Dr Gillian Black announced as Commissioner for Scottish Law Commission

Dr Gillian Black, Senior Lecturer in Family Law, has been announced as one of the Scottish Law Commission’s new Commissioners.

The appointment is for five years during which time Dr Black will work part time leading projects on surrogacy and damages for personal injury, whilst remaining as a part-time Senior Lecturer at the Law School.

Dr Black has been a lecturer at the Edinburgh Law School since 2005, and has teaching and research interests in family law, contract law, and privacy. On the subject of her appointment to the SLC, she said: "I am looking forward to taking up this role and contributing to the work of the Commission, especially in relation to surrogacy and damages for personal injury - these are both important areas of law which can have a critical impact on people's lives."

Also appointed at the same time was Mr David Bartos, a practising arbitrator and an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh.

Lady Paton, Chair of the SLC, said in a statement: “I congratulate David Bartos and Dr Gillian Black on their appointment as Commissioners. David Bartos will lead our project on leases and our joint project with the Law Commission of England and Wales on automated vehicles.  Dr Gillian Black will lead our joint project on surrogacy, and our project on damages for personal injury. It is vital for our society that the law on these matters is kept up to date and in tune with today’s values and beliefs, and that business and commerce can rely on a legal system that meets modern needs.”

The Scottish Law Commission was established in 1965 and offers the Government independent advice on law reform in order to “improve, simplify and update the law of Scotland”.