In Scotland, non-law graduates have three ways of qualifying as a solicitor:
- complete a two year accelerated LLB (offered by certain universities, the reader is encouraged to investigate which universities offer this course in any particular year), followed by the Diploma in Legal Practice, and finally, the two year Post-Diploma Training Contract.
- complete a part-time LLB (offered by certain universities, again the reader is encouraged to investigate which universities offer this course in any particular year. This course can also vary in length across different universities) , followed by the Diplomain Legal Practice and the two year Post-Diploma Training Contract.
- enter into a three year Pre-Diploma Training Contract (which involves working for a firm of solicitors and presenting yourself for the Law Society of Scotland’s own professional examinations), followed by the Diploma in Legal Practice and the two year Post-Diploma Training Contract.
These methods are discussed in more detail below.
The LLB (Two year accelerated/part-time)
Using this route of qualification, students must complete an academic stage of training, followed by a vocational stage of training. For entry requirements, visit the Society’s website (see below).
The academic stage of training consists of the LLB. There are currently ten universities in Scotland which are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland to run the “exempting” LLB (the LLB exempts its students from undertaking the Law Society of Scotland’s own professional examinations). These are listed below and prospective students are encouraged to investigate which universities offer the accelerated/part-time options
After having completed the academic stage, students can then proceed toward the vocational stage. This consists of the following:
- the 26-week Diploma In Legal Practice (Dip LP)
- a two-year Post-Diploma Training Contract, working under the supervision of a Scottish qualified solicitor. The “traineeship” period includes the Professional Competence Course, which must be undertaken and completed whilst during the traineeship (between the sixth and eighteenth month of the traineeship)
The Diploma In Legal Practice (Dip LP)
This course is designed to bridge the gap between study and work. It aims to provide students with the skills which they will need in order to practice. Study consists of core subjects for all students, namely, conveyancing, litigation, private client, criminal procedure, financial services, accountancy, professional ethics, and practice management, and a choice of either "company and commercial, or public administration.
The Dip LP is provided by the following universities:
- The University of Aberdeen
- The University of Dundee
- The University of Edinburgh
- Glasgow Graduate School of Law (a collaboration between the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde)
- Robert Gordon University
The Pre-Diploma Training Contact
An alternative method of qualifying is through the three year Pre-Diploma Training Contract. For entry requirements, visit the Society’s website (see below).Students taking this route will still be required to undertake the Diploma in Legal Practice and the Post-Diploma Training Contract (the “traineeship”)..
Timetables, enrolment forms and other information on this can be downloaded from the Law Society of Scotland’s website:
www.lawscot.org.uk/training/exams.aspx.
NB In late 2006/early 2007 the Law Society of Scotland consulted on the education and training of solicitors in Scotland, and routes into the profession. A paper entitled “Discussing the Details” of the future shape of education and training will be published by the Society in early 2008, and could propose different routes into the professsion. For further information visit the Society’s consultation homepage at www.lawscot.org.uk/training/consult.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society of Scotland
26 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
EH3 7YR
0131 226 7411
lawscot@lawscot.org.uk
http://www.lawscot.org.uk
email: legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk
office hours: 09.00 - 17.00, Monday to Friday |
