Admissions ceremony 2023 An early Christmas present for 66 new Scottish solicitors

Christmas has come early for 66 new Scottish solicitors, as they were formally welcomed to the profession at an admissions ceremony in Edinburgh.

Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster presented each with a certificate of enrolment at the historic Signet Library, and they will now be entered into the roll of Scottish solicitors.

Family and friends of the new solicitors were also in attendance at the ceremony, to celebrate their hard work during their studies and solicitor traineeships on their journey to qualification.

Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen told the new solicitors how their professional body is there to support them and uphold the standards that safeguard their livelihoods.

Ms McGiffen said: "We all want to ensure that high reputation and high regard the Scottish solicitor profession is held in is maintained and upheld and advanced.

"As I welcome you to the Law Society as Chief Executive, I want to make sure you know that we are here support you to uphold those high standards all the way through your career."

Sheila Webster was delighted to welcome a former University of Aberdeen law school classmate as guest speaker, recently retired Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone.

She told the audience: "Remember the importance of what you as a solicitor do for the society you live in – be proud of it, celebrate it and speak up for it. Respect your profession and each other, as you pursue your personal goals and ambitions."

Sir Iain told the newly admitted solicitors about his own legal career before joining the police.

He said: "I am a Scottish solicitor. I practised only for three years, but it's a really important part of your life.

"Today is an important day in your life. Your status has changed. And actually, once you're a solicitor, you're always a solicitor."