Admissions ceremony welcomes 49 new Scottish solicitors

The Scottish legal sector has welcomed 49 new solicitors at an admissions ceremony held at the historic Signet Library in Edinburgh.

Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster presented attendees with their certificates of enrolment this morning at her first ceremony since taking on the role, assisted by Past President Murray Etherington.

Family and friends of the new solicitors were also in attendance at the ceremony. The profession’s newest members will now be entered into the roll of Scottish solicitors.

Sheila Webster said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to present new solicitors with their certificates of enrolment for the first time in my term as president today. Congratulations to you all and best of luck with your future endeavours.

“Receiving your certificate of enrolment is a proud moment in any newly qualified solicitor's journey and is an opportunity to remember our responsibility to serve the public and act as guardians for the rule of law as we help all corners of Scottish society.”

Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen, who also attended the ceremony, said: “Congratulations to all our new solicitors who are joining a trusted and respected profession at a critical time. Access to justice and the rule of law need many new ambassadors and supporters and whatever area of the profession our newest members join, we look forward to helping them throughout their careers. “  

The guest speaker for October’s ceremony was Elaine Motion, Chairman at Balfour and Manson, who spoke about her career in New Zealand and the UK and her involvement with high-profile constitutional cases. She had some advice:

“Learn. Push the envelope. Take opportunities, even if they scare you. Follow your instincts. Know what you are good at - I knew I was better with people than being an academic and that's why I went back into private practice. Know what you're not good at.

"Be kind if you can. Sometimes it's not possible, but be kind to people, and be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself."