The Future of Law on our High Streets

Explore the state of Scottish high-street law in facts and figures

11th September 2025
Joshua King delves into the data which reveals the threats, and possibilities, facing our firms.

Small law firms in Scotland are facing existential threats: technology shifts apace, a new generation of trainees and partners look to sustain the businesses and customer expectations have shifted.

Newsletter sign-up

A weekly email delivering all the latest Scottish legal news and analysis

Don't miss out

Why training at a high-street firm could give you a head start

11th September 2025
How can small and rural firms compete with behemoths with bigger budgets to attract and retain talent? Ellie Philpotts investigates.

Justice denied? Rural clients and high-street firms squeezed by failing legal aid

11th September 2025
With fees stagnating, funding decreasing and law firms reluctant to take on cases, legal aid is reaching tipping point, as Gordon Cairns explains.

Beyond retirement — How succession planning is reshaping the future of high-street legal firms

11th September 2025
Peter Ranscombe looks at the factors that high-street law firms need to consider when it comes to succession planning.

Five reasons why Scotland's high-street law firms still matter

11th September 2025
From accessibility to affordability, high-street law firms have much to offer their communities, writes Sue Omar

Why becoming an LLP is just the start for Scotland's largest high-street law firm

11th September 2025
Peter Ranscombe gets geeky over corporate structures with managing partner Jacqueline Law and asks what’s next for her and Aberdein Considine.

An important correction and apology to Journal readers about 'Vanishing law firms' feature

31st October 2025
"Both journalists and lawyers take information from clients and contributors in good faith and whilst we can be rigorous in our oversight, more rigour may now be demanded of all of us in the face of rapidly evolving technology."

Latest jobs

Commercial Property Solicitor / Associate / Senior Associate (3yrs+ PQE) , Dunfermline (Flexible)

We are a commercially focussed business law firm based in Fife serving clients primarily in the SME market throughout the UK, as well as international clients with interests here.  We have an exciting opportunity for a solicitor with 3yrs plus PQE to join our Commercial Property team in our Dunfermline...

Royal Air Force Legal Officer , Nationwide

 Join the Royal Air Force as a Legal Officer and pursue a career unlike any other. This unique and rewarding opportunity includes the following benefits: Commission as an Officer in the Royal Air Force.Advise on a wide variety of legal questions, including the law of armed conflict, criminal law, employment and...

Solicitor, Member Registration , Edinburgh

Solicitor, Member Registration, Permanent, 35 hours per week, £56, 921 per annum We are looking to recruit a solicitor to join our busy Member Registration team. As well as maintaining the records of all Scottish solicitors and issuing practising certificates, the team are often the first port of call for queries...

Executry Solicitor , Aidrie, Biggar, Carluke, Lanark

 We are looking for an experienced Executry Solicitor to join our friendly team.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working closely with clients, taking ownership of files, and being part of a supportive and professional firm with strong local roots.The RoleYou will handle a varied caseload of executry...