'Be human' - Three mantras for new solicitors from inspirational children's legal charity chief

A leading children's charity chief shared inspirational advice with dozens of new solicitors as they were admitted to the profession.

A total of 46 new Scottish solicitors were formally welcomed at a ceremony held at the Signet Library in Edinburgh on Tuesday, March 25.

Society without a functioning legal system is not a civilised society

Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray presented certificates of enrolment and congratulated the new cohort on their achievement. Around 300 Scottish solicitors have been admitted in 2025 already - a symptom of unprecedented growth in the profession in recent years.

Guest speaker Alison Reid, chief executive and principal solicitor for children's charity Clan Childlaw, said: "Society without a functioning legal system is not a civilised society. By upholding rights and creating access to justice you are making a difference in whatever area of law. Please don’t lose that vision."

1. You can change direction – don’t be stuck and be alert to opportunities.
2. You can change how things are done. Prioritise being creative and innovative.
3. Don’t lose your human side. Your empathy and communication skills aren’t just for outside of work.

Susan Murray added: "Many congratulations to our new solicitors. Today’s ceremony is a milestone in your legal careers and you should all be incredibly proud.

"It is testament to the strength of our profession and to your own hard work and dedication that you are now Scottish solicitors. I wish you every success in what I am sure will be long and successful careers."

And Law Society chief executive Diane McGiffen, who also attended the ceremony, said: “It is always inspiring to celebrate our new solicitors as their families and friends watch on in support, and on such a sunny day. Many congratulations to you all.”

Scotland's new cohort of solicitors may have been surprised to hear that when Alison completed her own traineeship and was admitted to the Law Society of Scotland, she had no desire to practice as a solicitor. Three decades later, however, she oversees an award-winning charity providing free, child-centred legal advice and representation to children and young people.

No complex words. No place to hide with legal jargon—and certainly no Latin

Working with children in contact with the law, Alison recognised that they needed lawyers and that formality in the legal system and legal language creates barriers for children and young people. At Clan, the focus is making the law accessible to children and young people. As Alison puts it: “No complex words. No place to hide with legal jargon—and certainly no Latin.”

As these newly admitted solicitors begin their careers, Alison challenged them never to lose sight of the purpose of the law: to uphold rights and ensure justice.

She added: "I was in a meeting where it was said that there was no point in telling children about their rights because the duty bearers were unable to uphold them. This is, of course, a very slippery and dangerous slope. If you follow this through to its conclusion, we will have a society without law and justice. A society without a functioning legal system is not a civilised society."

In 2025 Clan Childlaw is still innovating, having set up the first training and membership programme for lawyers to develop child-centred legal practice, and the first training for law students on the skills a child- centred lawyer needs.

If you would like to know more about Clan Childlaw's training and membership, contact info@clanchildlaw.org