Shining a light on in-house talent — how to get involved with annual competition

The Law Society of Scotland is looking for the brightest in-house talent as it seeks nominations for its annual competition, the In-house Rising Star Award.

Now in its 14th year, the competition for newly qualified solicitors and trainees is looking for entrants who have made a considerable contribution to their workplaces and the wider legal sector.

Two awards will be given at the Law Society’s In-house Annual Conference on 22 and 23 April 2026, one for a solicitor who has been qualified for up to five years and another for a first or second-year trainee.

Chris Lewis-Laverty, an award judge and a member of the Law Society’s In-house Lawyers Committee, said: “Working in-house gives solicitors at the start of their careers lots of opportunities to make a positive difference in their organisation and in the wider legal sector. This award is our chance to recognise that and say thank you.

“If you know of someone who is going above and beyond to support your business, please do nominate them. The judges and I are really looking forward to celebrating the nominees later this year.”

Last year, the competition crowned Jamila Archibald-Ramage from Trip.com the winner of the newly qualified solicitor category. Reflecting on her win, Jamila said: "I can't believe it's been almost a year since I was awarded the In-House Rising Star Award, which was a tremendous honour.

“Promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession remains vitally important to me, and I remain committed to being actively involved in initiatives that support these values. The award has given me confidence to take on increasingly complex matters in my role, and I'm delighted that this recognition has contributed to my inclusion in the Lawyers Hot 100 list this year.

“I truly believe that it is important that we continue to recognise junior legal colleagues, both newly qualified and legal trainees, who demonstrate exceptional legal potential. This recognition can provide the encouragement they need to thrive and develop into the next generation of legal leaders."

Nominations for 2026’s In-house Rising Star Award close on 10 March 2026. More information on the award and how to submit a nomination can be found on the Law Society’s website.