From Sydney to Scotland: Angus shares his legal journey

Angus shares his journey of requalifying as a solicitor in Scotland and his motivation for moving from Australia to Ross-shire.

My name is Angus Ferguson, and I began working with Middleton Ross in November 2023 as a Legal Executive, and I’ve since completed the requalification process to be admitted as a solicitor and notary public in Scotland. Becoming dual-qualified has been a major professional milestone and reflects my long-standing commitment to my new home in the Highlands.

The Legal Path in Australia

I first qualified as a solicitor in Australia, completing a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, followed by a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. I later went on to complete a Master of Laws (Applied Law) at the College of Law in 2023, earning a High Distinction for my thesis on the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workplace and legal system.

I spent over eight years working in the legal industry in Australia, including four years practising as a solicitor at firms in Sydney. My experience was wide-ranging: I worked in commercial and residential property, employment and industrial relations, intellectual property, and general corporate and commercial law. I also had the opportunity to work on high-value transactions and provided legal support to small businesses and start-ups in various sectors.

Moving to Scotland

My move to Scotland was driven by both professional and personal motivations. My wife is from the Highlands, and I felt a strong connection to this part of the world through my ancestral roots. We love exploring the outdoors and historical sites across the Highlands - especially in our back yard of Ross-shire, which never fails to impress.

Re-qualifying in Scotland

The requalification process through the Law Society of Scotland involved sitting 11 exams across all core practice areas in Scots law. It was an intense period of study balanced alongside full-time legal work (and prepping for a wedding), but ultimately a very rewarding experience. One of the most striking differences between the two systems is Scotland’s mixed legal system, combining elements of civil law, common law and distinct legal terminology and traditions, such as crofting law. This differs from both English and Australian law, particularly in the areas I practice, being property law and succession.

Practising Law in Scotland

My background in Australian law has proven valuable in Scotland, offering me a comparative lens and a practical approach to client service and legal problem-solving. At Middleton Ross, I’ve been involved in a broad range of private client and property matters, drawing on my previous experience while also embracing the intricacies of Scottish legal practice.

One of the biggest surprises has been the community focus. There's a strong emphasis on relationships and local knowledge, particularly in rural areas, which is quite different from the often corporate and transactional nature of legal work in Sydney.

I’m excited for the future at Middleton Ross, where I look forward to continuing to support clients across the Highlands.