Eligibility

Before setting up a new practice, you need to know if you are eligible to do so. Under the Law Society’s rules, all owners of the business must meet the requirements to be a manager.
Scottish solicitors need to have:

• A current unrestricted practising certificate
• Held an unrestricted practising certificate while employed in the capacity of a Scottish solicitor for at least three years
• Worked in the capacity of a Scottish solicitor for the 12 months immediately preceding your practice commencing.

The last two conditions may not apply if you are joining an existing practice unit. If you do not meet one of these requirements but you feel your circumstances are in some way exceptional, you can seek a waiver. Please contact the professional practice team for more information.
The Law Society’s rules currently do not permit participation by unqualified individuals. See Rule D2.