Trainee numbers show legal sector’s record growth continues

Unprecedented growth for the Scottish legal sector has been maintained for a fourth consecutive year, with 764 new solicitor traineeships commencing in the past 12 months to the end of October 2024.

The Law Society of Scotland data for the 2023-24 legal practice year is the third highest number of new trainees registered in a year.

Prior to 2020-21, the annual number of new traineeships had never surpassed 700 in a single year.

2023-24 – 764 traineeships
2022-23 – 765 traineeships
2021-22 – 788 traineeships
2020-21 – 744 traineeships

Law Society of Scotland President, Susan Murray, said: “It is really satisfying to see such high numbers of new trainees continuing to join the profession. Growth in the number of quality candidates pursuing a career in Scots law since 2020, reflects real confidence in Scotland’s legal sector.

“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.

“The Law Society of Scotland has an important oversight role to ensure training standards remain high. It also offers support and development opportunities to trainees, just as it does for its members throughout their legal careers. ”