Law Society Council proposes PC fee lower than pre-pandemic in real terms

Following a two-year financial support package for Scottish solicitors to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Law Society of Scotland is proposing a practising certificate (PC) fee which is lower in real terms than the pre-pandemic fee level. 

The Law Society agreed a £2.2 million support package for the solicitor profession following the outbreak of Covid-19. This included a substantial temporary discount in the cost of practising over a two-year period.

As the professional body looks to its post-pandemic future, the governing Council is recommending a practising certificate fee of £585 for 2022/23. This is 8% lower in real terms compared to the pre-pandemic PC fee in 2019/20.

Solicitors will vote on the proposal at the Society’s annual general meeting, which is to be held online, on Thursday, 26 May 2022.

Ken Dalling, President of the Law Society, said: “At the beginning of the pandemic, the Law Society announced an unprecedented package of financial support to help solicitors deal with the economic shock of Covid-19. Our 20% cut in the practising certificate fee for 2020/21 meant solicitors and businesses could keep more of their money, just when they needed it most.

“As we all come out of the pandemic, it is right that to get the Law Society’s finances back on track and protect the reserves. Like all companies and organisations, the Society is also having to deal with record levels of inflation and rising energy costs.

“The proposed PC fee will ensure we can continue to regulate effectively in the public interest and provide the services and support which the profession deserves. Nevertheless, we recognise the need to spend every penny wisely. It is why the Council is proposing a practising certificate fee which is 8% lower in real terms compared to before the pandemic. It reflects our ongoing commitment to control costs, to focus on what matters most and to always provide value for money to our members.”

The Law Society's AGM will be held online at 5.30pm on Thursday, 26 May. Members can register to attend by emailing member.registration@lawscot.org.uk by 12 noon on Friday, 20 May 2022.