MiniTrials Steering Group expands its ambitions

The MiniTrials Steering Group has announced two appointments as it seeks to raise the profile of the annual Edinburgh schools event.

Solicitor Stephanie Watson, a personal injury lawyer in the Edinburgh office of Thorntons Law, fills the newly-created post of secretary, to co-ordinate the event and the development of inter-schools events in cities and towns across Scotland. She will work alongside steering group members from the Faculty of Advocates, Law Society of Scotland and Crown Office to ensure continued support for the event at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, and to publicise MiniTrials to schools throughout Scotland more widely.

Baktosch Gillan, a commercial litigation solicitor at Thorntons Law, will develop and manage its social media presence with a view to increasing interest and engagement among lawyers, teachers and pupils.

The MiniTrials initiative was launched in 2002 by Lord Kinclaven – then Sandy Wylie QC – to promote legal education in schools. Secondary school pupils take part in mock criminal and civil trials, using guidance and materials available from the MiniTrials website. The mock trials provide an interactive way for pupils to learn about the Scottish legal system, as well as nurturing interest in building careers in the legal profession.

Chaired by Lord Mulholland, the steering group was formed in 2019 following the retirement of Lord Kinclaven. Its remit is to ensure continued support for the annual Edinburgh event, and the promotion of MiniTrials to a wider audience by means of the website and otherwise.