Change of office bearers follows SYLA AGM

Jessica Weir of Brodies has been elected the new President of the Scottish Young Lawyers' Association, following its AGM yesterday evening.

She takes over from Lucy Thornton, who stepped up last December to fill the vacancy when Laura Meldrum stood down as she was expecting a baby.

Ayla Iridag of Clyde & Co, previously secretary, is now Vice President. Graham Gibson of Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank takes over as secretary. Dominique McErlane, also of Brodies, continues in post as treasurer. Lucy Thornton will remain on the committee as Past President.

Non-executive committee members: Ilaria Moretti (Anderson Strathern LLP); Laila Kennedy (LLB student, University of Aberdeen); Lucy Deakin (Brodies LLP); Chiara Pieri (Digby Brown); Jamie Russell (DWF); Megan Lukins (MacRoberts LLP) and Claire Paterson (Slater & Gordon).

At the meeting Ms Thornton spoke of the activities of the association in 2017-18. There were over 1,500 signups to more than 40 events run by the SYLA over the course of the year. The association saw its membership increase to around 2,700 individuals. It has launched two new series this year – one focusing on wellbeing of young lawyers and the other on soft skills such as leadership and communication.

The association looks forward to another exciting year of events and representation. It extends its thanks to Lucy Thornton and the outgoing members of the committee for their participation and assistance over the last year and to the sponsors for their support.

SYLA membership is open to students, trainees and solicitors with less than 10 years' PQE, and is free. Intending members can join via www.syla.co.uk