Becoming a Solicitor – Introduction
This main section provides information on routes to qualification as a solicitor in Scotland - click on each heading on the right hand side of this page for the detail of each stage of the different routes to qualification. In addition, the sub-sections of this section, listed on the left hand side of this page, cover the full spectrum of the work of the Education and Training Department.
In terms of how you can qualify as a solicitor in Scotland and the requirements of different routes, by clicking on the headings and links on the right hand side of this page you should be able to find the guidance you need - whether you are thinking about studying law at university, are about to commence the Diploma in Legal Practice, are about to begin a training contract, want to find out about qualifying without studying the LLB, or are seeking information about how to requalify in Scotland.
By clicking on the left hand side of this page you can find out more about the full spectrum of the work of the Education & Training Department:
Debate - the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, the biggest schools debating competition in Scotland, is an important outreach project for the Society. If you are pupil, why not take part? We are also always on the look-out for judges - every year we need over 100 judges to run the tournament.
Consultation - since late 2006, the Education & Training Department and the Education & Training Committee have been consulting on and developing new policies in respect of how solicitors are educated and trained in Scotland.
- we are committed to engaging with the next generation of legal professionals in Scotland, from the point at which they are considering embarking on the study of law. We wish to support and guide different types of groups who together we call "New Lawyers". We do this by running various projects - careers advice, tailored learning opportunities, focus groups with your Council member, and where it benefits new lawyers, joint projects with the Scottish Young Lawyers Association.
NEWS: A research project to explore the recruitment and retention patterns of lawyers is now underway. Almost 1,000 people including universities, trainees and solicitors from throughout the profession will be invited to participate in the research. Click here to find out more.
NEWS: Current trainees can also submit their Quarterly Performance Reviews online - click here to be taken directly to the relevant section.
There is a lot of useful information in this section, so please take time to browse. If you cannot find what you are looking for or if you want some further information on any of our work, please contact us and we would be happy to help.
To help you, the 'Department Contact List' on the right is a guide to the staff in the Education and Training Department so that you can direct enquiries to the correct person. If you are unsure who you should direct your query to, we would ask that you email legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk in the first instance.
