this will date me, but I have to be completely honest and say that watching Ally McBeal and Legally Blonde contributed to my decision to pursue a career in law! I’m still waiting for the glamourous part to kick in! In all seriousness, I didn’t know anyone who already worked in the profession, so it was quite an abstract concept for me. My grandpa – who was an incredibly wise and special person – told me that he had wanted to study law when he returned from serving in the Second World War, but his father told him he needed to get a proper job(!) so he didn’t get the chance. He suggested it would be a good career path for me because he thought I was analytical and he rated Edinburgh as the best University in the world, so I took his advice and never looked back.

2. What attracted you to employment and discrimination law ?

I had a very well-rounded traineeship but as soon as I was exposed to employment and discrimination law I was completely hooked. I absolutely love the blend of people issues with some really challenging (and constantly evolving) legal frameworks. Knowing the law is the baseline for advising on employment and discrimination issues; the true experts overlay that knowledge with insight and experience of how people interact with each other at work, what matters to them and how issues can be resolved successfully. This added dimension makes it a unique and often highly charged practice area – something which keeps me engaged and on my toes constantly.

3. Please tell us about career highlights, so far.

I have two anchors when it comes to work: my team and our clients – it might sound cheesy but all of my highlights revolve around them.

Ever since I started in my team as a newly qualified solicitor, I have been trusted with some incredibly challenging and rewarding work, and supported to reach my potential. One of the biggest professional highlights for me was being promoted to partner in a team and firm that has invested so much in my development (and I still have a voicemail from my grandpa telling me how proud of me he was when that happened, something I’ll always treasure). This platform has then allowed me to contribute to bringing on our next generation of lawyers and this makes me so happy and proud – they’re genuinely brilliant people and such talented professionals.

From a client perspective, an ongoing highlight for me is the longevity and meaningfulness of the relationships I have. The level of trust placed in us by our clients was never more pronounced than during COVID, when - overnight - employment lawyers were needed to advise on completely surreal and uncharted legal territory. I have to say our team refuse to use the “f” word (too many bad memories of late nights and badly drafted non-statutory guidance), but that intense period of advising clients who were all handling their own crises really did cement our status as trusted advisers. We often reflect with clients that if we could all get through that time together, we can handle anything.

4. How did you first come to hear about the WS Society and what made you want to become a member?

I first encountered the WS Society when I was at University and attended a number of conferences after that, including the specialist employment and discrimination law conference. I became a WS member on the recommendation of Mandy Laurie WS – our current Deputy Keeper – who spoke about the WS Society with such enthusiasm and positivity that I immediately wanted to be part of it.

5. In what way has the WS Society played a role in your career?

Being a WS has contributed immeasurably to my development – both in terms of the professional opportunities it has generated and from a personal perspective. I feel really strongly that the WS Society provides a platform for lawyers to engage with each other and share insight in a unique way. We all leave our “day jobs” at the door and the focus is always on sharing knowledge and experience, helping each other to develop our skills and grow our networks, and honouring the integrity of our profession.

I have learned so much from the members of the WS Society and in particular would like to highlight the amazing Malcolm Mackay WS who is a legend in the employment law world, a wonderful mentor to me and a true gentleman.

The WS Society’s charitable objectives add such a valuable dimension to membership and this is something which makes the Society uniquely placed to make a real difference.

6. As a Trustee of the WS Society, what would you say to any lawyer considering WS membership?

I cannot overstate how rewarding and positive membership of the WS is for lawyers! What I would say to people considering membership is: be curious – set up a call or in person chat with a trustee or member of the WS to find out more, and ask the questions that are on your mind. If you’re someone who wants to grow your network beyond your own practice area or firm/organisation and you have a passion for making a wider contribution to the profession and our communities, then I can guarantee you the WS Society is for you!

On a personal level, it would be remiss of me not to mention that I got married at the Signet Library in 2022 and it was the best day of my life! Not only did I feel so relaxed and “at home”, but being a WS I got some personalised merchandise curated by the Society’s Chief Executive, Dr Robert Pirrie – now if that’s not an enticing benefit of membership then I don’t know what is!

Employee Spotlight on Sarah Leask

This month’s Employee Spotlight features Sarah Leask, Director Membership and Engagement. Sarah re-joined the team in February in a new role. She talks about her role and what the WS Society membership offers. 

You joined in February 2024, what attracted you to work at the WS Society?

Not many people will know this, or realise, but I actually worked for the WS Society many years ago. Although the building remains the same, as does the history of the Society, a great deal has changed.

Since leaving university, I have worked in many roles, all have been customer centric and focused on enriching customer relationships and experiences. My role at the Society of Director, Membership and Engagement utilises my experience of working with professional service accounts during my recruitment career, along with my background of working with and supporting charities. I sincerely believe that building meaningful working relationships with integrity and respect is essential and translates universally.

Something I am passionate about, hopefully everyone is, is equality, diversity and inclusion. We need to ensure that all lawyers who want to become members of the WS Society have the opportunity and access to do so. Once admitted as a member, I hope all members will have a sense of belonging and identification with the Society and fellow members. This sense of community is what I want to build on and use as a significant part of the attraction to joining the Society.

So far, what have been your highlights whilst working for the WS Society?

I have had a busy first (nearly) year, with lots of highlights. I have been so impressed by all the work that goes on behind the scenes to produce the events at the Signet Library. It was really fascinating to work with all my colleagues to support the hosting of the Scottish Global Dialogues Lecture with Martin Griffiths OBE and First Minister John Swinney MSP. Recently it was our Annual Dinner and, again, it was a privilege to work with the executive team and Heritage Portfolio to produce such an exquisite event.

The Diet of Admission ceremonies that we host for our new members are wonderful events, rich in history and tradition. We do offer the option to swear the oath online, albeit that is a more functional experience and I recommend the magic of the in person version.

A new membership benefit which we have introduced, since I joined the Society, is our Special Interest Groups (SIGs). It’s so important that we support our members and offer the opportunity for them to meet one another and share their interests, knowledge, learnings and wisdom. The SIGs have just launched and are proving popular. We hope to grow this initiative, with the support of our members. Seeing the SIGs go from concept to completion has been a real highlight.

We also launched the Spotlight feature and here I am!

Tell us some facts about the WS Society membership benefits, that people might not know

Members are free to work in the West Library by prior arrangement with our Research Principal, James Hamilton. James is on hand in the West Library to provide research support. To have James on hand, with his knowledge and expertise, is an incredible benefit in itself and to have this work space available, in such splendid surroundings, is an added bonus! For members requiring a private space for a meeting or to work, the Commissioners’ Room, Minto Room or Napier Room are available to book. Members of the WS Society are eligible for up to three hours of meeting room hire free of charge per week. There are discounted rates for our much acclaimed CPD events, and members receive a 50% discount on venue hire rates and a 15% discount for Colonnades.

As mentioned, we have introduced Special Interest Groups. This is already proving to be a popular benefit and we want to make this a core privilege of being a member, having access to these group meetings. It’s a great way to meet other members — students, affiliates, associates working and retired WS — where everyone has a perspective and can contribute. We need our members to take the initiative to establish more SIGs, whether it’s in their practice area or sector, or whether it’s an interest outside the law. Meetings can be organised online on Zoom to allow everyone access regardless of location, and the Signet Library is always available as a special venue for an in person meeting from time to time, when suits. Often the library will be able to contribute something relevant to the discussion from its collections in law, literature, history and culture. SIG meetings are open to all members, regardless of qualification or level of knowledge.

The SIGs are by members for members with the Society as the organising nexus. I urge any member with an idea or desire for a SIG to get in touch with me, please. I will make it happen!

Contact

Sarah can be contacted at sleask@wssociety.co.uk.

Spotlight on Thomas Murdock WS

We are delighted to introduce our new feature, Spotlight. Spotlight will showcase WS members and WS employees.

Our first member is Thomas Murdock WS. Thomas is Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel EMEA at Blue Yonder and a WS Council member. We asked Thomas about law as a career, law in commercial tech and what being a member of the WS Society means to him.

What/who made you consider law as a career?

I actually moved into a graduate LLB after studying music at undergrad level, and my plan was to find a way of combining these two interests. But when I qualified in 2012 there wasn’t a great deal of opportunity for a Scots lawyer without the right connections to move into media law, plus there wasn’t really a media law presence in Scotland at that time. I took an NQ job at a venture capital plc specialising in tech startups in a very commercial role crossing business, tech and law, and the rest is history.

Law wasn’t actually my first choice of career, more of a pragmatic solution, and I don’t think it’ll be my only career. I’m really excited about portfolio careers, the agility and portability of skills in the workplace now and in the future. I think it’s fair to say that the legal profession was brought hesitantly into the 21st century and I think necessity will dictate that traditional roles will give way to something more dynamic, as the commercial landscape changes and integrated AI solutions become an accepted norm. Change is the only constant, and I’m excited about what the future holds.

What attracted you to work in commercial tech?

Something I came to realise as I got older was that I have a short attention span and can get bored easily, so moving into a dynamic area like tech made sense, since the landscape is constantly evolving. I also knew I was unsuited to private practice – the suit and tie, time-served, deferential thing just didn’t click with me. Tech companies seemed to have a more youthful, diverse, meritocratic outlook and so I fitted in much better with my growth/ disruptive mindset, particularly working in-house viewing everything through a commercial lens. For me, Tech was the antidote to what I’d experienced in private practice, and felt full of opportunity.

Tell us about your role and what a typical week looks like, for you?

I’m one of the three regional heads of legal in a global tech business with 7,000+ employees, so anything and everything can (and does) hit my desk within my EMEA purview. My team primarily focus on revenue transactions, negotiating complex and high value deals, but Blue Yonder is in a transformative period and so there’s no shortage of strategic projects to work on, like acquisitions, integration, go-to-market planning, training, and the usual in-house lawyer staple of implementing process (especially using tech) to grow and scale. I also look after EMEA housekeeping items like HR escalations, bricks and mortar management, and working with our global Privacy and Compliance leads to navigate and cascade EMEA-specific considerations amongst my team and the business.

How did you first come to hear about the WS Society and what made you want to become a member?

I first came to hear of the WS Society as a child, seeing ‘WS’ on law firm letterheads and wondering what it meant. Fast-forward to my traineeship and I remember discussing with one of the Edinburgh-based partners, who was a WS, about the Society and what it meant to them. Being a relative outsider, becoming a WS did feel something unattainable and like ‘part of the establishment’, but that posed an instant challenge and becoming a member was intriguing to me.

“My WS membership has extended my professional network, and provides a sense of belonging to a heritage where law, history, and culture interconnect and inform.”

After nearly 10 years of membership, in November 2023 I also became one of the WS Council members. The Council has an important consultative function in providing the Society’s Trustees with feedback on the Society’s activities, in pursuit of our charitable objects and providing subscriber engagement.

Being able to bring my experience to the table at the WS Society, both as a member and Council member, felt important to me. I’m an out gay man, and although that does not define me, being my authentic self has not always been easy in the workplace. Having experienced rejection, prejudice and both conscious and unconscious bias in my career, I’ve tried to take every opportunity to represent and advocate for diversity and inclusion within the roles that I’ve had, both employed and voluntary. I’ve found the WS Society to be open, inquisitive, inclusive and evolving to be fit for purpose now and in future.

In what way has the WS Society played a role in your career?

The WS Society offers professional, social and networking opportunities, both in Edinburgh and remotely, and has reconnected me with past colleagues. There’s also an excellent CPD programme, the extensive library itself – which can also be used as a great place for quiet working – and a variety of events throughout the year, for example when Senator John Kerry came to present last summer.

I’ve worked with a number of US and international tech companies since qualifying, and made some assertive career moves. Being a ‘WS’ has prompted questions and raised the profile of my Scots Law background amongst hiring managers, started interesting discussions and set me apart from other candidates. When potential employers understand more about the WS Society and the role it plays within the Legal profession in Scotland, it’s been seen as a positive differentiator.

What would you say to any lawyer considering WS membership?

My WS membership has extended my professional network, and provides a sense of belonging to a heritage where law, history, and culture interconnect and inform. The WS Society has changed a lot over the years and will continue to evolve, with a real focus on increasing diversity. In doing this, we hope to achieve a sense of belonging for our members. It’s crucial that we continue to attract and embrace lawyers with diversity of background, beliefs and journeys into law, and so I’d encourage anyone interested to visit the website or social media to find out more, and take the plunge.

If you would like to feature in a future Member Spotlight please contact Sarah Leask, Director, Engagement and Membership (sleask@wssociety.co.uk).