The event began with a reception in the Laigh Hall, at which the Vice Dean of Faculty, Tony Lenehan KC, welcomed attendees. Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh, Adrii Madzianovskyi, and the Ukrainian National Bar Association’s representative to the UK, Alexander Chernykh, then addressed attendees on the special ties that exist between the Ukrainian and Scottish legal professions.

Mr Lenehan said: “We were honoured to welcome this distinguished delegation from Ukraine to the Faculty of Advocates. At a time when the rule of law and judicial independence are of profound global importance, exchanges such as this allow us to learn from one another’s experiences, strengthen professional ties, and support colleagues working under exceptional pressures.”

“Ever since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion in 2022, members of the Faculty of Advocates, solicitors, academics, and the wider Scottish legal community have supported Ukrainian lawyers who have come to Scotland,” said Mr Chernykh. “We share Faculty’s unwavering commitment to access to justice, and the rule of law. This event is another example of our continued co-operation.”

Kenneth Young, advocate, said: “From 2022 onwards the whole legal profession has rallied around Ukrainian lawyers. Legal firms, advocates, law schools, and judges – sitting and retired – have all helped and continue to help ensure that Ukraine’s displaced lawyers are supported in Scotland.

“Excitingly, we are now beginning to see Ukrainian lawyers cross-qualify as Scots solicitors. That is not only an important step for those lawyers, but a sign of the strong bonds between Scotland and Ukraine that have been created in these awful times for Ukraine. Russia’s invasion has served to strengthen the ties between those nations who believe in the rule of law.”