Fees

Members can change their membership status at any point in the year, however from 1 December 2025, no part of the practising certificate fee will be refunded should they wish to rescind their practicing certificate before the end of the practice year on 31 October. This brings it into line with all other Society fees.

When a solicitor surrenders their practising certificate, that certificate is ceased. If the solicitor then wishes to apply for a practising certificate at a later point in same practise year, that would be regarded as a new practising certificate and would be charged pro rata  for the period up until the end of the practice year. 

For members who wish to rescind their practising certificate and become a non-practising member, roll-only member or a Fellow, no additional charge will be made during the same practice year. For non-practising members or roll-only members who wish to obtain a full practising certificate, the membership fee already paid will be taken into account.

To make a change to your membership please contact our Member Registration team at member.registration@lawscot.org.uk 

Individuals being admitted to the roll of solicitors for the first time only pay a half rate for the practising certificate fee for the first three years. This applies to practice years and not calendar years. This timeframe will commence, regardless of whether or not you take out a practising certificate, from the start of the practice year in which you were admitted to the roll.

The Client Protection Fund is the operating name of the Guarantee Fund. Contributions to the fund and accounts fees are not pro rata. Only principals pay the fees. However, some solicitors who are principals outwith Scotland may have to pay them.

*In-house solicitors must confirm their exemption from paying. See the flow diagram for more details.

Solicitors must also pay a levy to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission which the Law Society is required to collect in June of each year.

Solicitors in Scottish legal practices also have a fee for professional indemnity cover (the Master Policy) which is levied by Lockton. Full payment is due regardless of month assumed as partner. Generally, managers in private practice including partners of a firm, members of a limited liability partnership and directors of an incorporated practice providing legal services directly to the public, are required to make a payment. The declaration on your renewal form is correct in relation to your current relationship.