Kirsten Gallacher has been elected president of the Scottish Young Lawyers Association (SYLA), a role she described as “an absolute privilege of my career.” The announcement follows the association’s annual general meeting, where members gathered to vote and discuss the year’s agenda.
The newly elected vice president is Jay Elder, an associate at Freeths.
Secretaries are Kate Docherty, a trainee solicitor at COPFS, and Emma Brown, an associate at JHS Law. The social-media manager position goes to Zoe Kerr, a solicitor with NHS National Services Scotland.
The non-executive committee includes law student Sonyta Ty from the University of Edinburgh, solicitor Michael Gray from the Scottish Government Legal Directorate, and trainee solicitor Scott Kennedy at DWF.
Also appointed are trainee solicitor Aimee Thomas at Ledingham Chalmers, trainee solicitor Urooj Chaudhary at DWF, solicitor Jura Gillespie at Holmes Mackillop, solicitor Cara Hope at Weightmans, and solicitor Charlotte Richmond at Jones Whyte.
Additional members joining the board are trainee solicitor Emma Smith at MFMac and trainee solicitor Maisie White at Drummond Miller.
Gallacher said, “I am ready to hit the ground running with the new committee and a fantastic year ahead of us.” She praised the high number of re-elected members for providing continuity.
She added, “A commonly shared view from the new SYLA committee is that we wish to widen access and opportunities for law students and young lawyers.” The group plans to continue education, representation, and networking activities.
Looking ahead, the body will expand its mentoring initiative, launch a new podcast, and increase CPD sessions. They also intend to host more networking events that cater to both urban and rural practitioners.
Gallacher noted a “real appetite for in-person events” and expressed a desire to reach lawyers outside the central belt, referencing her rural background and the town of Fochabers.
The outgoing committee for 2025/26, including former president Amina Amin, received thanks for six years of service and for advancing the association’s goals.
