GCU Law Clinic alumnus lands prestigious traineeship

A former director of the student-led GCU Law Clinic has landed a prestigious traineeship with the WS Society, a historic Scottish legal body.

Ian Laing, a GCU LLB Law and Law Clinic alumnus, is the first trainee to be taken on in the society’s 500-year history.

GCU Law Clinic provides free legal advice to those who do not qualify for legal aid and cannot afford professional advice.

Ian, who was student director of the clinic in 2015/16, obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice following his graduation from GCU.

During his time with the Law Clinic, the team were finalists in the Scott + Co Scottish Legal Awards 2016.

The WS Society is the incorporated body of a brand of Scottish lawyers known as Writers to the Signet (WS).

Ian said: "Being able to say I had already acted for a client in court and been part of a student-led team ranked as finalists in the Scottish Legal Awards helps you to stand out. The traineeship is an exciting opportunity to train right in the heart of Scotland’s legal fraternity.”

GCU Law Clinic has been shortlisted in the Pro Bono category at the 2017 Law Awards of Scotland.

The two other nominees in the category are Govan Law Centre and University of Edinburgh Free Legal Advice Centre.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on Thursday, November 30.