The Future of Law on our High Streets

Explore the state of Scottish high-street law in facts and figures

11th September 2025
Joshua King delves into the data which reveals the threats, and possibilities, facing our firms.

Small law firms in Scotland are facing existential threats: technology shifts apace, a new generation of trainees and partners look to sustain the businesses and customer expectations have shifted.

Newsletter sign-up

A weekly email delivering all the latest Scottish legal news and analysis

Don't miss out

Why training at a high-street firm could give you a head start

11th September 2025
How can small and rural firms compete with behemoths with bigger budgets to attract and retain talent? Ellie Philpotts investigates.

Justice denied? Rural clients and high-street firms squeezed by failing legal aid

11th September 2025
With fees stagnating, funding decreasing and law firms reluctant to take on cases, legal aid is reaching tipping point, as Gordon Cairns explains.

Beyond retirement — How succession planning is reshaping the future of high-street legal firms

11th September 2025
Peter Ranscombe looks at the factors that high-street law firms need to consider when it comes to succession planning.

Five reasons why Scotland's high-street law firms still matter

11th September 2025
From accessibility to affordability, high-street law firms have much to offer their communities, writes Sue Omar

Why becoming an LLP is just the start for Scotland's largest high-street law firm

11th September 2025
Peter Ranscombe gets geeky over corporate structures with managing partner Jacqueline Law and asks what’s next for her and Aberdein Considine.

An important correction and apology to Journal readers about 'Vanishing law firms' feature

31st October 2025
"Both journalists and lawyers take information from clients and contributors in good faith and whilst we can be rigorous in our oversight, more rigour may now be demanded of all of us in the face of rapidly evolving technology."

Latest jobs

Solicitor - Commercial Contracts , Edinburgh, Gyle Square

About the OrganisationNational Services Scotland (NSS) is a national NHS Board operating right at the heart of NHSScotland providing invaluable support and advice at a strategic and operational level.  NSS supports clients to deliver their services more efficiently and effectively and we offer shared services on a national scale using...

Senior Solicitor - Commercial Contracts , Edinburgh, Gyle Square

About the OrganisationNational Services Scotland (NSS) is a national NHS Board operating right at the heart of NHSScotland providing invaluable support and advice at a strategic and operational level. NSS supports clients to deliver their services more efficiently and effectively and we offer shared services on a national scale using best-in-class...

Principal Legal Adviser , Edinburgh (Hybrid)

 The Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) was set up in 1987 to manage legal aid in Scotland. We are a non-departmental public body responsible to the Scottish Government. Our main purpose is to fund, deliver and advise on services that enable people to exercise their rights and live in a fair...

Private Client Solicitor , Edinburgh

 We are a small, friendly firm of solicitors based in Edinburgh and we are looking for a Private Client Solicitor to join our close-knit team. Our firm is built on trust, care and long-standing relationships, and we hope to welcome someone who shares these values. About the RoleIn this role, you will work closely...