Law students sought for New Lawyers Reference Group

We are currently looking for LLB or DPLP students to join our New Lawyers Reference Group.

What is the New Lawyers Reference Group?

This special-interest group has existed at the Law Society for a number of years, so we are able to keep in touch with issues for people at the start of their legal careers. Students, trainees and newly-qualified solicitors all contribute to the new lawyers group.

At the moment we are looking for new student participants to join to be our link to the Scots Law student population. The group aims to meet quarterly which will usually be remotely via Microsoft Teams, but may on occasion be in person, in which case we will refund travel costs.

Some of the issues the group has discussed over the past couple of years include student wellbeing, traineeship supervision during Covid, and a waning interest among new lawyers in becoming a Partner as their ultimate career goal. We ask our participants to come to meetings with their views, but also consult their peers to bring more perspectives to our discussion so we can understand the issues affecting new lawyers.

Why be part of the Group?

This is an opportunity to represent the student voice and bring issues affecting law students to the table. Student life has changed dramatically over the last few years since the pandemic and is constantly evolving in terms of teaching styles, balancing work and study and student services. This is your chance to tell us what being a student is like at the moment, what you enjoy about being a Scots Law student and what concerns or issues you or your peers may have.

It’s also a great way to engage with other people who are further along in their qualification journey and understand more about issues affecting trainees or newly-qualified solicitors, while getting the chance to meet people and create relationships.

In future, you may want to get more involved in groups like committees, our Council (we have a New Lawyer rep who started by sitting on the New Lawyers Reference Group!) or on a working group, whether it’s inside or outside the Law Society. This will provide you with some useful experience for your CV.

How can I apply?

Please complete our simple application form by midnight on Sunday 12 February, giving us a short description of why you would like to join the group.

You can send your completed application form to careers@lawscot.org.uk