Laila Kennedy is new SYLA president

Laila Kennedy, a trainee solicitor at Ledingham Chalmers, is the newly elected president of the Scottish Young Lawyers’ Association for 2022-2023, following the association’s AGM. 

Ms Kennedy has served on the committee for five years. 

The executive committee now comprises of Patricia Taylor (DWF) as vice president, Amina Amin as treasurer, and Brianella Scott (Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry) as secretary. 

Kerri Montgomery (DC Thomson), was re-elected non-executive committee member. Amanjit Uppal (student at Glasgow Caledonian University), Millie Shand (Balfour + Manson), Katrina Hall (DWF), Giorgio Ventisei (Aberdein Considine), Heather Gibson (BTO) and Sophie Campbell (DWF) are all newly elected non-executive committee members.

Ms Kennedy said: “I started on the SYLA committee as a student, and will become a NQ solicitor later this year. I believe that this puts me in a unique position to understand and represent our membership. Our membership covers LLB students, Diploma students, trainees, qualified lawyers up to 10 years qualified, devils, and advocates up to 10 years standing. 

“It’s an exciting time to be in the legal profession, and the SYLA has an integral role to play. Some of my tasks over the next year include more representation work – to encourage more inclusivity in the legal profession, undertaking a trainee survey, co-ordinate a series looking at mental health and helping the association work towards TCPD accreditation."

Over the last two years, Ms Kennedy created a series called ‘Connecting Trainees’, which allows trainees to meet each other and share tips while working remotely. She said: “I am passionate about helping and supporting others, and my inbox is always open to our members for any suggestions or concerns."