Eligibility

Before setting up a new practice, you need to know if you are eligible to do so. Under Law Society rule D2, all owners of the business must meet the requirements to be a manager.

Scottish solicitors need to have:

• A current unrestricted practising certificate
• Held an unrestricted practising certificate while employed
  in the capacity of a Scottish solicitor for at least three years
• Worked in the capacity of a Scottish solicitor for the 12 months
  immediately preceding your practice commencing.

The last two conditions may not apply if you are joining an existing practice unit.

If you do not meet one of these requirements but you feel your circumstances are in some way exceptional, you can seek a waiver. See our website for further information about waivers.

The Law Society’s rules currently do not permit participation by unqualified individuals.