Twenty eight new advocates admitted to Faculty
Twenty eight new members, the second largest group of intrants to date, have been admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in calling ceremonies over the past two days.
Yesterday 14 new members were welcomed by Dean of Faculty Roddy Dunlop QC, and admitted to the public office of advocate by Lady Carmichael; and the same number were today greeted by Vice Dean Ronnie Renucci QC, with Lady Carmichael again presiding.
“You join Faculty at a time when its importance to the people of Scotland is once more front and centre”, Mr Dunlop said. “At a time when the rule of law is under attack, domestically and internationally, the independent referral bar remains a bulwark against injustice and oppression.”
He added: “You will need support, and you will find it here: from your peers, from your opponents, and from me. You join Faculty at a time of challenge, but also of opportunity. I am delighted that you have chosen this path in your career, and I wish you every success therein.”
At today's ceremony Mr Renucci told the intrants that calling to the bar was a significant achievement and they should proud of themselves. “Admission as an advocate in Scotland is not simply a licence to practice, but also admission to a public office that carries privileges and responsibilities”, he said.
The new advocates are Colin Neilson (Black Chambers), Neil Deacon (Axiom Advocates), Sarah Loosemore (Arnot Manderson Advocates), Iain Halliday (Themis Advocates), Alistair Sloan (Optimum Advocates), Jordanna Blockley (Themis), John Laing (Westwater Advocates), Katharine Muir (Ampersand Advocates), David James (Themis), Gareth Reid (Arnot Manderson), Kenneth Young (Terra Firma Chambers), Elaine Smith (Compass Chambers), Thomas Mulhall (Arnot Manderson), Terence Merck (Westwater), Mark Nicholson (Compass), Ayla Iridag (Ampersand), Emma Boffey (Axiom), Lynsey Morgan (Optimum), Jonathan Deans (Arnot Manderson), Chris Stephen (Themis), Duncan Milne (Westwater), Scott Clair (Ampersand), Sheana Campbell (Ampersand), James McCrone (Optimum), Louise Cockburn (Ampersand), Megan Davidson (Arnot Manderson), Iain Buchanan (Compass) and Michael Briggs (Westwater).