Double admissions ceremony breaks record for new Scottish solicitors

A new record has been set for the number of Scottish solicitors formally admitted to the profession in a single day.

Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray presented certificates of enrolment to 127 new solicitors during two ceremonies held at the historic Signet Library in central Edinburgh yesterday.

The total easily surpassed the previous admissions record, set only in March last year when 80 solicitors formally joined the profession.

Susan Murray said: “I would like to wish many congratulations to our new colleagues who have been admitted. Our recent admission numbers show that Scotland’s legal sector stands in a strong position.

“This is exciting for two reasons; it shows that employers are feeling confident about the demand for legal services, now and into the future, and that new legal talent is choosing to train in Scots law and join the Scottish legal workforce.”

Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen said: “It’s been a delight to welcome new solicitors, family, friends and supporters to celebrate this milestone. Solicitors work so hard for so many years before they get to this stage.

“It’s wonderful to see the strength and health of the profession reflected in the many areas of practice that today’s new solicitors are already working in.”

Guest speaker for the dual ceremonies was Paul Gostelow, who is a Director at Baker Gostelow Family Law, a member of the Law Society’s Council and Convener of the Society’s Sustainability Committee.

Mr Gostelow told the newly admitted solicitors: “It is vital you bring who you are, what is important to you and what you stand for into your professional lives. You can’t do this job any other way. The profession is only better for you brining who you are into it.

“The diversity created by each of your unique journeys to this point enriches the profession and allows it to evolve. It opens up new ways of seeing and understanding and dealing with the challenges that will arise as your career takes shape.”