Glasgow lawyer John Bett appointed Dean of legal faculty

Glasgow Times

20-06-2025

John Bett was appointed Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators at a special ceremony.
The organisation, which dates back to the 1600s, is one of Scotland's most historic professional membership bodies and a significant part of the city's legal and civic structure.
Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar, centre, and Stephen Vallance, second right, receiving their honorary memberships of The Royal Faculty of Procurators (Image: Supplied) The Dean is the face of the organisation, representing it at key community and legal events, and working with its ruling council and chief executive to oversee its broad work.
Mr Bett will hold the post for the next two years.
Read more:
Calls made for safety cameras to be installed on road after 'heartbreaking' tragedy
Have you seen her? Missing girl from Liverpool known to frequent Glasgow
Singer-songwriter James TW to perform candlelit concert at Glasgow venue
The new Dean's investiture took place at the Faculty's Nelson Mandela Place home, which contains one of Scotland's most extensive legal libraries.
Mr Bett, a partner and head of dispute resolution and litigation at Lindsays, has worked in the city throughout his 20-year career.
He said: "I am incredibly proud to be part of the Royal Faculty and the work that it does, so to become Dean is a huge honour.
John Bett (Image: Supplied) "I am very much looking forward to being in the role.
'This is an organisation which is a notable constant in the history of professional and civic life in Glasgow, playing a vital role in representing the interests of our legal community over hundreds of years.
'While it is steeped in history, as the law evolves, so too does the Faculty. It is ever-changing."
Mr Bett takes over from Stephen Vallance, who has been made an honorary member for his significant contribution.
Mr Vallance said: "It has been a true honour to have held the office of Dean of the RFPG over the last two years."
Craig Donnelly, a consumer and business litigation lawyer and director at Holmes Mackillop, will be the new vice-dean.
Aisha Anwar, sheriff principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin and president of the Sheriff Appeal Court, was granted honorary membership of the Royal Faculty for her continued contribution to the legal profession in Glasgow, West Central Scotland and throughout the country.
Mr Bett said: "Sheriff Principal Anwar is a significant figure in Scotland's legal community and a great supporter of the work our organisation does, not least by encouraging the new generation of solicitors through the Sheriff Principal's Mooting Competition, as well as supporting our seminar programme.
"It's a privilege for the Royal Faculty to recognise that with this well-deserved honorary membership.'
Eight new council members were also appointed.