Double solicitor admissions ceremony sets new record

Scotland’s legal sector has set a new record as more than 140 new solicitors were formally welcomed to the profession in central Edinburgh yesterday.  

Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray presented certificates of enrolment to the 147 admittees in back-to-back ceremonies at the historic Signet Library, joining the 103 new solicitors who were admitted last month.

Those attending yesterday’s ceremonies were honoured with two esteemed guest speakers, including Scotland’s most senior judge, the new Lord President, Lord Pentland.

Susan Murray said: “My sincere congratulations to our new solicitors. Today’s ceremonies mark the accumulation of years of hard work which you all should be incredibly proud of.

“It’s extremely positive to see so many new solicitors building their legal careers here in Scotland. The fact that I have formally welcomed hundreds of new colleagues over the past month shows me that the future of the legal sector is in good hands!”

Law Society CEO, Diane McGiffen said: “Congratulations to our new solicitors! Today’s ceremonies have highlighted how lucky we are to have such bright new talent entering the profession.

“It’s been a privilege celebrating with their families and friends, some coming from as far as South Africa to mark the occasion. We also live streamed a ceremony for the first time to allow family members in Australia to witness what’s such a special moment.”

The new Lord President reminded the solicitors of the merits of qualifying as a Scottish solicitor at the morning ceremony: “It is rightly respected as a hallmark of legal skill and of personal and professional integrity, not just in this country but across the world. I applaud your achievements and wish you every success and fulfilment in the future.”

Lord Pentland was followed in the afternoon by another judge, former solicitor advocate Lord Scott: "I wish you all the greatest of success in your careers. It is an exciting prospect to contemplate what lies ahead.

“Some of you may have a clear idea of the career you want, and may have had a clear idea for some time. Some of you may still be wondering and that's fine. Some of the judges and lawyers that I've known over the years started out in one direction in the law and ended up elsewhere."