The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dundee lawyer fought back from stroke to win top industry award
A Dundee-based partner at Blackadders LLP who successfully overcame a stroke has received the country’s top individual law accolade.
A year after the family of Simon Allison was told he had a 50% chance of surviving, the head of Blackadders’ employment law team was recognised as Lawyer of the Year at the Scott + Co Scottish Legal Awards.
The panel highlighted Simon overcoming the “most challenging of years” in selecting him.
They also praised his leadership, significant progress and awareness in employment team.
After taking ill in January last year, doctors warned it was possible he would never return to work. Nevertheless, by April he was back meeting clients and in May he directed and pre-cognosed important clients in relation to a high-profile and complex tribunal claim.
In August, he walked 26 miles for the Kilt Walk and raised more than £9,000 for the Stroke Association.
He said: “I am very humbled to have won the award.
“I would like to dedicate this award to the team for all the support and assistance which they have given me in the past 12 months.”
Scott & Co Scottish Legal Awards judging panel praised Simon’s achievements, saying he was “a motivational leader, a humble lawyer and an innovator that has gained the respect of staff and clients alike.”