Solicitors give legal advice and explain the law to clients, working on legal aspects of their personal and business affairs
As a solicitor in Scotland, you'll act on behalf of clients, prepare and draft legal documents, and advise on a range of legal matters. Scotland has its own legal system, procedures and terminology, and the Scottish legal profession has distinct entry and training routes.
You can work in private practice, in‑house roles within commercial organisations, or in the public sector, including local and central government.
What does a solicitor in Scotland do?
Your work will depend on your clients and area of specialism, but you may need to:
- receive requests for legal advice and decide on the most appropriate response
- work out what needs to be done to solve a client’s legal problem
- offer advice on the law, legal procedures and associated issues
- draw up contracts, leases, wills and other legal documents
- research documents and case history to ensure accuracy of advice and procedures
- handle conveyancing transactions for land, houses and commercial premises
- check all documentation thoroughly before signing and implementing
- represent clients in tribunals and in Justice of the Peace Courts and Sheriff Courts
- instruct advocates and, if qualified as a solicitor‑advocate, appear in higher courts
- supervise junior colleagues, depending on your seniority
- attract new business and maintain high professional standards.
Solicitor salary in Scotland
- The recommended starting salary for trainee solicitors in Scotland is £25,950 for first year trainees and £30,150 for second year trainees.
- Newly qualified solicitors in Scotland generally earn £32,000 to £43,000 in civil litigation, and £40,000 to £65,000 in commercial property or corporate. In-house legal roles, where solicitors advise an organisation directly rather than working for a law firm, typically start at around £35,000 to £50,000, although some junior legal counsel roles may pay more depending on the sector and employer.
- Solicitors with around three or more years' experience usually earn between £48,000 and £80,000 or more, depending on practice area and employer - with senior, head of department or partner-level roles potentially exceeding £100,000.
Salaries vary greatly depending on your level of experience and the area of law and law firm you work for.
Income data from the Law Society of Scotland. Figures are intended as a guide only.
How many hours does a solicitor in Scotland work?
Working hours vary depending on the type of firm and area of practice. In corporate and commercial firms, where salaries are higher, you should be prepared for long and sometimes unpredictable hours. In smaller firms and the public sector, hours tend to be more regular, although longer days may still be required at busy times.
Part‑time work and career breaks may be possible, although availability varies between employers. Many firms now offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You may also need to travel to meet clients, attend court hearings or visit other offices.
How do you become a solicitor in Scotland?
The main route to qualification involves three stages:
- the LLB degree in Scots Law
- the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (PEAT 1)
- a two‑year traineeship (PEAT 2).
The LLB must be accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and is offered full time, part time or online at ten universities. If you already have a degree in another subject, you may be able to take an accelerated two‑year LLB.
After completing the LLB, you'll progress to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, the vocational stage focusing on practical skills. You'll then complete a two‑year traineeship under the supervision of a Scottish‑qualified solicitor.
Traineeships are competitive, so you'll need to apply early. Larger firms often advertise through universities and careers services, while smaller firms may expect speculative applications.
Solicitors from other jurisdictions can re‑qualify by taking the Qualified Lawyers Assessment (QLA).
For full details on qualifying, see the Law Society of Scotland and read more about law careers.
Search postgraduate courses in Scots law.
What skills does a solicitor in Scotland need?
You'll need to have:
- the ability to analyse complex information quickly and accurately
- strong communication and interpersonal skills for advising clients and working with colleagues
- problem‑solving skills to identify solutions and respond under pressure
- research and analytical skills to interpret legislation and case law
- advocacy skills for representing clients in court or tribunals
- resilience and stamina to manage demanding workloads and deadlines
- business awareness to attract clients and understand commercial priorities.
Solicitor work experience in Scotland
Summer placements and internships are commonly offered between the penultimate and final year of the LLB, particularly by larger firms. Smaller firms may not advertise structured placements but may accept speculative applications for work experience or work shadowing.
General work experience is also valued. Part‑time roles in retail, hospitality or customer‑facing environments can help you develop communication, teamwork and client‑handling skills.
You can also build experience by joining the Scottish Young Lawyers' Association (SYLA), taking part in mooting, client interviewing competitions, pro bono work, volunteering with advice services such as Citizens Advice Scotland, or engaging with organisations that support aspiring solicitors from underrepresented backgrounds.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Who employs solicitors in Scotland?
Most solicitors work in medium and large private law firms in cities, while smaller firms across Scotland may recruit trainees occasionally. In‑house roles in central and local government, banks and commercial organisations are a growing area.
In the public sector, opportunities exist in:
- local authority legal departments
- the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)
- the Government Legal Service for Scotland (GLSS)
- public bodies and regulatory organisations.
Look for job vacancies at:
Traineeships are advertised through:
- employer recruitment events
- firms' and organisations' own websites
- law school careers platforms
- Lawscot Jobs
- university careers services.
Specialist legal recruitment consultancies include Frasia Wright Associates, G2 Legal, QED Legal and Sellick Partnership. Smaller firms may recruit through speculative applications.
What are the career prospects for professional development for solicitors in Scotland?
The traineeship (PEAT 2) is the final stage of qualification and includes quarterly performance reviews, a minimum of 60 hours of trainee CPD and completion of the PEAT 2 record. You must also be approved as a fit and proper person before qualifying.
Once qualified, you'll apply for admission to the roll of Scottish solicitors and obtain a practising certificate, which must be renewed annually. You'll need to complete at least 20 hours of CPD each year to maintain your certificate.
With experience, you can specialise in a particular area of law, apply for specialist accreditation, or undertake additional training to become a solicitor‑advocate with extended rights of audience in Scotland's higher courts.
Progression to partner level requires significant experience and business development skills. You can also build a career as an in‑house solicitor in organisations such as the Scottish Government, COPFS, local authorities, banks, energy companies and commercial organisations.
Members of the Law Society of Scotland have access to CPD, training, mentoring and career development resources.