Many avenues out there to explore

Alison Atack

Each one of the individuals admitted to the Scottish legal profession today has shown tremendous dedication to reach this important moment in their life.

I suspect that – like I was many years ago – our new solicitors are excited to mark the end of the many years of hard work and study and feel ready to start a challenging and fulfilling career in law.

This is an extremely exciting time to be a Scottish solicitor as there is constant innovation and improvement in regulation and standards, led by the Law Society of Scotland.

As our new colleagues look to their futures as Scottish solicitors they have many responsibilities ahead, to their colleagues, clients and to themselves.

Few things worth doing come easy and a legal career is no exception. However, there is so much to be excited about, as each one of them can look forward to a fascinating and fulfilling working life, with a wide variety of career avenues to explore in the pursuit of justice.

I have been President of our professional body for nearly seven months now, and I have found it thoroughly enjoyable, which is mainly due to the fantastic support network all around me, from council and committee members, to the Law Society team and all the amazing colleagues I have met along the way. Knowing that is a real comfort and source of inspiration.

Without the support of colleagues, family and friends we would struggle to achieve the success we strive for. I want to encourage everyone admitted to the profession today to use the fantastic resources available to help them in their career.

The new solicitors have each other; the people they have studied and trained alongside. My advice is for them to keep in touch and share problems and solutions with one another.

Every solicitor also has the team at the Law Society. Use its website, attend events, pick up the phone or drop us a line. We are your society and we want you to thrive.

I hope, like me, our newest members of the Law Society of Scotland will be proud to wear the badge of solicitor. I wish them all the best in their future careers, whatever they choose to do next.