Greetings to fresh admissions

John Mulholland

After many years of hard work and studying, the newest Scottish solicitors are today welcomed to the profession.

The 52 solicitors being admitted will be ready to help guide people through some of their most important life events, such as buying their first home or starting a brand-new business.

These professionals are equipped to protect the public and defend their rights at difficult times – say, if someone is losing their home, accused of a crime or when family relationships have broken down.

Our newest members are joining a profession that is respected around the world. And the Law Society of Scotland will be there to offer support and guidance throughout their working lives, providing expert advice on professional practice, ethics, training and the rules and guidelines that govern the profession.

New lawyers can help others, perhaps law students and trainee solicitors, by working with our education and training team. Or, if they prefer, they can simply give us their views through the Law Society’s various social media platforms. It is only by listening to our members that we can be sure to offer the support they need most.

It is not as individuals that solicitors are influential or respected as pillars of society. Our strength comes in being part of a larger group, one that, through collective knowledge, skill and diversity, is far greater than the sum of its parts.

At the Law Society we rely on the involvement of our members and I would urge our new intake to get involved as much as they can in the work of their professional body. Ensure your voice is added to those of your colleagues across Scotland and throughout the world.

I hope – just 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.