Lady Anwar’s talent, hard work and determination continues to inspire the next generation of lawyers

The Royal Faculty has paid tribute to former Sheriff Principal Lady Anwar as she begins her new role as a Senator with the College of Justice.

Lady Anwar was appointed as a part-time sheriff in 2011 and as a sheriff at Glasgow Sheriff Court in 2014 where she was a designated family law and commercial law sheriff. 

Since then, she has been instrumental in working with Royal Faculty members to listen to their “concerns and suggestions”, while embracing change within the court system.  As Sheriff Principal, Lady Anwar led many notable improvements including:

·        The use of laptops in cells and digital recording in all court rooms

·        The introduction of Summary Case Management

·        The appointment of specialist sheriffs in family/AWI/crime/referrals

·        The introduction of an AWI checklist, leading to an all-Scotland Practice Note

·        The creation of a civil court liaison group.

Lady Anwar, who was awarded honorary membership of the Royal Faculty last year, has praised the collaboration from members, saying their “assistance, willingness to work collaboratively and their ability to embrace change has been impressive”.

Lady Anwar was appointed Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin and President of the Sheriff Appeal Court in 2023, a Temporary Judge in 2024 and Honorary King’s Counsel in 2024.

She co-authored the Civil Bench Book for Sheriffs on behalf of the Judicial Institute and is a contributor to the 4th edition of Macphail on Sheriff Court Practice.

Royal Faculty Dean John Bett has paid tribute to Lady Anwar, saying:

“Lady Anwar demonstrated, both as Sheriff Principal and in leading the Sheriff Appeal Court, not just sound, legal judgment, but also an ability to connect with people and navigate the demands of judicial leadership.

“Valuable skills which, I’m sure, will stand Lady Anwar in good stead for her new role.”

Lady Anwar has acted as inspiration to many in the profession having qualified as a solicitor in 2000. From 2009 to 2012 she became a partner and head of litigation for Scotland in a global law firm before going on to become a Sheriff Principal, President of the Sheriff Appeal Court and a Temporary Judge.

John Bett added:

“Lady Anwar’s elevation to Senator is clearly well deserved.  She has overcome challenges that many of us will never fully appreciate, never mind experience. In doing so, she has shown a new generation of lawyers just how far talent, hard work and determination can take them in Scotland’s modern judiciary. 

“As an honorary member of the Royal Faculty, Lady Anwar will always be welcome at Nelson Mandela Place. Given she has kindly agreed to speak at our Biennial Dinner next year, we certainly look forward to welcoming her back then, if not before.

“As Dean of the Royal Faculty, I would like to put on record my thanks, both personally, and on behalf of our members, for Lady Anwar’s engagement, support and all that she has delivered during her time in Glasgow.

“I also wish her every success as she embarks on the next chapter of what is already a remarkable judicial career.”

The Biennial Dinner 2027 is on Friday 19th March at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. Anyone wishing to attend should email library@rfpg.org for further information.