Devils training kicks off for 2024

The new devils with Gillian Ross KC (far left) and Bruce Langlands (far right).

 

TWENTY-NINE new devils, the largest group in recent years, began their nine-month advocacy training this week at the Mackenzie Building in Edinburgh.

“It’s an absolute pleasure for Gill and I to oversee the devils’ classroom-based learning,” said Faculty’s new Director of Training and Development Bruce Langlands. “We have an intense but exciting five weeks ahead on the Foundation Course where we will ensure that every single person will improve beyond what they thought possible. Devilling is a thoroughly rewarding experience and I hope they are all looking forward to it as much as we are,” he added.

Deputy Director of Training and Education Gillian Ross KC said: "As I embark on my fourth foundation course, I am very much looking forward to assisting the new intake of devils and working alongside our new Director of Training and Education, Bruce Langlands. This is just the start of an exciting journey for all of our new devils, and I wish them all the best for the future.”

The next classroom-based learning takes place over a fortnight in January and a week of assessments is held in February. There is also a two-week skills course in May. Outside of those structured periods, devils are free mostly to arrange their time with their devilmasters. Devilmasters are experienced advocates with fully developed practices, and each devil will shadow at least two devilmasters during their advocacy training.

Among the new devils is Tony Convery, who was awarded the Lord Reid Scholarship this year. Faculty both administers and provides various scholarships that many of this year’s group successfully applied for. These scholarships play a significant role in promoting and encouraging diversity at the Bar and are aimed at further lowering financial barriers to entry in addition to the free devilling training offered by Faculty.

“The scholarship schemes administered by Faculty are key to ensuring that the Bar is diverse, representative and accessible. My own award has been really helpful in making it possible for me to devil this year,” said Mr Convery.

“I am excited to begin my period of devilling. I am looking forward to developing my skills during the training courses, and to spending time with, and learning from, my devilmasters,” he added.

The full group of devils this year are Aimee Doran, Aimee Cole, Alan Wickham, Amy Hunter, Tony Convery, Caitlin Connor, Darren Cox, Declan O'Keefe, Dominic Burke, Edwin Sheeran, Euan Bruce, Francesca Glendinning, Gillian Simpson, Graeme Milloy, Graham Macdonald, Jamie Perriam, Jonathan Campbell, Karen Forbes, Kevin Jarvis, Mark O’Reilly, Matthew McPherson, Nicola Hogg, Nicola Ross, Ross Cameron, Sandy Orgill, Sarah McWhirter, Scot Dignan, Shaun Alexander and Ysabeau Middleton.