Making Scots Law Accessible: My Student Placement with Scots Law Talks
- Lindsay Conchar - Scots Law Talks
- Aug 15, 2025
- 5 min read
Written by Lauren Fairley, Scots Law Talks Student Volunteer Placement
When I first started studying law at university I imagined courtrooms, caseloads, and long hours of legislative reading. What I didn’t expect was finding myself writing blog posts, creating digital content, attending workshops, and working with a platform that is committed to making sure Scots law is readily accessible to everyone. However, that is exactly what I have been experiencing through my placement with Scots Law Talks- and I have been loving every single minute of
it.
A Little About Me
My name is Lauren Fairley and I’m currently a 3rd year LLB Scots Law student at Robert Gordon University. I have always had a deep interest in our Scottish legal system and how law effects people in reality- not just the theory and rules, but instead how these rules and theories are communicated to the wider population. This is what initially drew me to Scots Law Talks.
I have just finished 3 years of Law and Management at RGU and now have 2 years left of university to graduate with my LLB in Scots law. I felt for many years that I had not taken the ‘traditional’ route to get where I want to be as, when COVID-19 hit, I was sitting my Higher exams and sadly did not get the
grades I was predicted. As someone who knew exactly what they wanted to be from 15 years old, this really threw a wrench in my plans and therefore I attended Dundee and Angus College to get the qualifications required of me for university entry. During my time at college, I studied the HNC in Social Sciences which included a range of different modules like Psychology, History, and even
Sociology.
It was during my time at college that I realised just how much I enjoy psychology, and I even went on to apply for psychology roles at university come application time. When I first started at RGU I was enrolled in the BA (Hons) Law and Management course which consists of a 50/50 split between business management modules and Scots law modules. Although my mind hasn’t changed and I still wish to graduate with my LLB degree, I appreciate the opportunity I had to branch out and learn new things, particularly things I would never choose to learn willingly… Economics!!
Once I graduate I aim to go on and get my Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, hopefully at Glasgow University. I will then complete my two-year traineeship and be a qualified solicitor. However, as I am often told, I have high aspirations. I have no interest in just stopping there, my goal for life, and my career is to be a qualified Advocate Depute and to prosecute criminal cases within the High Court of Justiciary.
I came across the opportunity to undertake my placement with Scots Law Talks through my university as part of my curriculum for this past semester was to complete a placement within a business. I had previously heard of Scots Law Talks and even wished to attend one of their events last summer, so when I saw they were looking for someone to take under their wing for 6-8 weeks I was immediately hooked. The idea of playing a role in helping people better understand our legal system and their rights and responsibilities was far too good to pass up.
Why Scots Law Talks?
Scots Law Talks stands out for its mission of making Scottish legal topics more understandable, accessible, and relevant. Their various platforms address a wide range of topics, always keeping the general public in mind, from blog entries and ‘Law in 60 seconds’ videos, to in-person events tackling real legal issues. The approach taken by Scots Law Talks, which views legal education as conversation that can and should involve everyone rather than being confined to lecture halls, really grabbed my attention. I was eager to contribute and learn from the team because of this ethos.
My Role During the Placement
Over the course of my placement, I have been involved in a range of activities that helped develop both my legal and transferable skills. These includes things like content development; I helped brainstorm and draft ideas for social media content aimed at educating and engaging the public on key Scots law topics, as well as proposing any changes I had for Scots Law Talks various social media
platforms.
During my placement I have also conducted a small amount of legal research for some new and upcoming events, particularly in areas like criminal law, family law and civil procedure. Getting involved in this I found to be quite comforting as a large part of my course load for university is legal research.
During my placement I was also presented with the amazing opportunity to attend one of their in-person events (Taking Secrets to the Grave) hosted at my own university. It was whilst I was attending this event that I got to meet, face to face, Lindsay and Marc for the first time. During this event I also had the most incredible opportunity to chat away with the audience about Scots Law Talks, my role with them and how I am enjoying it, in particular there was one really nice lady interested in what sector of law I am interested in and what I need to do to get there.
What I Learned
As a result of my placement, I have gained a fresh perspective on how legal knowledge can be shared and used outside of traditional settings (e.g., lecture theatres, courtrooms). I gained confidence in my own ability and competency and developed a deeper appreciation for the responsibility that comes with explaining the law to the public.
Additionally, it improved essential skills like digital communication, critical thinking, and time management. More significantly, it made me realise that legal work can sometimes have an impact through how we explain the law to others rather than only within a professional legal setting.
Looking Ahead
After this experience, I am more certain than ever that there are other routes available to me should I want to open myself up to new opportunities that combines legal knowledge with public engagement. Whether that be through legal education, policy work, or legal journalism, I now see various paths available to me which I didn’t see previously.
I am so incredibly grateful to both Lindsay and Marc at Scots Law Talks for their guidance, feedback, and encouragement throughout my placement with them. They managed to create such a supportive space where I felt challenged to grow but never afraid to ask questions. This is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Final thoughts
To any fellow students thinking about applying for a placement with Scots Law Talks: do it. It is an invaluable opportunity to step outside of the academic bubble and engage with law in a way that feels dynamic and modern and socially relevant.
And to any prospective future law students; don’t worry. Your grades do not define you, if you have the drive and the ambition to get where you want to go-you will get there. There are so many possible routes available now to achieve your dreams. Never give up.
Law is for everyone- Scots Law Talks love to reinforce that. I am beyond proud
to have contributed , even in a small way, to that mission.
There is one final chance to catch Taking Secrets to the Grave at Robert Gordon University on 10th October 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!
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