The School of Law extends its congratulations to Sir Ian Forrester and Lady Rita Rae, who have both been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list.

Sir Ian received a knighthood in recognition of his lifetime contribution to international legal practice, writing and teaching in law, supporting and actively providing pro bono legal practice, Franco-British legal relations and other charitable work.

Lady Rae was awarded a CBE for services to the Law, to Charity and to Education in Scotland.

Sir Ian Forrester KC

Sir Ian Forrester KC graduated from the University of Glasgow (MA 1965, LLB 1967) before completing a Masters in Comparative Law at Tulane University in 1969. Following a distinguished career in legal practice most recently as a partner with White & Case in Brussels, he was appointed as the United Kingdom’s judge at the General Court of the European Union in 2015, where he served until stepping down in January 2020.

He was previously an Honorary Professor in the School of Law, where he frequently taught competition law to students, and was awarded the degree of LLD by the University in 2009.

Lady Rita Rae KC

Lady Rita Rae KC graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1972 before becoming a solicitor in 1974. She joined the Faculty of Advocates in 1982 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992. Lady Rae served in a number of roles before being appointed as a Senator of the College of Justice in Scotland in 2014, becoming an Upper Tribunal Judge in 2017. She retired in 2020.

Lady Rae has long-standing connections to the School of Law, including as a member of the Diploma programme’s ‘Legal 40’ student mentoring scheme. She graduated with an honorary LLD from the University of Glasgow in 2019 and served as the University’s Rector from 2021-2024.

First published: 6 January 2026

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