New solicitors celebrated with summer admissions ceremony

Over 60 new Scottish solicitors were formally welcomed to the profession this morning at an admissions ceremony held at the Signet Library, Edinburgh.

Law Society of Scotland President, Susan Murray, presented each of the new 67 solicitors with their certificate of enrolment, and they will now be entered into the roll of Scottish solicitors.

They were also joined by their proud families and friends to mark the significant achievement and years of hard work.

Ms Murray and Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive Diane McGiffen congratulated Scotland’s newest solicitors and encouraged them to make their mark in the legal sector.

Susan Murray said: “This is my first time attending an admission ceremony as President of the Law Society of Scotland. I feel incredibly honoured to be involved in such an important milestone for our new solicitors. Through exams, assessments and traineeships, it takes years of hard work to get to this stage. You should all be very proud of yourselves!”

Diane McGiffen said: “It’s a real joy to continue our 75th anniversary celebrations by congratulating our new solicitors today. Seeing the talent on display here gives me such hope for the profession’s next 75 years. I wish you all the very best and hope you have long and successful careers ahead of you.”

Norma Shippin, recently retired Legal Adviser and Director of NHS Central Legal Office, was the ceremony’s guest speaker, she said: "Well done, you have achieved a great thing in getting to this point today. But guess what? It is just the start. Now is when you start learning how to be a lawyer."

As the solicitors start their new chapter, Ms Shippin drew on her 40-year career and shared four pieces of advice:

1. Don't take yourselves too seriously;

2. Don't take things too personally;

3. Although your work is important, there are other things outside of work that are more important; and

4. As a lawyer, fight to keep your integrity.