Cost-of-living pressures prompt recommended pay boost for trainees

The Law Society of Scotland has approved an unprecedented 10 per cent uplift in recommended pay for trainee solicitors to help with ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

From 1 June 2023 the recommended minimum pay for trainee solicitors in Scotland will be:

• £22,550 for first year trainees – an extra £2,050
• £26,125 for second year trainees – an extra £2,375

The rate remains discretionary, with employers able to set their own rates of pay above or below the recommendation provided it is not less than the Living Wage as set by the Living Wage Foundation.

Law Society of Scotland President Murray Etherington said: “This uplift in the recommended pay rates for trainees reflects the significant cost-of-living pressures that are continuing to be felt across the UK.

“Trainees are the future of our profession and must be nurtured and supported. Cost pressures disproportionately impact on lower income workers, so it’s right that we are taking this action to support people in the first years of their legal careers.

“It’s important to stress that we do not set pay for trainees but make a recommendation to support the sector. Pay must support trainees but equally be sustainable for firms employing up-and-coming lawyers. Inflationary pressures are also causing significant challenges for many law firms, particularly those in areas such as legal aid.

“We are also aware of increasing competition for Scottish law graduates from other sectors and professions. We need to continue to attract talented people to the profession through pay and other factors.”

Recommended pay for trainees is reviewed annually. Traineeships that do not meet the minimum Living Wage requirement will not be accepted for registration by the Law Society of Scotland.