Information for employers
Information for PEAT 2 training organisations.
A new page has been developed for current PEAT 2 training
organisations. Please follow
the link to access this page and download the information you
require.
Post-Diploma traineeship FAQs
Can I just employ a trainee, or do I need to fulfil any
criteria?
If you have held a full, unrestricted practising certificate for
three years, you can supervise a trainee. Please see the Admission
as Solicitor (Scotland) Regulations 2001 for the provisions
relating to the number of trainees that can be employed by a firm
or organisation at any one time. There is no need to inform the
Society of your intention to employ a trainee, but you can contact
us if you have any queries about trainees or traineeships.
What should I expect from the trainee before they begin their
training?
The trainee should have a valid entrance certificate, issued by
the Society. This should be applied for at least four weeks before
the start of training. Both the trainee and the firm should
complete a training contract and return it to the Society within
three months of the start of training. At the end of the training,
the training firm must discharge the training contract.
How much should I pay the trainee?
The Society recommends rates for trainee salaries, which are
applied by the majority of firms. From 1 June 2011, the recommended
rates for trainee salaries are £15,965 for a first-year trainee and
£19,107 for a second-year trainee. The rates are reviewed
annually.
Are there any other costs involved?
Registration of training contract - £30
Admission - £265 for admission as a solicitor and notary public,
£220 for admission as a solicitor only
Practising certificate - please contact the Registrar's Department
for information
Professional competence course - around £1,200 to £1,400 plus
VAT
Is there anything else I should know?
Quarterly performance reviews should be carried out and
submitted to the Society. Trainees must also complete logbooks
detailing the work they have experienced. Both of these form the
ongoing assessment process known as the test of professional
competence. Between months six and 18 of their traineeship,
trainees attend a professional competence course, which consists of
36 hours of core requirements and 18 hours of
electives. Attendance at the course is compulsory.
When can a trainee be admitted as a solicitor?
After completing the first year of training, a trainee can -
subject to satisfactory progress and with the agreement of the
training firm - apply to be admitted as a solicitor to gain
valuable experience of appearing in court.
If I need some advice, is there someone I can contact?
The Society's Katie Wood offers support and advice to those
employing trainees. You can contact her in confidence at katiewood@lawscot.org.uk
or 0131 476 8162.
Useful information