How can I practise law in Scotland with an English law degree?

Nov 28, 2022

Written By Rebeka Melamed

An English law degree does not count across the Northern border, as the qualification route in Scotland is quite different from the one in England and Wales. Below we have discussed how to qualify to practise law in Scotland with an English law degree.

English vs. Scottish route to qualification

The law student route for becoming a qualified solicitor in England is a three-year law degree followed by a Legal Practice Course or successful completion of the SQE exams. In addition, aspiring solicitors must complete two years of recognised work experience such as a training contract or paralegal work.

Aspiring Scottish solicitors must undertake a four-year law degree followed by a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP), a year-long course like the LPC. Upon competition of the DPLP, future solicitors complete two years of training at a law firm.

The route to qualification for non-law students is also different than in England, as there is no equivalent to the PGDL in Scotland. Non-law students have to take an accelerated undergraduate law degree, lasting two years, before the DPLP and a training contract.

Practising Law in Scotland with English LLB

Holding an LLB from an English or Welsh university is not recognised in the Scottish jurisdiction. In case you only have obtained an LLB without completing your qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales, you will have to go through the accelerated route.

According to the Law Society of Scotland, aspiring solicitors must enrol in a graduate entry LLB or an accelerated LLB. The course is usually two years. Upon successful completion, individuals obtain a degree in Scots Law.

Universities around Scotland offer the course, and some even have a part-time option for students. The price is up to £8,750 per year for a full-time degree.

The Law Society also recommends prospective students to consider the cost of living and other expenses. Some ways students can fund their degree include: scholarships, working part-time and taking out a loan.

Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP)

Upon successful completion of the accelerated LLB, graduates follow the same route to qualification as those who have completed a four-year LLB in Scotland. Grades are crucial for entry to the Diploma, as places are allocated according to them. The fees are around £7,000. The DPLP aims to equip students with practical skills and knowledge for a career in law.

Finding a traineeship

The final step in qualifying as a solicitor is completing two years of training with a qualified Scottish solicitor. Future solicitors are responsible for finding a training contract.

Places for trainees, like in England, are limited, and competition is fierce. Aspiring solicitors are advised to plan their careers, as many large commercial law firms recruit up to two years in advance. Students are encouraged to get involved with law firms as early as possible in their qualification journey.

Practising in Scotland

Scotland and England although similar, are different jurisdictions. Practising in another jurisdiction can be exciting as it gives the opportunity to develop diverse legal skills and knowledge. Unlike England, where the legal market is centred in London, the Scottish legal market is less centralised, with plenty of legal work in Glasgow and Aberdeen in addition to Edinburgh.

There are, however, discrepancies between solicitors’ salaries in England and Scotland, regardless of the relatively similar standard of living in both regions. As of June 2022, the recommended salary for a first-year trainee is £20,500, almost half the average first-year trainee salary in London.

However, do not be discouraged if you feel like working and living in Scotland is for you. Practising law in Scotland is interesting and diverse, with the opportunity to practise in a new jurisdiction and be involved in legal work for different sectors.

Becoming a Lawyer in Scotland