WS Special Interest Groups

The modern WS Society supports legal careers and well-being. We aim to enrich life both inside the legal world and in outside interests, such as history, literature, arts, and culture. This is what it means to belong to a lawyers’ institution where law, history and culture converge.

We therefore encourage all members — from student to employment to retired — to join our Special Interest Group (SIG) initiative.

Each SIG takes the form of a regular meeting covering a specific interest, whether a legal or industry specialism, or a subject outside the law. SIG meeting dates and registration links will be advertised in our monthly Signet Post e-bulletins. An enthusiastic member will take responsibility for organising discussion and meeting dates. Simply register via the link below for any meeting you would like to attend. Most meetings will be by Zoom. 

We are pleased to be hosting seven SIGs and welcome proposals for others.




Ai

Next meeting date: Wednesday 14 January 2026, 12:30 - 13:00.

Register for the Zoom meeting here.

art sig

Next meeting date: TBA

The Art SIG meet regularly, in person and online. The last meeting was a tour of The McManus and V& A, followed by lunch 

To note interest, for future meetings, please email the Membership team.


BOOK CLUB

Next meeting: 27 January, 5.30 - 6.30 pm

January book: Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico.

Register for the Zoom meeting here.


Superbly translated by Sophie Hughes, Vincenzo Latronico’s Perfection is a taut, spare sociological novel about the emptiness of contemporary existence, scathing and brilliantly affecting. The Times Book of the Year 2025 and winner of multiple other awards.

CHARITY AND THIRD SECTOR

Next meeting: Thursday 5 March, 12:30 - 13:30

Meeting theme: The group will be joined by The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) for a 360° conversation on the implementation of the recent charity law changes in Scotland, what's next, and emerging trends in the sector.

Register for the Zoom meeting here.

GOLF

Beginners Golf - new members welcome! 

The WS Beginners Golf is starting a new 6 week session at Dalmahoy Golf Club, Edinburgh on Tuesday 20th and Saturday 24th January 2026 with Pro Scott Dixon.

The 2 groups meet on a Tuesday or a Saturday depending on your preference. These can be interchanged if one is missed.

Clubs can be provided and no special clothing is required other than something warm and comfortable.

Cost is £150 for 6 lessons.

If you would like to join the next session, please email membership@wssociety.co.uk.

HISTORY

Next meeting date TBC.

Note interest in joining this group: email membership@wssociety.co.uk


STUDENT

Next meeting date: TBC.

Email membership@wssociety.co.uk to note your interest for future meetings.

fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  •  To give members the space to foster connections, share knowledge and advance their specific interest areas.  

  • Each SIG is open to all categories of member, from student to employed to retired. No level of experience or expertise is required.

  • Joining a SIG is free and included in WS membership. There may be ad hoc expenses as dictated by the group from time to time e.g., travel expenses, dining, museum entrance fee etc.

  • The SIGs are a WS membership benefit and meetings are not open to non-members (with the exception of guest speakers or invited guests as dictated by the SIG lead).

  • As many as you would like.

  • Meeting dates will be set by the SIG lead and published monthly in Signet Post. 

  • This will be dictated by the SIG attendees. Meetings can be held in person at the Signet Library or a venue of the SIG’s choice or online. If online, meeting links will be circulated by the WS Society.

  • A link to register your attendance will be circulated with the joining details of each meeting.

  • If you have an idea for a new SIG or would like to become involved in leading a SIG, please contact Sarah Leask.

  • This will be dictated by the attendees and the WS Society will not be involved in arranging the mentorship.

  • We will advertise SIG meeting dates and registration links in our monthly Signet Post e-bulletins.

  • Not at present.

  • Please contact Sarah Leask.

  • Please direct any questions to Sarah Leask, sleask@wssociety.co.uk.