A pilot scheme in partnership with Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s Education team and the Ayr Faculty of Solicitors was launched in October 2023.  

8 pupils from across South Ayrshire secondary schools attend a work experience week with 9 Local Law Firms. Pupils got the opportunity to meet each firm, sit in on a Trial and meet with 4 sheriffs to hear about their pathways into their careers.  

Thank you to: Black Hay Solicitors, D.W. Shaw, Logans, The McKinstry Company, Elizabeth Welsh Family Law Practice, AC White & Sprang Terrace Solicitors. We would also like to thank Ayr Sheriff Court for hosting the pupils alongside the 4 sheriffs who took time out to meet with the pupils.  

“Ayr is very lucky to be home to a Faculty of Solicitors which is increasingly active in supporting and developing younger people’s educational and professional journeys. This year, we were delighted to launch our Faculty Foundation (which offers financial assistance to students embarking on a law degree) as well as our Work Experience Week and soon, we hope to launch a mentoring scheme for students with an interest in working within the legal industry in Ayr. 

Speaking to colleagues, each firm that participated enjoyed having learners from different schools undertake work experience across the week. A personal particular highlight for me was the “meet and greet” event at the end of the week with all four of our local Sheriffs, where the participating students were given the chance to speak with our Sheriffs to learn all about their careers, giving the students an invaluable experience which I hope they will remember in years to come. 

Law firms are no different to many other businesses in Ayrshire when it comes to facing challenges in succession planning and hopefully, running events like our Work Experience Week is something that other industries can draw on, to give local young people a flavour of the diverse, high quality work that is available to them right on their doorstep.” Keir Gilius, Black Hay Solicitors