THE number of trainees entering Scotland’s legal sector this year is among the highest on record, as an industry expert says confidence in the profession is at a high.
Figures released by The Law Society of Scotland (LSS) show that between 2023-24 the third highest number of new trainees were registered in a single year in Scotland.
In total, 764 new solicitor traineeships were commenced in the 12 months to the end of October 2024, a number which “reflects real confidence in Scotland’s legal sector”, according to LSS president, Susan Murray.
Prior to 2020-21, the annual number of new traineeships had never surpassed 700 in a single year.
Since then, each year the total has surpassed 700 with the record number of new traineeships set in 2021-22 at 788.
“It is really satisfying to see such high numbers of new trainees continuing to join the profession,” Murray said.
“Growth in the number of quality candidates pursuing a career in Scots law since 2020, reflects real confidence in Scotland’s legal sector.”
She added: “New trainees are literally the future of the profession, so the wealth of talent coming through our doors is good news for civic Scotland and for the people, businesses and communities who rely on legal services.
“It is right that employers view their trainees as an important long-term workforce investment, so these figures indicate that the future of our sector is bright. It’s also positive to see new recruits spread between small, medium and large firms, as well as in-house teams.”
Last month Murray presented certificates of enrolment to 127 new solicitors, across two ceremonies, in one day at Edinburgh’s Signet Library.
The enrolment ceremonies were a record number of Scottish lawyers formally admitted in a single day following the completion of their traineeships, trumping the previous figure set in March last year of 80.
