EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
Amina Amin
Amina is a Commercial Lawyer at Dentons, specialising in commercial contracts, intellectual property, technology, and data protection. Amina completed the LLB at Robert Gordon University, and then went on to complete her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde. Amina is also Committee Member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Racial Inclusion Group.
Amina served on the SYLA Committee for two years as a non-executive committee member, one year as the Treasurer, and one year as Vice Present. In her role as President, she hopes to bring her passion for representation to the forefront and is dedicated to being the voice for those that are unrepresented within the legal profession.
Having personally experienced a career transition, Amina is keenly aware of the challenges faced by junior lawyers who wish to move across disciplines. Amina intends to raise awareness and organise events that highlight the potential of transferrable skills. By bridging this overlooked gap, our progression can open doors to new opportunities and enable junior lawyers to thrive in different sectors.
Amina believes in the power of networking and building meaningful relationships. She hopes to begin a networking group focused on bringing together professionals from various fields within the legal and professional services spectrum.
In addition, Amina hopes to continue with the SYLA podcast to address pertinent issues faced by our members. The SYLA podcast platform will serve as a voice for the underrepresented, tackling the challenges faced by those within our legal profession.
Lastly, Amina hopes to use her platform to address issues relating to gender and racial equity, intersectionality, reverse mentoring, and social mobility. Amina is a passionate advocate for Diversity and Inclusivity and is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive legal profession for all.
Amina served on the SYLA Committee for two years as a non-executive committee member, one year as the Treasurer, and one year as Vice Present. In her role as President, she hopes to bring her passion for representation to the forefront and is dedicated to being the voice for those that are unrepresented within the legal profession.
Having personally experienced a career transition, Amina is keenly aware of the challenges faced by junior lawyers who wish to move across disciplines. Amina intends to raise awareness and organise events that highlight the potential of transferrable skills. By bridging this overlooked gap, our progression can open doors to new opportunities and enable junior lawyers to thrive in different sectors.
Amina believes in the power of networking and building meaningful relationships. She hopes to begin a networking group focused on bringing together professionals from various fields within the legal and professional services spectrum.
In addition, Amina hopes to continue with the SYLA podcast to address pertinent issues faced by our members. The SYLA podcast platform will serve as a voice for the underrepresented, tackling the challenges faced by those within our legal profession.
Lastly, Amina hopes to use her platform to address issues relating to gender and racial equity, intersectionality, reverse mentoring, and social mobility. Amina is a passionate advocate for Diversity and Inclusivity and is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive legal profession for all.
VICE PRESIDENT
Heather Gibson
Heather is an Associate in the Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Disputes team at CMS. She graduated from the University of Glasgow with a first-class LLB in 2020, and achieved the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice with Distinction at the same institution in 2021. After graduating, Heather joined the Diploma Team at Glasgow University as an Intern, working closely with students, academics and professionals on course materials and any other Diploma related matters. After concluding her role at the University, Heather worked as a Legal Assistant before commencing her traineeship.
Heather served on the SYLA Committee as a non-executive committee member in 2022-2023, Treasurer in 2023-2024, and Social Media Manager in 2024-2025. She joined the committee with the aim of promoting access to, and understanding of, the legal profession for those who did not have links to law prior to university.
This year, Heather would like to ensure that the SYLA caters to all of its members up to 10 years post-qualification, and including underrepresented groups. In particular, Heather is passionate about facilitating discussions around the issues facing women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities within the professions. Heather also hopes to modernise the SYLA’s online presence and establish a networking group to expand links outside of the legal sphere.
Heather served on the SYLA Committee as a non-executive committee member in 2022-2023, Treasurer in 2023-2024, and Social Media Manager in 2024-2025. She joined the committee with the aim of promoting access to, and understanding of, the legal profession for those who did not have links to law prior to university.
This year, Heather would like to ensure that the SYLA caters to all of its members up to 10 years post-qualification, and including underrepresented groups. In particular, Heather is passionate about facilitating discussions around the issues facing women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities within the professions. Heather also hopes to modernise the SYLA’s online presence and establish a networking group to expand links outside of the legal sphere.
SECRETARY
Kirsten Gallacher
Kirsten Gallacher is a solicitor at Drummond Miller LLP, specialising in Medical Negligence claims. She graduated from University of Edinburgh for both the LLB and Diploma.
Kirsten joined the SYLA Committee in May 2024 and became co-secretary in March 2025, following which she was re-elected as Secretary in October 2025. Kirsten has organised a wide variety of events for the SYLA, including a six-part medical negligence CPD series and various in-person networking events. Kirsten is keen to meet the appetite of young lawyers for more in-person events and plans to organise more of these in the current term.
Kirsten is passionate about widening access in the Scottish Legal Profession and has hit the ground running with various initiatives, looking to educate and support young lawyers in the Scottish legal profession.
Kirsten joined the SYLA Committee in May 2024 and became co-secretary in March 2025, following which she was re-elected as Secretary in October 2025. Kirsten has organised a wide variety of events for the SYLA, including a six-part medical negligence CPD series and various in-person networking events. Kirsten is keen to meet the appetite of young lawyers for more in-person events and plans to organise more of these in the current term.
Kirsten is passionate about widening access in the Scottish Legal Profession and has hit the ground running with various initiatives, looking to educate and support young lawyers in the Scottish legal profession.
Kate Docherty
Kate is a trainee solicitor at COPFS. Kate graduated from Strathclyde University with the LLB in 2021. She went on to complete her Diploma in Legal Practice in 2024 at the University of Glasgow.
Kate joined SYLA as a non-executive committee member in 2024 and was elected as Secretary in 2025. Kate is motivated to positively influence SYLA’s ability to provide educational and networking opportunities. Kate is passionate about the benefits of mentorship and is keen to support those looking to get into a career in law. Additionally, she is committed to promoting diversity and the inclusion of women in the legal field, and she values learning from successful women in law to inspire future generations.
Kate joined SYLA as a non-executive committee member in 2024 and was elected as Secretary in 2025. Kate is motivated to positively influence SYLA’s ability to provide educational and networking opportunities. Kate is passionate about the benefits of mentorship and is keen to support those looking to get into a career in law. Additionally, she is committed to promoting diversity and the inclusion of women in the legal field, and she values learning from successful women in law to inspire future generations.
TREASURER
JAY ELDER
I am currently serving my second term, now as Treasurer of the Scottish Young Lawyers' Association. In this role, I am responsible for overseeing the SYLA’s finances and supporting the delivery of initiatives that benefit young lawyers across Scotland.
A key motivation for my involvement with SYLA is to shine a light on the outstanding pro bono efforts taking place throughout Scotland and to champion meaningful action to widen access within the Scottish legal sector. I am passionate about ensuring that the profession is open, inclusive, and reflective of the communities it serves.
Professionally, I qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in September 2025 and I am currently an Associate in the Banking & Finance team at Freeths, where I advise clients on a range of financing transactions. I graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2022 with a First Class Honours degree, thereafter, completing the DPLP at the University of Strathclyde.
A key motivation for my involvement with SYLA is to shine a light on the outstanding pro bono efforts taking place throughout Scotland and to champion meaningful action to widen access within the Scottish legal sector. I am passionate about ensuring that the profession is open, inclusive, and reflective of the communities it serves.
Professionally, I qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in September 2025 and I am currently an Associate in the Banking & Finance team at Freeths, where I advise clients on a range of financing transactions. I graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2022 with a First Class Honours degree, thereafter, completing the DPLP at the University of Strathclyde.
XINHUI LAI
Xinhui is a solicitor at Angelov Solicitors, specialising in immigration and nationality law. Xinhui holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, an LLB from the University of Glasgow, and an LLM from the University of Strathclyde.
Xinhui joined SYLA to broaden her understanding of the legal profession beyond her own practice area, and to contribute to initiatives that support and connect young lawyers across Scotland. Xinhui served SYLA as a non-executive committee member in 2024 and was elected as Treasurer in the 2025/2026 term. In the past year, Xinhui has co-organised and supported multiple events at SYLA, including the Lunch & Learn: Criminal Litigation series.
Xinhui joined SYLA to broaden her understanding of the legal profession beyond her own practice area, and to contribute to initiatives that support and connect young lawyers across Scotland. Xinhui served SYLA as a non-executive committee member in 2024 and was elected as Treasurer in the 2025/2026 term. In the past year, Xinhui has co-organised and supported multiple events at SYLA, including the Lunch & Learn: Criminal Litigation series.
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Sinem Kilic
NON-EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Aimee ThomasCara HopeEmma Brown
Emma is an associate solicitor specialising in Residential and Commercial Property law at JHS LAW in Dumfries & Galloway.
After obtaining an LLB from the University of Strathclyde where she studied Scots and English Law, she worked in marketing for a number of years where she had the pleasure of working with both local and international companies. Emma completed the DPLP at the University of Edinburgh in 2022. This varied professional experience has given her a unique hybrid legal and marketing skill set, which she applies in her day-to-day work. Passionate about expanding rural outreach in the legal sector, Emma joined the Scottish Young Lawyers’ Association committee to support its diverse events and initiatives aimed at enhancing the profession. Emma Smith
Emma is a Trainee Solicitor at Morton Fraser MacRoberts LLP. She graduated with First Class Honours from Glasgow Caledonian University, where she completed her LLB, before undertaking the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde.
Throughout her studies, Emma was deeply committed to charity and pro bono work. She volunteered with the GCU Law Clinic for the duration of her degree, becoming Student Director in her final year. She also worked with Victim Support Scotland in both court and community settings, supporting individuals through challenging legal processes. Emma was one of the original students involved in the Campaign for Complainer Anonymity, which sought to establish automatic anonymity for complainers in Scottish sexual offence cases, an initiative that later became law. Following graduation, Emma returned to GCU as the inaugural Law Clinic Coordinator, helping to manage the clinic’s operations and organising events aimed at connecting students with employment opportunities, mentoring, and professional development. As a proud candidate of the PRIME recruitment program, Emma has a strong interest in accessibility and inclusion within the legal profession, with a particular focus on social mobility and the experiences of those with disabilities. She is an active member of her firm’s neurodiversity employee resource group and has represented the group at executive committee level. She intends to use her platform within SYLA to organise events and initiatives centred on widening access to the profession for students and young lawyers from all backgrounds. Outside of work and her involvement with SYLA, Emma sits on the board of Immortal Fitness Community Interest Company, a Muay Thai gym dedicated to providing martial arts training to children and adults in some of the most deprived areas of Wishaw, North Lanarkshire. Through this role, she supports efforts to promote physical wellbeing, community engagement, and accessible sports opportunities. Georgie Evans |
Jura Gillespie
Jura is a trainee solicitor with Cochran Dickie Solicitors in Glasgow. Jura graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2023 and obtained her diploma in Professional Legal Practice in 2024 before commencing her Traineeship.
Jura is keen to use her new position as a non-executive member to bridge the gap between young lawyers in big firms and smaller firms, to establish a supportive network for all junior lawyers. Jura is looking forward to organising events that support those entering the legal profession with no prior connections to the legal world to help create an environment that is inclusive and diverse. Additionally, Jura is keen to get involved in a wide range of events and learn more about different areas of the legal profession. Beyond her work, Jura is passionate about hockey and enjoys being active. While studying, she was an active member of the University of Aberdeen Women’s Hockey Club committee, serving as Vice President in her fourth year. Maisie WhiteMichael Gray 
Michael is a solicitor with the Scottish Government Legal Directorate, having previously worked in private practice for a commercial firm. He graduated from both the LLB and Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh.
Scott KennedySonyta Ty
Sonyta is an international first year student from Cambodia studying Law and Business LLB at the University of Edinburgh. She brings a global perspective to the committee, backed by a comprehensive nine-month legal internship with exposure to corporate law, public policy, and arbitration. Sonyta is deeply drawn to SYLA’s mission of empowering young lawyers and is eager to use her platform to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive legal profession.
With a strong background in student engagement, Sonyta previously led her high school newspaper team, where she managed an eight-fold expansion and collaborated with organizations like the Asian Development Bank on podcast initiatives. This year, she intends to leverage her production experience to increase the reach of the SYLA podcast, ensuring it remains a vibrant voice for the membership. Sonyta is also a passionate advocate for social justice, having dedicated over 100 hours to tutoring underprivileged students and leading initiatives as Secretary of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club. Within SYLA, she hopes to focus on creating more pro-bono opportunities for members, bridging the gap between junior lawyers and impactful work that improves access to justice across Scotland. |
PAST PRESIDENT
Patricia Taylor
Patricia is a Commercial Litigation Associate with DLA Piper LLP. She completed the LL.B. at Glasgow Caledonian University; obtaining a First Class degree and graduating top of her class. She completed the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Glasgow and was awarded the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow Prize for the Top Student in Corporate Law. Patricia completed her traineeship with an international firm and qualified as a Scottish solicitor in 2020. She passed the SQE in 2023 to dual-qualify as a solicitor in England & Wales.
Patricia has served on the SYLA Committee for 5 years; completing 2 terms as a Non-Executive Member, 1 term as Secretary and Vice President, and 1 term as President, respectively. Patricia wholeheartedly believes in SYLA’s place within the Scottish legal profession, and the impact this platform allows the Committee to effect.
As a first-generation University attendee, Patricia is genuinely passionate about social mobility. She is unwaveringly driven to create a profession that represents the diverse society in which we live, and one in which we can confidently bring our whole selves to work.
Outside of work and SYLA, Patricia is a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation and the Law Society of Scotland, and sits on the fundraising committee of the Law Scot Foundation.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patricia-taylor-641439a4
Patricia has served on the SYLA Committee for 5 years; completing 2 terms as a Non-Executive Member, 1 term as Secretary and Vice President, and 1 term as President, respectively. Patricia wholeheartedly believes in SYLA’s place within the Scottish legal profession, and the impact this platform allows the Committee to effect.
As a first-generation University attendee, Patricia is genuinely passionate about social mobility. She is unwaveringly driven to create a profession that represents the diverse society in which we live, and one in which we can confidently bring our whole selves to work.
Outside of work and SYLA, Patricia is a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation and the Law Society of Scotland, and sits on the fundraising committee of the Law Scot Foundation.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patricia-taylor-641439a4