how to become a qualified lawyer in scotland

How to become a lawyer in Scotland.

• Step 1: complete an undergraduate degree (between 2 and 5 years, but commonly 4 years)
• Step 2: complete a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (9 months full-time, or 2 years part-time)
• Step 3: undertake a traineeship (2 years)
• 1. Complete an undergraduate degree in LLB Law.
• 2. Complete the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

Full Answer

What does it take to become a lawyer in Scotland?

Becoming a lawyer in Scotland. A rundown of what it takes to qualify as a lawyer north of the border, and a quick look at Scotland's fast-changing legal market. If you want to be a Scottish solicitor, the standard route into the profession starts with a four-year law degree (LLB) at one of ten universities in Scotland.

Where can I find out more about becoming a Scots lawyer?

Much of the information above is taken from the Law Society of Scotland's website where you can find out more about the whole process of becoming a Scots lawyer.

Can I become a solicitor in Scotland from the UK?

So, the process of becoming a Scots solicitor is a complex one. But now for the good news: it is possible to cross-qualify from the UK. Once you are qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and on the roll you can undertake the Intra-UK transfer test.

What are the different types of lawyers in Scotland?

In Scotland “lawyers” can mean solicitors or advocates. What are the different types of lawyer? A solicitor can be instructed directly by a client, and often is solely responsible for dealing with a client’s case. In Scotland, solicitors are able to represent their clients in almost all matters including court work.

How do you become a lawyer in Scotland without a law degree?

If you do not wish to do an LLB, it is possible to do a three-year, pre-diploma training contract with a qualified Scottish solicitor, at the end of which you sit the Law Society of Scotland's professional exams. During the three years you must receive training in various prescribed areas.

How much do Scottish lawyers earn?

Salaries can increase to between around £36,000 and £62,000 after three years' experience depending on your area of private practice/in-house. After gaining around seven years' experience, it's possible to earn up to £75,000, depending on your area of practice, clients, level of responsibility and location.

How many years does it take to become a qualified solicitor?

It usually takes at least six years to qualify as a solicitor if you study law full time. It will be longer if you study a different subject for your degree and decide later you want to follow a legal career.

What Highers do you need to be a lawyer in Scotland?

Required subjects The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include: SQA : Highers: English at B, at first attempt. A Levels: English Literature, English Language or combined English at B. English Language and English Literature GCSE, both at A or 7, are accepted in place of A Level English.

Who is the highest paid lawyer in Scotland?

Scottish lawyer Donald Findlay QC has topped the legal aid earnings list after being paid nearly £400,000 for work last year, the latest official figures show. The 67-year-old advocate was paid £389,000 for his services between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018, a rise of £27,000 from a year earlier.

What is a lawyer called in Scotland?

advocatesBarristers are known as advocates in Scotland, and undergo a rather different training process to their English cousins. They take also take the DPLP, then they undergo a 21-month period of training with a solicitors' firm.

What's the difference between a lawyer and a solicitor?

A 'lawyer' is a generic term used to describe a person who is a Licensed Legal Practitioner and it is often used interchangeably with the term solicitor as they mean the same thing.

Can I become a solicitor without a law degree?

You may be wondering, “can I be a solicitor without a law degree?”. The answer is that you absolutely can. One of the main changes under the SQE system is that to qualify, solicitors do not need a law degree or equivalent.

What is the starting salary for a solicitor?

Starting/newly qualified salaries at Osborne Clarke LLP – £41,500–47,000 depending on location/£60,500–80,500 depending on location. Starting/newly qualified salaries at RPC – £40,000 (London), £35,000 (Bristol)/£70,000 (London), £49,000 (Bristol).

What Uni in Scotland is best for law?

The University of Glasgow is the top performing Scottish law college and ranks 5th in the whole of the UK for the subject, ensuring an excellent standard of education for its students.

How many years does it take to be a lawyer in Scotland?

You'll study a 3-year LLB condensed into 2 years covering all the required professional subjects required by the Law Society of Scotland to practice as a solicitor in Scotland. If you complete an “ordinary” LLB, this takes 3 years. Most students undertake an LLB with Honours, and this takes 4 years.

How long is a Scottish law degree?

Programme structure. The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme is an exacting intellectual discipline and offers a thorough grounding in the principles of basic areas of the law. The degree can be studied to Ordinary level, requiring three years of full-time study, or to Honours level in four years of full-time study.

How to become a solicitor in Scotland?

If you want to be a Scottish solicitor, the standard route into the profession starts with a four-year law degree (LLB) at one of ten universities in Scotland. An English or Welsh LLB doesn't count in Scotland, and nor does the Legal Practice Course. In addition, there's no equivalent ...

How long does it take to become a barrister in Scotland?

They take also take the DPLP, then they undergo a 21-month period of training with a solicitors' firm.

What are the big four law firms in Scotland?

The trend for mergers has reshaped what used to be known as the 'Big Four' Scottish law firms: Dundas & Wilson, Maclay Murray & Spens, McGrigors and Shepherd & Wedderburn. In 2012, McGrigors merged with Pinsent Masons, losing its name and independence and becoming part of a national firm with outposts in four English cities as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. In 2014, Dundas & Wilson was swallowed up by CMS, similarly becoming part and parcel of this international firm. Meanwhile, Shepherd & Wedderburn recently dashed to the rescue of smaller firm Tods Murray, buying it out of administration. And in late 2017 global firm Dentons swallowed up Maclay Murray & Spens. Scotland's 'Big Four' is no more.

What is the Scots law?

Scots law has its foundations in Roman law, which means that advocates and judges argue from first principles. This is in part a consequence of Scotland's special relationship with France, which it looked to while developing its legal system in the eleventh century. By contrast, the even older English and Welsh system of common law relies on precedents, and thus places greater emphasis on court decisions.

Where are the biggest firms in Scotland?

A quick glance at the table above shows the biggest firms in Scotland tend to have offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Kerry Davis of Burness Paull explains the relationship between her firm's trio of Scottish offices: “Edinburgh and Glasgow tend to be interchangeable from a trainee work point of view as the distance between them is easily commutable. But we also have trainees splitting their training contracts between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and it's something we hugely encourage.”

Is Scotland a smaller city than Aberdeen?

Glasgow's population is twice the size of Edinburgh's and this is reflected in the city's equal significance in the Scots legal market. Aberdeen is a smaller city, but has an abundance of energy and natural resources work, given its status as the hub for North Sea oil and gas extraction.

Is Brexit affecting Scotland?

Ashurstwas the first firm to take advantage of the hefty subsidies on offer to open a Glasgow low-cost legal base. Brexit is having an impact in Scotland, as it is in the rest of the UK. Leaked government analysis shows that Scotland (which voted Remain) could be one of the hardest-hit areas of the UK by Brexit.

What is a lawyer in Scotland?

This is an all-encompassing term. In Scotland “lawyers” can mean solicitors or advocates.

How long does it take to get a legal degree in Scotland?

You can complete the Diploma in 9 months if studying full-time, or over 2 years if part-time. The Diploma is a vocational course. You'll learn the ethical rules, practical knowledge and personal skills required of lawyers in Scotland while applying your professional skills to legal simulations.

What are the different types of lawyer?

A solicitor can be instructed directly by a client, and often is solely responsible for dealing with a client’s case.

What is a solicitors diploma?

The Diploma qualification is essential for entry to both the solicitors and advocates branches of the profession. It meets the requirements of the Law Society of Scotland’s Professional Education and Training Stage 1 (PEAT 1).

What is a criminal lawyer?

You may often hear about “criminal lawyers” – this refers to lawyers who specialise in either the prosecution or defence of those charged by the police with an offence.

What is general practice in law?

Whilst specialisms are often referred to, many lawyers can be “general practice” which means they deal with a wide range of matters. This is commonly the case for local lawyers based in local towns.

How long does it take to get an LLB?

If you complete an “ordinary” LLB, this takes 3 years. Most students undertake an LLB with Honours, and this takes 4 years. If you study part-time the LLB usually takes 5 years to complete.

How long does it take to become a solicitor in Scotland?

Under Regulation 16 (4) of the Admission as Solicitor (Scotland) Regulations 2019, applicants must apply for admission within five years after passing the Qualified Lawyers Assessment.

How long does it take to get a solicitors certificate in Scotland?

Under Regulation 16 (4) of the Admission as Solicitor (Scotland) Regulations 2019, applicants must apply for admission within five years after passing the Qualified Lawyers Assessment.

How much does it cost to pay for a Disclosure Scotland application?

You should complete this form as outlined below in the 'How to complete the forms correctly' section, and must pay the £25 fee directly to Disclosure Scotland, using the payment portal within the application form. Once you have paid Disclosure Scotland, keep a note of the payment reference number as you will need to enter this on the application form that you submit to us.

What is QLA in law?

Qualified Lawyers Assessment (QLA) As of 1 November 2019, all solicitors re-qualifying from another jurisdiction can apply to undertake the Qualified Lawyers Assessment. This is a universal set of exams, which will attract various exemptions for solicitors already qualified in certain countries.

How many subjects are required to pass the Law Society of Scotland?

Law Society of Scotland's exams. There are 11 subjects that you may be required to pass, however solicitors from some jurisdictions have been granted exemptions by right. It would also be open to you to apply for exemptions from any of these examinations on the basis of past study and qualifications.

How long do you have to enrol for the Certificate of Eligibility?

Enrolments for the examinations must be made no later than six weeks prior to the relevant exam date. Late enrolments will not be accepted.

How many questions are asked in the Common Law exam?

Lawyers qualified in other common law jurisdictions have the option to answer any three questions in the examination in legal system and legal method. Non-common law candidates also must answer three questions, in which one question will be compulsory.

How long does it take to become a solicitor in Scotland?

The “standard” route to qualification that most Scottish solicitors take is to do a four-year undergraduate degree in Scots law, followed by a mandatory one-year course called the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and finally a two-year “traineeship” at a solicitors’ firm.

How many years of LLB do you need to become a Scots lawyer?

Non-law graduates must complete a two-year accelerated LLB in Scots law, after which the route is the same as the above. There is also a third option for those who do not want to – or are unable to – attend university. Instead of university, candidates can complete a three-year pre-professional education and training (PEAT) training contract (yes, ...

How many hours of training is required for a solicitor?

During the training contract, trainees must complete a minimum of 60 hours of trainee continuing professional development, which is structured learning over and above the trainee’s office work. It is possible to be admitted as a solicitor after one year of training (especially useful if the trainee is to appear in court on behalf of clients); but normally, at the end of the two years – and provided that all conditions have been met – the trainee is admitted as a fully qualified solicitor.

How long does it take to get an LLB in Scotland?

It is possible to study for an LLB in Scots Law/Foundation Programme at 10 universities in Scotland. The ordinary degree takes three years, while the honours degree takes four. There are also accelerated degree options, which can be taken if you have a non-law first degree.

How many hours do solicitors have to complete?

Solicitors. To qualify as a solicitor, individuals must complete a two-year traineeship. Trainees are usually paid by the training firm at least the minimum amount set by the Law Society of Scotland (as of June 2019, £19,500 in the first year, £22,500 in the second year). During the training contract, trainees must complete a minimum of 60 hours ...

Is a Scottish law degree recognised in England?

Nor will a Scottish law degree be recognised by the Law Society of England and Wales as part of its qualification process. If you train in, say, Scotland, you'll have to retrain to practise in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, and the same applies for movement in the opposite direction – unless you hold the special dual-qualified degree on ...

Table of Contents

Step #2: Decide on whether you want to study a Bachelor of Laws (BBL), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law

The path to a career in Law (International and UK students)

There are generally four stages to becoming a fully qualified lawyer in the UK.

Next steps

We hope that this article has helped you understand more about the processes involved with applying to law school, and to learn about some of the best universities for Law degrees in the UK. You can find more detailed information about studying Law and a career as a doctor in the Subjects/Career Guides section of the Kings website.

How to become a lawyer in the UK?

One of the ways to become a lawyer in the UK is to become a barrister. A barrister must first complete Academic Training—meaning a law degree or an unrelated degree followed by a conversion course (or Graduate Diploma in Law). Instead of training in a law firm like a solicitor, a barrister candidate will take the Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) ...

How long can a lawyer practice in England?

Lawyers who have practised UK law for less than three years may also apply, provided they are registered with the Law Society and have pursued a professional activity in the UK for at least three years.

What Does a Barrister Do?

There are approximately 17,000 practising barristers who are employed or self-employed in England and Wales. They have their own areas of expertise just as solicitors do. The Bar Council defines barristers as:

What are the two branches of the English legal profession?

The English legal profession is divided into two branches: solicitors and barristers. The reasons for this division are mainly historical, rather than the result of a conscious effort to divide the profession into two distinct parts. The Bar Council (through the Bar Standards Board) regulates barristers and the Law Society (through the Solicitors Regulatory Authority) regulates solicitors.

What are the rules for solicitors?

Solicitors are subject to regulation by specialist bodies. In England and Wales, the regulatory framework governing the solicitor’s profession restricts anyone except qualified solicitors from offering ‘reserved activities’, relating to: 1 the exercise of rights of audience; 2 the conduct of, and the preparation of documents in, court and immigration tribunal proceedings; 3 the preparation of instruments and the lodging of documents relating to the transfer or charge of land; 4 the preparation of trust deeds disposing of capital; 5 the preparation of papers on which to found or oppose a grant of probate or a grant of letters of administration; 6 the administration of oaths and statutory declarations; and 7 to undertake immigration work not included under these reserved activities.

What percentage of barristers are QCs?

They are often consulted by others for research and advice on complex or unusual cases, or novel points of law. Approximately 10% of practising barristers are Queen’s Counsel (or QCs). The rank of Queen’s Counsel has, traditionally, been a mark of distinction and seniority.

How long does it take to become a bar in the middle of the court?

Once the candidate joins one of the four Inns of Court (Middle Temple, Inner Temple, Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn) they undertake the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) over one or two years for Vocational Training. Once this is successfully completed and any extra training is undertaken, the Inn “Calls” you to the Bar.