Laila Kennedy

Ms Kennedy, who has served on the committee for five years, was elected following the association’s AGM.

The executive committee now comprises Patricia Taylor (DWF) as vice president, Amina Amin as treasurer and Brianella Scott (Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry) as secretary.

Kerri Montgomery (DC Thomson), was re-elected non-executive committee member. Amanjit Uppal (student at Glasgow Caledonian University), Millie Shand (Balfour and Manson), Katrina Hall (DWF), Giorgio Ventisei (Aberdein Considine), Heather Gibson (BTO) and Sophie Campbell (DWF) are all newly elected non-executive committee members.

Ms Kennedy said: “I started on the SYLA committee as a student, and will become a NQ solicitor later this year. I believe that this puts me in a unique position to understand and represent our membership. Our membership covers LLB students, diploma students, trainees, lawyers up to 10 years qualified, devils, and advocates of up to 10 years’ standing.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the legal profession, and the SYLA has an integral role to play. Some of my tasks over the next year include more representation work – to encourage more inclusivity in the legal profession, undertaking a trainee survey, co-ordinate a series looking at mental health and helping the association work towards TCPD accreditation.”

Over the last two years, Ms Kennedy created a series called ‘Connecting Trainees’, which allows trainees to meet each other and share tips while working remotely.

She said: “I am passionate in helping and supporting others, and my inbox is always open to our members for any suggestions or concerns.”

She added: “As Ayla Iridag will no longer sit on the SYLA committee as past president, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Ayla for her dedication and considerable contribution to the association. I would like to thank Chiara Pieri and the outgoing committee members – Anna Hills (Anderson Strathearn), Madeleine Thomas (student at the University of Glasgow), Robyn Canning (student at the University of Aberdeen), Marsaili Van Looy (Pinsent Masons) and Matthew McGovern (McGovern Reid) for all their efforts to the association and our members.

“I am proud and thoroughly delighted to have been elected as president of the SYLA. Being involved with SYLA is exceptionally rewarding and I look forward to working with the new committee, meeting and representing more members in the next SYLA year.”