Anaya Nolan
If you're considering studying law in Scotland, it's worth noting that the qualification route differs from that of England and Wales. Aspiring solicitors in Scotland must complete a four-year LLB degree, followed by a one-year Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) and a two-year training contract. The LLB degree is the first stage of formal legal training, covering all aspects of Scots Law. It is a prerequisite for practising as a Scottish solicitor and is offered by several accredited universities. The Scots Law LLB is intended for those planning to enter the Scottish legal profession, while the Common Law LLB is for those seeking to practise in other common law jurisdictions. The route to becoming a solicitor in Scotland offers flexibility, with undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time, part-time, and online options available to suit varying circumstances. Additionally, the Scots Law LLB provides a solid foundation for various careers, and graduates are often recruited by international firms, practising law in other jurisdictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualification route | Aspiring solicitors in Scotland must undertake a four-year LLB degree in Scots Law, followed by a one-year Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) and a two-year training contract with a qualified Scottish solicitor. |
| LLB degree providers | There are 10 universities accredited by the Law Society of Scotland to offer the LLB degree. |
| LLB degree options | Full-time, part-time, online, and accelerated LLB options are available to suit different needs and circumstances. |
| Funding options | Scholarships, part-time work, and loans are some ways to fund a law degree in Scotland. |
| Work experience | Volunteering opportunities, work shadowing, and work placements can provide valuable work experience and skills development. |
| Career pathways | A law degree can lead to careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, human rights, policy advisory, compliance, and more. |
| International practice | The Scots Law LLB can provide a pathway to practice law in other jurisdictions, including England and Wales, the USA, and Australia. |
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What You'll Learn
Qualifying as a solicitor in Scotland
Aspiring Scottish solicitors must undertake a four-year undergraduate law degree followed by a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP), a year-long course. Upon completion of the DPLP, future solicitors complete two years of training at a law firm. The DPLP is offered at six universities in Scotland and aims to equip students with practical skills and knowledge for a career in law.
There are three possible routes to qualification, depending on what stage you're at. The 'standard route' is most suited to those attending university for the first time. The 'accelerated route' is for those with a degree in another discipline or a law degree from another jurisdiction. The pre-PEAT traineeship is an alternative to the LLB, with relatively small numbers taking this route each year.
The final stage of qualification is a traineeship, which usually takes two years to complete. This is a period of paid, work-based training under the supervision of a qualified Scottish solicitor. During this time, trainees undertake PEAT 2 quarterly performance reviews (PQPR) with their supervisor.
If you are a solicitor qualified in another jurisdiction, you can apply to requalify as a Scottish solicitor via the Qualified Lawyers Assessment. You will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, which is valid for one year, and then sit the Qualified Lawyers Assessment exams. Once you have passed the exams, you are eligible to apply for admission to the Roll of Solicitors.
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Alternative routes to qualification
Aspiring Scottish solicitors typically take the '
However, there are alternative routes to the university stages of this standard route. Here are some of the options:
Pre-PEAT Training Contract
If you are unable to attend university to study for an LLB, you can undertake a three-year pre-PEAT training contract under supervision in the workplace, in conjunction with passing a number of Law Society of Scotland exams, including a Work-Based Learning Module. This route is designed as an alternative to the LLB and has relatively small intake numbers each year.
Accelerated Route
If you already have a degree in another discipline or a law degree from another jurisdiction, you can take the accelerated route. This involves a two-year graduate entry LLB, which leads to an ordinary degree in Scots Law. Following this, you would continue on the same route as other law graduates, taking the DPLP and then a two-year traineeship.
Non-PEAT 1 Traineeship
This route is an exception to the expectation that all aspiring Scottish solicitors complete Professional Education and Training Stages 1 and 2 (PEAT 1 and PEAT 2). It is only available to those who have been granted an exemption from the requirement to complete PEAT 1.
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Studying law in Scotland
Entry requirements for law degrees in Scotland vary from university to university. For instance, the University of Glasgow requires applicants to sit an aptitude test called the National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT). Other universities may have different requirements, and it is always good to check the specific entry requirements for each institution.
Once enrolled in a law degree, students can expect to study various aspects of Scots Law, including criminal law, family law, and constitutional law. Some universities may also offer opportunities to study international law and travel. It is important for students to gain experience during their studies, either through work experience, internships, or volunteering, as employers value both good grades and commitment to gaining practical knowledge.
After completing an LLB degree, those aspiring to become solicitors in Scotland must complete a one-year postgraduate qualification, the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP). This is followed by a period of full-time training for two years to become a solicitor or up to two and a half years to become an advocate.
For those who already hold a degree in another discipline or a law degree from another jurisdiction, there is an accelerated route to becoming a solicitor in Scotland. This route typically involves a two-year graduate entry LLB, followed by the DPLP and a training contract.
A law degree from a Scottish university can open doors to a variety of careers, both within and outside the legal sector. Popular career paths include working in law enforcement, criminal justice, human rights, and compliance, among others.
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Career options with a law degree
A law degree in Scotland can lead to a variety of career paths, both within and outside the legal sector. Here are some of the options available to those with a law degree:
Solicitor or Advocate in Scotland:
To become a solicitor or advocate in Scotland, you must complete an LLB in Scots Law accredited by the Law Society of Scotland. This is the first stage of formal legal training and will allow you to practise as a Scottish solicitor once you have also completed the Law Society of Scotland's Professional Education and Training (PEAT) programme or the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and a traineeship. There are undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time, part-time, and online options available for the LLB, as well as an accelerated route for those with previous degrees. Following qualification in Scotland, you can also enter the legal profession in other jurisdictions, including England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and many other countries.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice:
A common pathway for law graduates is to pursue careers in law enforcement and criminal justice. This includes roles in the police, probation, or prison service. The Scottish Social Services Council offers training and entry to probation work in Scotland as part of social work.
Charity and Human Rights Work:
Working in human rights and the charity sector is also popular for law graduates. This could include roles such as policy advisors, caseworkers, researchers, or project officers for organisations like the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Scottish Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, or social justice charities.
Business and Corporate Roles:
A law degree can also lead to careers in the business world, such as corporate governance, compliance in the financial sector, human resources, or tax legislation.
Other Justice System Roles:
Other careers related to the justice system include family mediators or working for organisations supporting victims or promoting social justice.
Law Reform and Research:
Law graduates can also find opportunities as legal assistants or research assistants, reviewing and recommending reforms to update and improve the law.
The career options for law graduates in Scotland are diverse, and these are just a few of the potential paths one could take. It is important to explore different areas and gain experience to determine the best fit for your interests and skills.
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Work experience and volunteering
Gaining work experience and volunteering are great ways to develop essential skills and demonstrate your commitment to the legal sector. Work experience can provide an insight into specific jobs and working life, and in some cases, it can lead to securing a graduate job.
Vacation Schemes
Vacation schemes are the main way law firms recruit future trainee solicitors. These short periods of legal work experience within a law firm usually take place over the summer and can last between one and eight weeks. During your placement, you'll meet partners, associates, solicitors, and trainees, and you may even get the chance to work on live cases. Some firms also offer winter and spring schemes.
Pro Bono Work
Pro bono work involves providing free legal advice to those who do not qualify for legal aid and cannot afford representation. This is a notable volunteering venture in law, allowing students to develop practical legal skills while helping those in need. Pro bono projects offer an opportunity to put legal theory into practice, build links with professionals and firms, and enhance your CV.
University Opportunities
Universities often run legal advice clinics, providing students with the chance to work on client cases under the supervision of qualified lawyers. Additionally, organisations like the Free Representation Unit (FRU) offer advocacy experience, where students assist with case preparation and tribunal cases under the guidance of caseworkers. These initiatives provide valuable face-to-face interactions with law firms, barristers' chambers, and course providers.
Volunteering Opportunities
Various organisations in Scotland regularly seek volunteers, providing opportunities to gain hands-on legal experience while contributing to society. These include Citizens' Advice, Victim Support Scotland, Shelter Scotland, and Govan Law Centre.
Networking and Competitions
Joining student societies, taking on leadership roles, and organising events or sponsorships can enhance your employability. Networking events, such as those hosted by SYLA, offer opportunities to connect with peers, lawyers, and legal professionals. Competitions, such as essay contests and Future Legal Mind, can also provide mentoring and financial support.
Law Firm Programmes
Some law firms, like Morton Fraser, Pinsent Masons, and DLA Piper, offer programmes specifically designed to provide school pupils and students with work experience and insights into the legal profession. These initiatives aim to improve access and increase socioeconomic diversity in the legal field.
Virtual Work Experience
Virtual work experience programmes, offered by various legal firms, provide free and flexible opportunities to gain legal experience and insights. These programmes include internships, vacation schemes, and insight days, catering to undergraduates and graduates from any discipline.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step to becoming a solicitor in Scotland is to undertake an LLB course run by an accredited provider. This is known as the 'Foundation Programme'.
There are three possible routes to becoming a solicitor in Scotland: the 'Standard Route', the ''Accelerated Route', and the 'Alternative to University' route. The 'Standard Route' is the most common and is suited to those attending university for the first time. The 'Accelerated Route' is for those who already have a degree in another discipline or a law degree from another jurisdiction. The 'Alternative to University' route is for those who cannot attend university and involves working in a solicitor's office while studying for exams set by the Law Society of Scotland.
Studying law in Scotland offers the opportunity to practice in a new jurisdiction and be involved in legal work for different sectors. The Scots Law LLB also provides a great starting point for those who wish to seek qualification in other jurisdictions, including England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and many other countries around the world.
