What does the abbreviation W.S. mean?

[keithj]

In the birth registers for Edinburgh for 1802, the parents are given as James Robertson Esq W.S. and Mrs May Saunders his spouse St Cuthberts.....
Can anyone enlighten me as to the meaning of W.S. ?
Keith Jeffery

[Andy J2022]

Writer to the Signet - a lawyer. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Writers_to_Her_Majesty's_Signet

[Forfarian]

From the Register of Members of the Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet

ROBERTSON, James [1 June 1795]. Apprentice to James Saunders. Third son of Patrick Robertson, Schoolmaster at Bellie, Banffshire. Born 1760. Married 22 August 1788 (proclaimed 5 September 1885) Mary (died 21 September 1837), daughter of James Saunders WS. Died 15 April 1820.

SAUNDERS, James. [10 August 1775]. Apprentice to Charles Gordon. Married Margaret (died 7 August 1809), daughter of Joseph Williamson, Advocate. Died 16 May 1795.

[keithj]

Thank you both very much. A little further looking indicates that they were solicitors.
Keith

[djct59]

The Writers to the Signet considered themselves of a higher social class than the mere solicitors, hence the formation in 1772 and incorporation in 1784 of the Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Courts, whose initial members had been rejected as W.S. intrants due to being of lower social standing, being the sons of merchants and tradesmen, not of judges and the landed gentry.

[keithj]

The Writers to the Signet considered themselves of a higher social class than the mere solicitors, hence the formation in 1772 and incorporation in 1784 of the Society of Solicitors in the Supreme Courts, whose initial members had been rejected as W.S. intrants due to being of lower social standing, being the sons of merchants and tradesmen, not of judges and the landed gentry.

Ah. So snobby solicitors..... :-)

Thank you for the background information.....

Keith

[Andy J2022]

I didn't mention it earlier, but at one time there was a fixed number of members, in order to promote the Society's exclusivity. I wonder if it is coincidence that James Robertson only gained his membership the month after his father-in-law and former master James Saunders WS died.
If you ever get a chance to visit Edinburgh, it well worth having a look inside their building next door to the Inner House of the Court of Session. I had that privilege about 4 years ago. Very impressive library, and you can have lunch there (assuming you have a spare couple of hundred pounds to spend).

[smudget]

W.S.. To me means.. working solicitor, but may not be correct back then.

[Forfarian]

W.S.. To me means.. working solicitor, but may not be correct back then.

In Scotland, neither 'back then' nor now does it stand for 'working solicitor'.

It may be different in other countries.