Spring celebrations for new solicitors with admissions ceremony
It was a sunny spring celebration for more than 50 new Scottish solicitors formally welcomed to the profession at an admissions ceremony in Edinburgh this morning.
Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster presented each of the 56 new solicitors with a certificate of enrolment at the historic Signet Library, and they will now be entered into the roll of Scottish solicitors.
Proud friends and family members were also in attendance at the ceremony, to help celebrate the hard work that has led to joining the legal profession through university studies and solicitor traineeships.
Attending her final admissions ceremony of her tenure as President, Sheila Webster addressed the new solicitors along with Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive Diane McGiffen and guest speaker Amna Ashraf, who is a director and head of Family Migration at Burness Paull.
Ms Webster said after the ceremony: “I’ve been so privileged to be entrusted with this role representing Scotland’s solicitor profession, and these ceremonies have undoubtably been among the highlights of a richly rewarding year.
“New solicitors elect to attend these ceremonies, and want their loved ones present too, because they’re proud to be becoming a Scottish solicitor. Congratulations!”
Diane McGiffen said: “I am delighted to welcome and congratulate the Law Society of Scotland’s newest members, and to reinforce the vital role they will play for people, businesses and communities as part of the solicitor profession.”
Amna Ashraf said in her speech at today’s ceremony: “ Today, I stand before you not only as a seasoned legal professional but also as someone who has walked the path that each of you is embarking upon.”
She shared the five key building blocks she’s used to chart success:
- Integrity, to maintain trust in the profession;
- Gratitude, to appreciate little wins and find joy in the journey;
- Balance, to remain productive;
- Resilience, to grow from challenges; and
- Building a support network, to benefit from the wisdom and encouragement of mentors.
