Shepherd and Wedderburn elects Joanna Boag-Thomson as Chair

Shepherd and Wedderburn has elected Joanna as its new Chair. Joanna succeeds Gillian Carty, who steps down after serving two successful consecutive terms as Chair.

Joanna joined Shepherd and Wedderburn as a partner in 2000 and is a highly experienced lawyer. Her practice spans intellectual property and information management with a particular focus on the life sciences and technology sectors.

Joanna is recognised as a Band 1 practitioner for Intellectual Property in Scotland in Chambers UK 2027 and has also been listed in The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for intellectual property.

In addition to her role as a partner in the firm, she brings significant external leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as Chair of Prosper (formerly the Scottish Council for Development and Industry) from 2021 to 2025.

Joanna said:

“It is a real privilege to have been elected Chair of Shepherd and Wedderburn. Over the past 26 years, I have seen the business evolve and grow considerably and I’m looking forward to contributing to the firm’s next chapter.

“Both society, and legal practice, are living through significant change. With a practice rooted in the technology sector, I have a particular interest in how we respond positively to this change and what it means for developing our business and the next generation of lawyers.

“I would like to thank Gillian as I take on the role of Chair. We are fundamentally a people business, and our people strategy has evolved significantly during her tenure to support colleagues’ development and progression.

“I look forward to working with Andrew Hall, the Board and colleagues across the firm, building on our client relationships and collaborative culture.”

Andrew Hall, Managing Partner at Shepherd and Wedderburn, said:

“I am delighted that Joanna has been elected Chair. We have worked closely together over the years, and I look forward to developing that working relationship as we continue to take the firm forward. I know colleagues and clients will join me in wishing her well in her new role.

“Joanna brings more than 20 years of external board experience, including chairing Prosper, alongside her existing role as a partner in the firm. She has also encouraged colleagues as they take the next steps in their careers with the firm.

“I would also like to thank Gillian for her significant contribution to the firm over two successful terms as Chair. I was especially grateful for her support as I took on the role of Managing Partner in May, and for the experience and perspective she brought during that transition.”

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