Record-breaking ceremony welcomes new Scottish solicitors to the profession

Scotland’s legal sector has welcomed 80 new solicitors to the profession, at a record-breaking admissions ceremony in Edinburgh.

Today’s admissions ceremony at the Royal College of Physicians in central Edinburgh is the largest held by the Law Society of Scotland in its 74-year history.

Law Society President Murray Etherington presented attendees with their Certificates of Enrolment, aided by Past President Ken Dalling.

Mr Etherington told those gathered: “You should be proud of yourself today. Proud of your hard work, focus and determination over the past few years; proud of your world-class legal education; and proud to wear the badge of Scottish solicitor – a badge that unites you all.” 

Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen also congratulated those admitted: “To have reached this milestone is truly a fantastic achievement and you should feel justifiably proud of your efforts and dedication.”

The guest speaker for the event was Stuart Munro, Managing Director at Livingstone Brown and Convener of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee.

Mr Munro outlined his career trajectory over his 29 years as a solicitor, and the importance of the law in society.

He said: “Lawyers, of course, sometimes get a bad press. We’re accused of being woke or lefty, but we should never apologise for standing up for the rule of law and the fundamental rights of citizens.”