Lord Hope speaking at the Annual Lecture
Lord David Hope, Baron Hope of Craighead marked his appointment as Patron of The Aberdeen Law Project by delivering a lecture entitled "Apprentice to Supreme Court Justice: reflections on the art of lawyering".
Lord Hope spoke at The Aberdeen Law Project's Annual Lecture at The University of Aberdeen's Elphinstone Hall where he met undergraduates from the Law School, Councillor George Adam (Lord Provost of Aberdeen), Professor Margaret Ross (Vice Principal and Head of College of the University) and Bruce Beveridge (President of the Law Society of Scotland).
Addressing the students, lawyers and local dignitaries, Lord Hope gave 7 tips to both aspiring and qualified lawyers:
- Know your law, or know where to find it,
- Know your facts,
- Do not assume what the law is said to be is always right,
- Preparation, preparation, preparation,
- Respect and adapt to your audience,
- Try not to let nerves get the better of you, and
- Don't pass up opportunities.
Councillor George Adam, Lord Provost of Aberdeen
A full copy of the Lord Hope's speech can be found here.
Ryan Whelan, founder of The Aberdeen Law Project, also gave an address.
Highlighting the many achievements of The Aberdeen Law Project since its launch in 2009, including a 99% success rate in litigation, Ryan praised the "exceptional" students of The Project and implored them each to continue their efforts. He said,
"The Aberdeen Law Project cannot help everyone, but everyone within The Aberdeen Law Project can help someone."
A full copy of Ryan's speech can be found here.
Anna Robertson, Student Director of The Aberdeen Law Project, gave the final address and vote of thanks. She reflected on her experiences over the last 5 years and encouraged other members to not only take up opportunities that are available in ALP, but to continue to make opportunities for both the local community and themselves.
ALP students at Elphinstone Hall
Anna made a special note of thanks to Katherine Hood, Events Coordinator, and Emma Read, Assistant Depute, for organising the event, Pinsent Masons for sponsoring the day and all sponsors who donated awards for members of The Project.
A full copy of Anna's speech can be found here.
We are pleased to say that the Lecture received fantastic feedback from those who attended and further information will be published in our Annual Report.