What qualifications do you need to be a solicitor in Scotland?

Nov 28, 2022

Written By Panashe Nyadundu

There are various ways you can become a solicitor in Scotland. As such, it is important to carefully consider the most suitable route which matches your educational, professional, and personal background. Read on to find out the exact qualifications you’ll need.

Qualifying Law Degree

In Scotland, the standard route for becoming a solicitor follows a three-stage process. First, obtaining a Scot’s law degree, followed by the postgraduate diploma and lastly a traineeship with a law firm. This section will break down each necessary step.

LLB

Aspiring solicitors in Scotland usually undertake the three or four-year Scot’s law degree. Ten universities across the country offer the LLB, all with entry requirements specific to the institution. Individuals who have lower secondary school grades than usual are still encouraged to apply as extenuating circumstances may be considered.

Diploma

After attaining the Scottish LLB, students will now be eligible to take the one-year Diploma in Professional Legal practice (DPLP). The postgraduate course will provide practical knowledge and skills necessary to advance onto the training contract.

During the undergraduate degree, students must have obtained passes in the Law Society of Scotland’s required legal modules (which are completed in the first two years of the LLB). Admissions teams may take account of other factors such as possession of a traineeship and grades, so it is worth checking the requirements of where you are applying to.

Training contract

The last step! Now, there is no set way to get a training contract. However, vacation schemes are a great way as law firms will already be familiar with you. Legal websites, networking and contacting firms are also excellent ways to find traineeships.

Before you can begin your training contract, you will need to apply for an Entrance Certificate. It includes a Disclosure Scotland check and online application form, all of which can be found on the Law Society of Scotland website.

Once you have finished the traineeship, you will have the necessary qualifications to be considered a qualified solicitor in Scotland.

Non-Law Graduates

Perhaps you have completed a non-law degree and you are now considering a change? Becoming a solicitor is still possible, however, this alternative is longer than the standard LLB pathway.

University graduates of any discipline can apply to take an accelerated undergraduate law degree. The course spans over two years and will provide students with fundamental skills and knowledge to practise within the Scottish legal profession.

Whilst a 2:1 is the regular entry requirement, lower grades and professional experience may be considered. Like the LLB, fluent speaking and writing in English is a requirement for those whose first language is not English.

It is also important to know that Scotland does not offer a one-year PGDL conversion course like England and Wales. The two-year fast-track is the only postgraduate option offered in Scotland for students coming from other subjects.

Once completed, students will have obtained an LLB degree, the same as students who have studied the full undergraduate course. Graduates of the programme will now be ready to undergo the year-long Diploma and eventually, the two-year training contract (see in the first subsection).

Re-qualifying in Scotland

If you are already a qualified solicitor in a different jurisdiction, there are actions you can take to re-qualify in Scotland. Law Society Scotland has a Qualified Lawyers Assessment, complete with eleven foundational examinations relevant to the Scottish legal system.

Depending on the jurisdiction you practised in, completing all exams may not be necessary.

Pre-Peat Training Contract

A great alternative for those who aren’t interested in university is the Pre-Peat Training Contract. Individuals will undertake a three-year paid training contract at a law firm, whilst performing exams through a self-study. Subsequently, they will be ready to start the Diploma and two-year traineeship.

As you can see, there are many first stage qualification routes you can take to eventually qualify as a solicitor in Scotland. All of these options accommodate different skill sets and educational pathways.

Becoming a Lawyer in Scotland