lawyer

#Law degree careers

Careers

Practicing as a Lawyer in Scotland

A Scottish lawyer will practise as a solicitor, an Advocate or a Solicitor Advocate. The terms solicitor and lawyer in Scotland are almost interchangeable. Solicitors provide legal advice and drafting expertise, and may conduct minor litigation. Advocates (or barristers as they are known in England) have rights of audience and will plead cases in the courts, as well as undertaking opinion work.

In Scotland, entry as a solicitor is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland. and most students complete an LLB degree (either Honours or Ordinary), followed by a one year Diploma in Legal Practice. After this, students commence a two year traineeship with a firm of solicitors or a public sector organisation, such as the Scottish Government or Procurator Fiscal service.*

For applicants who already hold a degree, the typical conversion pathway to qualify as a solicitor is:

Graduate LLB (Ord) (2 years)

Diploma in Legal Practice (also known as Professional Education and Training 1 (PEAT 1)

Admission as an advocate (barrister) normally follows on from this route; the Faculty of Advocates can advise on its admission requirements.

Excellent Career Prospects

The majority of our graduates from the Graduate degree go on to practise as lawyers. With an LLB degree, you are on your way to a professional qualification as a solicitor, which is recognised around the world and offers exciting career opportunities both in Scotland and worldwide.

However, as this programme is not merely a conversion course but instead a fully accredited Law degree, it can open many doors and not just in the field of law. With an LLB degree, our graduates pursue careers in a wide range of areas, including investment banking, stock broking, accounting, government, politics, non-governmental organisations, and management consultancy. Other popular career paths include information technology, postgraduate research, teaching, and academia.

Whichever route you take, the Edinburgh LLB is an internationally respected qualification, from a university ranking highly in Europe and indeed the World.