Law Society of Scotland
This information reflects the Society's web site at the date you downloaded or printed it and you should check at www.lawscot.org.uk to see if it is still current.

Our work with schools

The Society works closely with schools across Scotland on a series of initiatives, including the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, legal study and careers events, Pathways to the Professions and the Skills Scotland careers fair.

Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament

The Society's Donald Dewar competition is the largest schools debating tournament in Scotland. It has been running since 1999/00 and is open to all secondary schools in Scotland. We can also accept teams from recognised organisations - such as Scouts or Guides - if a responsible adult is acting as coach. We believe debating is good fun and teaches skills that are invaluable at university, job interviews and in employment.

Registrations:

  • Teams - registrations have now closed and all schools competing have now been emailed. Please email debate@lawscot.org.uk if you have any queries.
  • Judges - registrations are now open. Please follow this link to register your details.

Visits to schools by law students and solicitors

If you would like a law student, trainee or solicitor to visit your school to talk about studying law, and a career as a solicitor, the Society can assist with arranging this. If you wish to find out more please email careers@lawscot.org.uk and we will do what we can to help with your request.

If you are a law student, trainee or solicitor and wish to be involved with visiting schools please email careers@lawscot.org.uk to register your interest and receive further information.

If you are a law student, trainee or solicitor and are visiting a school to talk about a career in law, the Society can provdie a breifing pack and careers leaflets to assist with this. Please email careers@lawscot.org.uk to request this.

Legal Study and Careers Events

It can be difficult for school pupils to imagine what life as a lawyer is really like. The Society can help by giving pupils the opportunity to meet law students, trainees and solicitors. Each year we hold two legal study and careers events where pupils can ask questions to those studying and working in the profession. Letters inviting pupils to attend are sent to schools at the start of each year. The sessions are aimed at pupils in the final two years of school.

The first event of 2012 took place in Edinburgh on 23rd February and the second event will take place in Dundee on 19th April. Details have been sent out to all schools. Please email careers@lawscot.org.uk if you want to find out more.

If you would like to volunteer at the event in Dundee please email careers@lawscot.org.uk

Pathways to the Professions

The Society works with the University of Edinburgh on the Pathways to the Professions project, which encourages pupils from local state schools into law and other professions through a programme of support.

Changes to the route to qualification

The Society has developing the new policy framework for legal education. If you are planning to study law in the future, it is important you make informed decisions and choices as a student. See the Education and training policy web pages for further details. This new framework will be introduced from September 2011.

If you have any questions about the route to qualification, contact newlawyers@lawscot.org.uk.