Solicitor, Scotland: Job description

Solicitors give legal advice and explain the law to their clients. They advise both individual and corporate clients on legal aspects of their personal and business affairs. They act on behalf of their clients, in court and throughout negotiations, as well as preparing and researching documents, letters and other paperwork.

Solicitors and advocates in Scotland have very similar duties to their counterparts (solicitors and barristers) in England and Wales. However, Scotland has its own legal system, procedures and terminology. The Scottish legal profession also has its own entry and training arrangements.

Solicitors work in private law firms, central and local government, banks and other commercial organisations.

Typical work activities

Solicitors deal with a wide range of work for a variety of clients.

The range of work available to solicitors in Scotland is vast. Those providing legal services and advice to crofters and craft shops in local communities in the Highlands belong to the same profession as solicitors in the big city law firms, who count leading Scottish financial institutions among their corporate clients. In these same cities there are solicitors in other firms, working mainly with clients who are due to appear in the District and Sheriff Courts.

Almost all practising solicitors in Scotland carry out many similar activities, which typically involve:

• receiving requests for legal advice from current and potential clients and deciding on the most appropriate responses to make;
• working out what needs to be done to solve a client’s problems;
• offering advice on the law, legal procedures and a wide range of associated issues;
• drawing up contracts, leases, wills and other legal documents;
• researching documents and case history to ensure accuracy of advice and procedures;
• dealing with the sale and purchase (conveyancing) of land, houses and commercial premises and with the registration of such transactions;
• checking all documentation thoroughly before signing and implementing;
• representing clients in tribunals and in District and Sheriff Courts;
• having rights of audience in the High Courts (solicitor-advocates only);
• instructing advocates to provide legal opinions and to represent clients in courts at any level;
• keeping up to date with changes in the law;
• supervising more junior members of the team, depending on level of seniority;
• coordinating and supervising the work of other staff;
• attracting additional business from new and existing clients;
• reading journals and attending courses as part of continuing professional development (CPD);
• maintaining high standards of professional conduct while generating adequate practice income, ensuring that the fees earned exceed total costs and expenses incurred.