LEXALBA MASTERCLASS LAUNCHES

Launching today an exciting new programme for affiliate members. LexAlba Masterclass is a practical, enjoyable and sociable network of practice area groups, where WS affiliates can develop their careers in a specialist practice area, meeting, sharing experience and learning in an independent forum under the guidance of recognised leaders in the field.

In-house solicitor Sophie Mills of the WS Society explains: ‘Each practice area group will run for two years, meeting three times in each year. A new group will form every two years. There is scope of inter-practice area sessions in some areas, such as law firm finance. There will also be a continuing involvement, with alumni getting together for an annual social event’.

Joining a LexAlba Masterclass is open to all affiliates members of the WS Society and included with the annual subscription. There is no additional cost. Numbers in each group will be limited to a maximum of 15 so early application is recommended.

View the slideshow for more...

LexAlba launches in three practice groups:

  • Commercial Dispute Resolution

  • Private Client

  • Employment

  • Immigration.

Whether you are already an affiliate or want to become one, visit our website to apply or contact Sophie Mills (smills@wssociety.co.uk). Affiliate membership is open to trainee solicitors and solicitors for just £12.50 per month.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Africa’s Painted Wolves join our panel of charity administration appointments

The Society has recently been appointed to provide governance and administration services to three further registered charities, Painted Wolf Foundation (UK registered 1176674), Craigcrook Mortification (SC001648) and the James and Grace Anderson Trust (SC004172).

The Society now administers twelve independent charities, across a range of charitable objectives and activities.

Our service centres on efficient and cost-effective management, allowing Trustees to focus on delivering charitable purposes. In each appointment we seek to enhance public benefit, add value and save costs.

If you are aware of any charities who are evaluating their support arrangements and costs, we would be delighted to provide more information

Painted Wolves Foundation joins the roster of charities the Society administers.

CPD 2023

2023 will be a blockbuster, best in class

Legal education begins with the popular Charities Conference on 16 March 2023, chaired by Gavin McEwan WS and dedicated to our friend and colleague, Alastair Keatinge WS (below).

Events continue with conferences and symposium throughout the practice year on Intellectual Property, Personal Injury, Professional Negligence, Employment, Immigration, Abuse and the Law, CDR, Sports Law, and Private Client, amongst other topics.

Full details to be released soon: www.wssociety.co.uk/events.

Alastair Keatinge WS (1957-2022)

Alastair Keatinge WS (1957-2022)

CHRISTMAS MAGIC

St Mary’s Choir at the Signet Library

Concluding the bicentenary celebration of the Signet Library, the Society welcomed the internationally renowned Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral for a very special Christmas concert. This unique event brought together two of Scotland’s oldest charitable institutions in a wonderful chemistry of music, architecture and Christmas tradition.

STAIRCASE GLOW-UP

CONTEMPORARY PORTRAITURE ADDED

To celebrate the bicentenary of the Signet Library, the Society has redecorated the main staircase, rehanging the portraits and adding contemporary photography of the Keeper, Lord Mackay of Clashfern KT and the Society’s Fellows, by photographer Albie Clark. Also now gracing the main staircase is a new portrait of former Deputy Keeper of the Signet, Caroline Docherty OBE WS by Alicia Bruce. Completing the collection are photographic portraits by David Eustace of two Senators of the College of Justice, Lord Ericht and Lord Braid, both of whom are Writers to the Signet

Do come in for a look.

DINNER REDUX

Triumphant return of the Annual Dinner, highlight of the legal year

Deputy Keeper Mandy Laurie WS welcomed guests to the return of the Society’s Annual Dinner on 11 November. A sell out event, guest speaker Baroness Helena Kennedy of The Shaws (below at the dinner) spoke in passionate defence of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. She also paid tribute to Lord Mackay of Clashfern on his retirement from the House of Lords. Lord Mackay closed the evening by announcing his retirement as Keeper of the Signet after fifteen years in office. Lord Mackay lauded opening the Signet Library to greater public access and the Society becoming a charity.

NEW TRUSTEES

Lynn McMahon WS and Jennifer Skeoch WS appointed trustees

Two new trustees have joined our board of trustees. Jennifer Skeoch WS (below left) is a partner at Burness Paull LLP and a leading employment lawyer. Lynn McMahon WS is a commercial litigation lawyer with specialist practice Halliday Campbell WS. Lynn is Signet Accredited in Commercial Litigation. Rachel Wood WS has retired as a trustee with profound thanks for her contribution over her ten year term.