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 eight SIGs and welcome proposals for others.




Ai

Next meeting date: Wednesday 25 March, 12:30 - 13:30

Meeting theme: the group will be joined by Scott Simpson, CEO at The Security Circle, to discuss the harms and issues that AI implementation presents and the questions individuals could ask to ensure the right thing is being done, such as good governance, security, and 3rd party assurance.

Register for the Zoom meeting here.

art sig

The group meets in person and online. The last meeting was a visit to The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour RSW 145th Open Annual Exhibition, with an introduction to the works on show with Peter Graham ROI RSW.

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


BOOK CLUB

The group meets approximately every six weeks, with the books for discussion alternating between contemporary award winning fiction, and more classic works. 

Next meeting: Tuesday 10 March, 6.00 - 7.00 pm

March book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin.

Register for the Zoom meeting here.

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 holds six-week session at Dalmahoy Golf Club, Edinburgh on Tuesdays and Saturdays with Pro Scott Dixon.

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, or find out more, please email membership@wssociety.co.uk.

HISTORY

Next meeting date TBC.

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

PERFORMing ARTS

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new SIG, the Performing Arts SIG will focus on in-person visits to the theatre, museums, opera and ballet. 

If you have any ideas on cultural events that would be relevant to the group, and/or would like to register interest in the group please email the Membership team at membership@wssociety.co.uk.

STUDENT

Speed Networking: Monday 23 March, 17:30 - 18:30

Event information: you will join a number of lawyers at different stages of their careers, from trainee solicitor to partner, devil to advocate, working in private practice, government and in-house, who will engage in a Speed Networking event with you.

The event will take place in the Lower Library of the Signet Library on Parliament Square, Edinburgh. Please note that there is step-free access to this room.

Please register using this link: The WS Society Student Series - Speed Networking 2026. 

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.