Mini-devilling scheme inspires next generation of advocates

Clerk of Faculty Barney Ross, Dominic Scullion (both far left), Elisabeth Roxburgh and Sheriff Craig Findlater (both far right) with the mini-devils.

LAW students taking part in the Faculty of Advocates’ mini‑devilling scheme this year have again given this annual programme glowing reviews, with participants reporting a stronger interest in pursuing a career at the Bar and praising the breadth of practical experience on offer.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the 10‑week scheme is aimed at students studying towards a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in Scotland. The scheme is designed to widen access to the profession and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those without family or social connections to the legal world, to consider becoming advocates. The scheme was co‑ordinated by advocates Elisabeth Roxburgh and Dominic Scullion, alongside co‑ordinator emeritus Sheriff Craig Findlater.

“I'm delighted that our annual mini-devilling programme has proved to be such a tremendous success yet again,” said Clerk of Faculty Barney Ross. “A career as an advocate involves exceptionally demanding and difficult work but also brings great professional fulfilment from playing an important role in our system of justice in Scotland.

“Mini-devilling provides a unique opportunity for diploma students to experience the reality of life at the Bar at first hand, as they prepare to embark upon their own careers in the law. I express my thanks to Dominic, Elisabeth and Craig, as well as the mini-devilmasters and training instructors, without whom this terrific initiative simply would not have been possible,” he added.

This year, 30 students took part, each spending one day a week shadowing a junior advocate acting as their mini‑devilmaster. Alongside shadowing, participants attended a programme of workshops and talks delivered by senior figures from across the legal profession, including Senators of the College of Justice, KCs, and Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, Advocate General for Scotland.

Students said the variety of experiences was a particular strength of the scheme. One participant described it as “exceptional”, highlighting the “depth of knowledge, detail, and quality of education provided throughout the programme”. They added that the supportive atmosphere made a lasting impression, noting that “everyone involved was incredibly supportive and welcoming, from the advocates to the mini‑devils to the receptionists at Faculty”.

The scheme aims to mirror, in condensed form, the training undertaken by practising devils while qualifying as advocates. This includes hands‑on tasks such as reviewing case papers, drafting opinions and observing hearings. For several students, seeing advocacy in action was a highlight. As one participant put it, “the opportunity to shadow my mini‑devilmaster in court hearings has been insightful into advocacy in practice”.

Another student welcomed the range of activities on offer, describing the mix of talks, court visits and practical exercises as “my favourite part of this academic year”. They added that exposure to “important legal minds” and the chance to prepare for a mock trial provided invaluable insight into life at the Bar.

The programme culminated in mock trials, judged by senior members of Faculty, giving students the opportunity to test their advocacy skills in a realistic setting. For one participant, this proved transformative: “The opportunity to conduct my own mock trial built up my confidence,” they said, adding that seeing their chosen area of law “in practice was invaluable”.

Further feedback from a post‑scheme survey underlined the programme’s impact. All respondents confirmed that taking part had increased their interest in calling to the Bar, while every student reported feeling well supported by both the mini‑devilling co‑ordinators and their devilmasters. All said they would definitely recommend the scheme to other law students.

Participants also overwhelmingly agreed that the scheme had improved their understanding of what a career as an advocate involves, both in terms of courtroom work and the wider professional role.