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ONE in every 25 solicitors in Scotland is transsexual - according to figures provided by the Law Society.

A study showed that four per cent of their 10,848 members were "currently living and working in the opposite gender assigned to them at birth".

That means 432 transgendered lawyers across the country.

The statistic was revealed as the Law Society of Scotland looked at the possibility of creating a new group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender - LGBT - members.

Their study, reported in this month's edition of the online journal Scottish Legal News, showed between three and four per cent of all members consider themselves to be gay, lesbian or bisexual, while another four per cent were transsexuals.

The Law Society of England and Wales have already recommended that a semi-anonymous group for gay and lesbian lawyers should be set up.

Moves are now under way for a similar group to be launched north of the Border.

Neil Stevenson, the Law Society of Scotland's director of representation and professional support, said a study was being carried out.

He added: "Online and social networks are increasingly important in attracting new business, building professional relationships, sharing information and ideas and inspiring younger members of the profession.

"These groups might be based on legal practice area, a common love of rugby, simple geography or a more personal commonality - from being a working mother to your sexuality.

"Our role is to support all members and we can see positive benefits in any group of solicitors coming together for social and professional interaction.

"Members have expressed an interest in an LGBT group or network being set up in Scotland, with support from the Law Society.

"This is at an embryonic stage, but the society are asking for views on how we can support LGBT solicitors."

He added: "We are asking if there is a need for such a group, what kind of support should be provided by the society and what the remit of the group should be.

"For example, should it be simply a social grouping or should it be supported to campaign and promote?"

Members are also being asked if the group should be limited to solicitors or open to other "professionals".