Edinburgh Law School alumna Lady Rae recognised in King’s 2026 New Year Honours
Tue 13 January 2026
Edinburgh Law School alumna Lady Rae has been appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in His Majesty the King’s 2026 New Year Honours, in recognition of her services to law, charity, and education in Scotland.
Lady Rae graduated from Edinburgh Law School with an LLB in 1972, before beginning her legal career at the firm Ross Harper and Murphy. She became a partner at the age of just 27. In 1982, she was called to the bar, becoming one of only 13 female advocates in Scotland at the time.
She has spoken of being inspired by her grandfather, a noted advocate and anti-fascist in Naples during the rise of Mussolini.
In 2021, Lady Rae made history as the first female Rector of the University of Glasgow.
Edinburgh Law School extends its warmest congratulations to Lady Rae on this well-deserved honour.