Legal sector welcomes 106 solicitors in double admissions ceremony

Scotland’s legal sector continues to grow as 106 solicitors were formally welcomed to the profession in central Edinburgh yesterday.

Law Society President Patricia Thom presented each of the admittees with a certificate of enrolment in back-to-back ceremonies at the historic Signet Library. They join the 113 solicitors who were admitted last month.

Patricia Thom said: “Many congratulations to our new solicitors. It is one of the highlights of my presidency being involved in celebrating such an important career milestone here at the Signet Library.

“To our new admittees, you have joined the profession at an exciting time as technology and innovation influences the future shape of the legal sector. I’d encourage you to be open to opportunity and embrace challenges as you build your careers.”

Law Society CEO Ben Kemp also attended the ceremonies. He said: “Congratulations to our new solicitors! These ceremonies mark years of hard work and dedication to joining Scotland’s legal profession, you should be very proud.”

The admittees were joined by guest speaker Andrew Todd, General Counsel and Company Secretary at housebuilding company the Springfield Group.

Mr Todd reminded the admittees of the responsibilities of a solicitor: “There are certain things that cannot be replaced by that computer, certain things which matter. Now, those are easy to identify for us as lawyers, because it hasn't changed in 500 years. It's not going to change the next five years. It's not going to change in the next 50 years. Lawyers protecting people in the most important moments of their lives.”

“Today, you became a solicitor. You are important, you will do important things. But let the certificate be a reminder, that you do not do those things for you, you do it for them. You do it for your family, you do it for your friends. You do it for the most important people in this room and beyond: your clients.”