27 February 2020

President Welcomes Newly Qualified Solicitors at Admissions Ceremony

President Rowan White welcomed newly qualified solicitors to the legal profession at the Law Society of Northern Ireland’s Admission Ceremony which took place at the Whitla Hall at Queen’s University in Belfast on Wednesday 26th February 2020.

Eighty six newly qualified solicitors joined their supervisors, family and friends for this important event in the legal calendar.

As part of the ceremony the Registrar of Solicitors, David A. Lavery CB presented the newly admitted solicitors to the Society’s President and to the Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland, Sir Declan Morgan.

In his keynote address, the President of the Law Society, Rowan White took the occasion to offer some advice and guidance to the newly admitted solicitors including reiterating the five core values of the Law Society of Northern Ireland:

• Independence

• Integrity

• Relevance

• Professionalism

• Respect

Commenting on a recent conference he attended on threats to democracy and the rule of law, the President reflected on the recent actions by the governments of Hungary, Poland and Malawi which had the effect of undermining the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law. The President emphasised the importance of an independent legal system.

During his address the Lord Chief Justice reflected on the important role that newly admitted solicitors have within the legal profession in Northern Ireland.

As part of the Ceremony a number of awards were presented including the Thomasena McKinney Prize which was awarded to Hannah Megarry who attained first place in the Solicitors’ Apprenticeship Course at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies.

Leah Crooks was presented with her award for first place in the Solicitors Accounts Course and joint first place awards were presented to Jennine Mary Buchanan and Leah Crooks for their success in the Professional Conduct Course.