Seven new solicitor advocates admitted

Seven Scottish solicitors have been admitted by the Law Society of Scotland Council as solicitor advocates with extended rights of audience at a ceremony today.

Society President Alison Atack invited Lady Clark to administer the declaration of allegiance to Ann Gray (Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service), Noel Ferry (Turcan Connell), Jon Kiddie (Freelands), Fiona MacGregor (Pinsent Masons LLP), Colin Hamilton (Gillespie Macandrew LLP), Mark Hastings and Lewis Richardson (both of BTO Solicitors LLP).

Ms Atack commented: “This was my first solicitor advocate ceremony as President and it really was an honour to be part of such a special occasion. I am delighted to celebrate the achievements of Scotland’s newest solicitor advocates and the Society will continue to provide support as they embark on the next stage of their legal careers.

“I am also pleased to learn that two of our experienced solicitor advocates have been appointed as Queen’s Counsel by Her Majesty the Queen on the recommendation of First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. Having Law Society solicitor advocates recognised in this way, shows the profession and young people thinking about their career aspirations, what is possible to achieve as a Scottish solicitor. Congratulations to all!”

The new Queen’s Counsel, whose appointments were announced last week, are James Cormack (Pinsent Masons) and Richard Goddard (Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service).