So You Want to Be
Historically, this series was typically aimed at students, trainees, or those looking to change direction in their careers. We delivered (and continue to deliver) events such as ‘So you want to be…’ a corporate lawyer, family lawyer, an energy lawyer, judicial assistant, procurator fiscal, advocate, sheriff, partner, private client solicitor, and a dispute resolution solicitor. However, over the last year, and as a result of feedback received in response to our SYLA 2 – 10 year PQE survey, we have expanded the series to encompass promotions themed sessions (‘so you want to be… Promoted to ‘Associate’ / ‘Senior Associate’ or ‘Partner’). This demonstrates how the SYLA is evolving as an organisation, and how it reacts to the needs and requests of its membership (across every level – from student to 10 years’ PQE). Speakers tend to be of varying levels of qualification and experience. This series remains one of our most popular offerings among the SYLA membership.
Beyond the Basics |
This series is aimed at qualified members of the profession and focuses on a specific topic or area of the substantive law. This series also encompasses events focussed on recent changes in legislation or practice. This is another popular series and lends itself to covering new and emerging areas of law, in a cost-effective setting for junior lawyers from all types of firms. Examples include intellectual property, prescription, and defamation.
Spotlight On
So you want to be a lawyer – Our on-going series, including “So you want to be a lawyer”, geared at students, trainees and newly qualified lawyers interested in a particular area of practice, began in 2009 and since then, has tackled over 20 different areas of practice. Recent events have included So you want to be a renewables lawyer, sports lawyer, media lawyer, licensing lawyer, construction lawyer, human rights lawyer, in-house lawyer, and becoming a lawyer qualified outside of Scotland.
Beyond the Basics – Our on-going series, “Beyond the Basics” delivers targeted CPD to those lawyers at 4-10PQE and aims to enhance their skills and deepen their specialist knowledge. The series began in 2010 and since then it has seen our members tackle a diverse range of topics including bank lending for economic recovery, commercial leasing updates, cloud computing implications for legal practice, the Bribery Act 2010, the children’s hearing system, the Equality Act and career progression for associates.
Spotlight On... - Our on-going series, "Spotlight On..." aims to deliver insight into different sectors of the Scottish business world and what clients operating in those demand from their legal advisers. It aims to foster increased commercial awareness and industry insight among young lawyers. Recent events have included Spotlight on the Food & Drink Sector, Spotlight on the Energy Sector and Spotlight on the Financial Services sector.
Criminal Day Conference – Our popular annual conference for criminal practitioners continues to attract delegates from all over Scotland, and speakers of the highest calibre. Over the years, the conference has featured advocacy master classes delivered by John Scott QC, Alex Prentice QC, Donald Findlay QC, and others, along with legal updates from the Crown Office, Frances McMenamin QC, Derek Ogg QC, and Chris Shead. Our conference is held in high regard by criminal practitioners at all stages of their careers for its affordability, relevance and quality learning opportunities.
Civil Day Conference - Our annual conference for civil practitioners continues to grow year on year, attracting delegates from across the country and speakers from across the profession. Each year, it features specialist learning streams for those specialising in personal injury, family and commercial litigation. It is held in high regard by civil practitioners.
Women in Law - Established in 2012, each year, we host a Women in Law panel address, to celebrate International’s Women Day. The event is typically held for the benefit of Scottish Women's Aid.
Collaborations - Throughout the year, we work collaboratively with other professional organisations to deliver joint events for our members, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Young Planners' Association, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, the Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Courts, the Society of Solicitor Advocates and the In-House Lawyers' Group.
EYBA (European Young Bar Association) –The SYLA normally has a presence at the EYBA events, which take place two or three times a year. Details of the EYBA can be found here.