The inspiring achievements of two Lawscot Foundation students have helped raise more than £6,500 for the charity at the Law Society of Scotland’s annual dinner.
It’s one of the most successful single fundraising events for the charity in its history, helped by the personal stories shared by Lawscot Foundation students Jordan Scott and Demi Scorfield.
Both attended the black-tie dinner attending by more than 200 guests from across Scotland’s legal profession at the Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh on Friday, 3 March 2023.
Jordan Scott, who is now a trainee with Morton Fraser, was among a list of eminent speakers on the evening that also included Scotland’s Minister for Community Safety Elena Whitham and Law Society President Murray Etherington.
Jordan explained to diners how the Lawscot Foundation’s mentoring and financial and other support had been of crucial importance to his studies and subsequent legal career: “Having a mentor allowed us to break any perceived images we had of what a typical lawyer may be.”
A personal blog from Demi was also sent to diners before the evening to encourage donations, outlining how the charity has supported her childhood aspirations growing in a disadvantaged area. Demi will be starting her traineeship with Anderson Strathern later this year.
Lawscot Foundation trustee and former Lord Advocate James Wolffe KC also addressed the function to explain the philosophy behind the charity and the importance of its mission.
He said: “A sustainable, diverse and inclusive profession starts with entry to legal education and to the profession. Through the Lawscot Foundation’s work, the profession supports talented individuals who are interested in studying law, regardless of background, and makes real its commitment to fairness and inclusion.”
Lawscot Foundation spokeswoman Milly Berndes-Cade said: “We’d like to offer our most sincere thanks for the generosity shown by the legal profession at the dinner, showing the widespread support that exists for breaking down the barriers that impede people from less-advantaged background.
“The money we raised through the dinner will make a significant contribution to our work, covering the bursary of one student for nearly three years of their legal studies.”
Lawscot Foundation students Demi Scorfield and Jordan Scott with (centre) Minister for Community Safety Elena Whitham.
(Left to right) Law Society Chief Executive Diane McGiffen, Lawscot Foundation trustee James Wolffe KC and Law Society President Murray Etherington.
