A Law Professor at the University of Strathclyde has been appointed as an Honorary King’s Counsel (KC), in recognition of an outstanding career spanning more than 40 years.  

Emeritus Professor Alan Paterson OBE is one of five new Honorary KCs appointed by HM The King on the recommendation of the First Minister, who seeks nominations from the Lord Justice General. These are the first appointments of Honorary King’s or Queen’s Counsel in Scotland.

Professor Paterson joined Strathclyde in 1984 and was head of the University’s Law School for six years. His research focuses on the judiciary, access to justice, professional ethics and the legal profession.

Professor Paterson said:

All academics strive to improve the future of the law and the legal profession – it is a real honour to be recognised in this way.

Professor Paterson is currently Chair of the International Legal Aid Group, a network of policymakers and leading researchers in more than 35 countries. He is also chair of the Legal Services Group of Citizens Advice Scotland and a special adviser to the Scottish Legal Aid Board and the Law Society of Scotland.

Professor Paterson has acted as an adviser to governments and policymakers in a wide range of countries, currently serves on the Law Society’s Regulatory Committee and formerly served on the Judicial Appointments Board, the Council of the Law Society, and the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.

In 2009, Professor Paterson was appointed an OBE, for services to legal education and to law.

Honorary King’s Counsel is an award unique to the legal profession. It recognises those in the profession who have made a major contribution to the law of Scotland or the legal profession and how it is advanced, outwith practice as an advocate or solicitor advocate.