Press Release | Duncan McNair Marches into Legal Heroes 2024 Shortlist for Elephantine Efforts

Duncan McNair of Spencer West Shortlisted as Legal Heroes 2024 by The Law Society

London – 28 May 2024 – Spencer West is delighted to announce that Duncan McNair, a distinguished solicitor within our firm, has been shortlisted by The Law Society as one of the 19 nominees to be Legal Heroes for 2024. This prestigious recognition honours solicitors who have made significant contributions to the lives of others, their local communities, and society at large.

The Legal Heroes initiative received over 500 nominations from across England and Wales, showcasing solicitors who have made a lasting and tangible impact and brought distinction to the legal profession. The winners will be announced in September.

Duncan McNair’s shortlisting is a testament to his groundbreaking efforts to protect all vertebrate species, particularly Asian elephants, and address dangers to humans. Through his organisation, Save The Asian Elephants (STAE), Duncan has mobilised global support, culminating in the landmark Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act. This Act for the UK is intended as the first step, with STAE’s objective being to see such legislation adopted across the globe, in all nations where unscrupulous animal-tourism markets flourish, aiming to transform these markets from brutally abusive to ethical and safe. His dedication to this cause spans media engagement, political lobbying, and the application of his legal expertise, with hundreds of hours committed annually since 2014.

With over 30 years of experience, Duncan is widely respected in the field of litigation. His expertise encompasses banking disputes, commercial litigation and dispute resolution, competition law, contractual and debt claims, shareholder and boardroom disputes, and company directors’ liabilities. Duncan also handles trusts, wills and estates litigation, issues related to bank lending, overseas property disputes, and professional negligence cases.

Beyond his legal practice, Duncan is deeply involved in charitable work. As the founder and CEO of Save The Asian Elephants, he has established a highly influential non-profit campaigning organisation. He regularly addresses audiences at corporations, universities, and in both the Westminster and European Parliaments, and has led debates at the Cambridge Union. His work and opinions are frequently featured in national print media and online platforms.

Duncan McNair expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to be shortlisted as a Legal Hero by The Law Society. This recognition underscores the importance of our efforts to protect vulnerable species and highlights the impact that dedicated legal work can have on broader issues, Man, animals and our environment.”

Spencer West congratulates Duncan on this remarkable achievement and is proud to support his continued efforts to drive positive change through his legal and charitable work.

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