Winter celebration for newly admitted solicitors

The Law Society of Scotland has formally welcomed 137 new solicitors to the profession in back-to-back ceremonies held in central Edinburgh yesterday.

At the historic Signet Library, Law Society President Patricia Thom presented each of the admittees with a certificate of enrolment.

The ceremonies round off a record-breaking year for the legal sector as over 780 solicitors have been welcomed to the profession over the course of 2025.

Patricia Thom said: “Congratulations to our new solicitors! As we bring 2025 to a close, I am very pleased to see so many talented people joining Scotland’s legal sector.

“You should all be very proud as today marks the result of years of hard work and dedication. I have no doubt you will put that to good use and make fantastic contributions to our profession.”

Joining Patricia was Law Society CEO, Ben Kemp, who said: “It’s an honour to celebrate our new solicitors' achievements today with their families and friends.

“I wish you all the best for your future careers. The Law Society is here to support you every step of the way.”

The admittees were joined by guest speaker Ian Moir, Partner of Moir and Sweeney LLP and Co-Convener of the Law Society’s Legal Aid Committee.

He told the new solicitors: “Being a lawyer is a great job, it really is, and I’m sure you’re all excited about the future, but it can be stressful and demanding at times. So make sure that if you need help and support that you ask for it.”