Success of Faculty of Advocates’ Mini-Devilling Scheme Celebrated by Law Students

The Faculty of Advocates’ Mini-devilling Scheme has been hailed as a success by participating law students, who gained valuable insight into the world of advocacy through the program.

Open to students studying for the diploma in professional legal practice, the scheme aims to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider a career at the bar, especially those without prior connections to the legal profession. Thirty students took part in the initiative, which ran from January to March, and were paired with junior advocates as their mini-devilmasters, shadowing them for one day a week.

In addition to gaining practical experience, the students attended presentations by senior members of the legal profession, including judges, law officers, and senior counsel. They also participated in mock trials, judged by senior members of the Faculty of Advocates.

Eunice Owusu-Afriyie, a participant in the program, shared her positive experience, stating, “Having taken part in the programme, I have come away with a positive impression of Faculty. It has given me exposure to what life at the Scottish bar looks like and demystified the role of an advocate. It has made me realize that it is something I can do and aspire to.”

Jennifer Wells, another mini-devil, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to shadow an advocate and begin building professional relationships. She noted that Faculty is more diverse and accessible than many people realize, and that everyone she met during the program was friendly and welcoming.

The mini-devils collectively described their experience as insightful, interesting, and helpful in increasing their understanding of a career at the bar. To mark the end of the scheme, Faculty hosted a reception where the Lord President, Lord Carloway, spoke on the importance of advocacy and wished the participants well in their future careers.

Overall, the Mini-devilling Scheme has proven to be a valuable opportunity for aspiring advocates to gain practical experience and insight into the legal profession, while also promoting diversity and accessibility within the field.