Our history
Our history
The origins of the Society can be traced back to the 16th Century and it continues to play an important part in the life of the legal profession in the North East of Scotland.
The origins of the Society can be traced back to the 16th Century and it continues to play an important part in the life of the legal profession in the North East of Scotland.
NOTABLE DATES
Over the centuries, many notable local, national, and international events have unfolded.
Our timeline below highlights the Society’s place in that story.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
1495
King’s College Founded by Bishop Elphinstone as a School of Law
1500s
The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen is formed. The exact date of foundation is unknown as the original documents were lost in a fire at the Records Office on Castle Street in 1721 but would have been prior to 1570 as reference to a Member of the Society who joined in that year is made in a 1588 document signed by King James VI.
1633
The Sheriff Principal passed an act of court under which only 16 named Advocates were authorised to conduct business before the court. From this point forward, until the establishment of the Law Society of Scotland, the Society examined and authorised those individuals found suitable to enter legal practice.
1774
A Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III.
1786
It was agreed by the Society that the teaching of classes in Scots Law within Aberdeen would be beneficial and our committment to providing education has developed since the early days of classes taught at Marischal College to our current CPD offering.
1787
The Society's Library was founded. It was not devoted exclusively to Law Books and even today one of the oldest books in our collection is Henry Savile's Rerum Anglicarum scriptores post Bedam (London, 1596)
1799
A further Royal Charter is granted to the Society by King George III
1820
The new Courthouse is constructed at Castle Street and the Society was given use of a room in which to hold meetings.
1837
The first Advocates Hall was built, to a design by John Smith, at the corner of Union Street and Back Wynd. The opening was marked by a banquet at which 170 people attended and 53 toasts were proposed.
1842
The foundations of the Lumsden Smith Benevolent Fund are laid with the first gift of £300 pounds being placed in trust to provide support for those Members and their dependents in need.
1862
A Royal Charter is Granted to the Society by Queen Victoria.
1870
The present Advocates' Hall was erected in Concert Court to a design by James Matthews and the Society continue to warmly welcome both members and guests to our iconic building.
1914 - 1919
Members of the Society served in WWI and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1939
The Williamson Law Prize Fund is established and provides an annual prize to a student studying law at the University of Aberdeen.
1939 - 1945
Members of the Society served in WWII and a memorial to those who fell was erected within the Library.
1949
The Law Society of Scotland is established.
1962
Elizabeth Barnett of A C Morrison & Richards is welcomed as the Society's first lady Member.
1969
The Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) was founded and continues to support, and is well supported by, many of our Member's firms.
1983
Aberdeen FC win the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup.
2011
Elizabeth J W Mackinnon is elected as the first lady President of the Society.
2011
The Society's TANA Group is formed to support our Trainee and Newly Qualified Members as they embark on their legal careers and become the future leaders of the local profession.
2024
On 30th September 2024, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, hosted a Civic Reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen's first Royal Charter.
Detailed history
In 1996 the late Mrs Dorothea Bruce, the Society’s then Executive Secretary published a detailed history of the Society in the Aberdeen University Review.
Those wishing to find out more about the Society can read a copy of it here.
