Double admissions ceremony marks unprecedented growth for legal sector

The Law Society of Scotland has formally welcomed 141 new Scottish solicitors to the legal profession, marking unprecedented growth for the sector.

Two back-to-back ceremonies which took place at the historic Signet Library in central Edinburgh today set a new record for the Law Society, with a total of 508 solicitors welcomed to the profession this year.

Attending the final admissions ceremony of her tenure as president, Susan Murray presented each of the admittees with a certificate of enrolment and congratulated them on their hard work.

After the ceremony, Ms Murray said: “It’s an honour to end my presidency by welcoming the next generation of Scotland’s solicitors. These ceremonies have truly been a highlight of a very rewarding year.

“The record number of new solicitors we have seen over the past year is a real positive for Scotland’s legal sector. Our newest members bring a wealth of ideas, enthusiasm and energy and I have no doubt they will all make fantastic contributions to our profession during their careers. Congratulations!”

Also in attendance was the Law Society’s interim CEO Kevin Lang. He said: “Congratulations to our newest solicitors. It’s a real privilege to celebrate your achievements with so many of you along with your closest supporters.

“The Law Society is here to help you at every stage of your career, from professional support and development opportunities to wellbeing and technology. There is lots to get involved with as you embrace this exciting new chapter. I wish you all the best.”

The admittees were joined by two guest speakers, criminal defence solicitor and former Law Society president John Mulholland, who is also Convener of the Society’s Public Policy Committee, and founder and Director of legal diversity and inclusion consultancy firm, Diversity+, Naeema Sajid.

John Mulholland told the admittees at the morning ceremony: “You are now professional advice givers. You are now professional fixers. People will come to you with their problems. They’ll come to you in their darkest times. They’ll come to you with problems that seem insurmountable. It is your job to help, to advise. Give your best to them as they expect the best from you.

“I wish you all the very best and I am sure, with whatever you want to achieve, you’ll be able to do just that.”

Naeema Sajid, who addressed the new cohort of solicitors in the afternoon, said “Whilst we may be competitors, seeking the same opportunities. Whilst at some stage we may be opponents, sitting across from each other in the bell of the court. We can all be friends, colleagues and allies.

"We are all equals, and all deserve to be valued and respected. Do not think of your career as a game. Remove the unhealthy attitude to competition and replace it with camaraderie.”