A profession to reflect society

Eilidh Wiseman

Scotland’s newest solicitors start an exciting and fulfilling career in law today, after years of hard work, commitment and dedication.

Our new members are ready to help guide people through some of the most important events in their lives, whether that’s buying their first home or starting a new business.

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

I’m sure, like me, they will continue to learn and develop throughout their professional lives.

The Law Society of Scotland will be there to lead legal excellence; supporting our members and setting and upholding standards which ensure the public receive first class customer service.

We want Scotland’s solicitors to thrive whatever their area of practice, wherever they are in the world. As our 65 new members look to the future, so too does their professional body.

We want to ensure we have a diverse profession which reflects the wider society it serves.

That’s one of the aims of our new charity which will fund and support disadvantaged students to help launch their legal careers.

The Lawscot Foundation will also provide professional mentoring, which we know makes a huge difference in encouraging individuals to succeed.

The solicitors being admitted today are the future of our profession and their hard-won qualification is highly respected by employers, the public and other professionals all over the world.

As is said, “great things happen when good people come together”, and I believe great things will happen on the back of efforts from many of our newest members.

I encourage them to spend this special day celebrating their success so far with family and friends and wish them all the very best in their future careers. n