Trainee solicitors could receive pay rise as Law Society of Scotland boosts recommended 2026 rates

The Law Society of Scotland has increased its recommended pay for trainee solicitors for 2026/27 in response to inflation and changes to the Real Living Wage.
 
From 1 June 2026, the recommended rate of pay for trainees in Scotland will be:

• £25,950 for first year trainees – an additional £1,110 per annum
• £30,150 for second year trainees – an additional £1,300 per annum

The rates remain discretionary, with employers permitted to pay above or below the recommendation as long as it meets the Living Wage set by the Living Wage Foundation.
 
Law Society President Patricia Thom said: “This pay uplift ensures trainees are compensated fairly for the work they do. We have considered a range of factors, including the cost of living and wages in the legal sector and wider professions.
 
“Trainees are the future of our profession and salaries are a key area we must be mindful of if the legal sector is to attract and retain early career talent.
 
“Record numbers of trainee solicitors continue to be recruited in Scotland, underlining the overall health of the legal sector here and that it remains an ideal place for legal talent to develop and thrive.”
 
Traineeships that do not meet the minimum Living Wage requirement will not be accepted for registration by the Law Society of Scotland.
 
Over the past year, Law Society data shows that 57% of trainees were paid above the recommended rates, with 49% of all traineeships being paid at least £1,500 more than the recommendation.