Benefits of a legal career in government showcased at Victoria Quay event for under-represented groups

Around 50 students from across Scotland who are from a minority ethnic background, socio-economically disadvantaged or are disabled have attended an event at the Scottish government’s Victoria Quay on Friday 23 November.

This is the first such event held by the Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS), aimed at giving people who are currently under-represented in the legal profession and the civil service an idea of what it means to be a government lawyer.

The Lord Advocate and Solicitor General spoke to the law students who are either in the penultimate or final year of their LLB or studying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC said: “Our legal profession plays a key role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Scotland’s individuals and it is important that our lawyers are drawn from across our communities.

“Certain groups continue to be under-represented in Scotland’s legal profession and the civil service. We want to ensure that students from under-represented groups are aware of the opportunities and benefits of being a public lawyer in Scotland.

“Equality and inclusion are at the heart of the public service culture and we are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive government legal service and to supporting those who are considering a legal career in government.”

Miral Jaber a student studying the Diploma at Edinburgh University, said: “This was a really well-organised event which was very thoughtful of our expectations as future trainees. They explained many of the different options, roles and possibilities available.

“I got to have a lovely chat with the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General who were really engaging with all of us.”