First regional solicitor admission ceremony to take place in Leeds

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The Law Society of England and Wales has confirmed that a regional solicitor admission ceremony will take place in Leeds on Monday 11 September 2023.

This news comes following a campaign initiated by in-house lawyer and blogger Emma Lilley. The campaign urged the Law Society to consider running regional admission ceremonies for lawyers qualifying outside of London who are unable to travel in due to cost and accessibility.

September’s ceremony, in partnership with the Leeds Law Society, will be hosted in Leeds Civil Hall and is open to all solicitors who’ve not yet had the chance to celebrate their qualification, including recent newly qualified solicitors and those who qualified many years ago.

Lilley took to her Instagram account (inhousepotter) to celebrate the news. She said: “We changed an archaic practice, set many years ago, by those who came before us. It may have been fitting then, but for a long time it hasn’t been. By the nature of our profession being awfully reluctant to change, stepping into the modern world takes time. But through grit and the power of community we can break (seemingly) entrenched cycles & enlighten others along the way.”

The Law Society President Lubna Shuja, who’ll be celebrating with solicitors in Leeds, is “delighted to be introducing regional admission ceremonies”. Shuja adds: “We hope the event in Leeds will be a step towards ensuring all lawyers, no matter where they are based, can attend, and celebrate their achievements.

“This has long been a Law Society goal, as well as being part of my presidential priorities to support members and address the barriers to entering the profession. It has been great to work alongside James Joseph and Emma Lilley, who’ve tirelessly campaigned for “Mission Admission” to realise this goal.

“Not all qualified solicitors can make it to the London ceremony. We want everyone to have the chance to be cheered on by their peers and loved ones in recognition of their accomplishments. We hope that holding regional ceremonies will help achieve this.”

Booking for the admission ceremony will close on Wednesday 6 September 2023.