Faculty scholarship scheme being widened

 

GREATER assistance is being offered by the Faculty of Advocates for those who fear a lack of means may be an obstacle to joining the Bar.

Changes are being made to the Faculty’s scholarship scheme, with the aim of making the devilling process as widely accessible as possible. A new fund, in the name of Lord Hope of Craighead, a former Dean and one of the Faculty’s most revered members, will also help people into the wider legal profession.

The new scholarship is funded by a voluntary levy on earnings, to which the vast majority of practising members of Faculty are contributing.

Roddy Dunlop, QC, Treasurer of Faculty, said the Faculty aimed to be available to every litigant in Scotland who wished excellence in advocacy and advice.

“We also aim to be accessible by every person in Scotland – regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or societal background – who has the ability to contribute such excellence to the people of Scotland.

“It is hoped that by making available the new scholarship moneys, the hardship which may otherwise be experienced in the unpaid ‘devilling’ period can be alleviated to a sufficient extent that it no longer dissuades suitable applicants from pursuing their goals.”

A formal launch of the scheme will take place in the coming weeks.

Mr Dunlop has written an article for The Scotsman about the scheme and it can be viewed at https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/roddy-dunlop-legal-scholarships-fund-is-a-devilishly-good-idea-1-4800258