New trainee solicitor numbers remain near record high

Strong momentum in recruiting solicitor trainees in Scotland has been maintained for a third consecutive year, with another 765 traineeships commencing in the past 12 months.

The total registered by the Law Society of Scotland during the legal practice year – which runs from November to October – fell just short of the record of 788 new trainees set last year.

Prior to 2020-21, the number of new traineeships in Scotland had never exceeded 700 in a single practice year.

• 2022-23 – 765 traineeships
• 2021-22 – 788 traineeships
• 2020-21 – 744 traineeships

Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster said: “The number of trainees registered this year and indeed over the past three years is absolutely outstanding. These young lawyers are the future of the solicitor profession, so it’s pleasing to have so many talented people joining our ranks.

“This unprecedented level of trainee recruitment shows that Scotland’s legal profession is in good health, and also indicates that law firms and other legal employers are feeling confident in the need for a growing pool of skilled people for the future.

“The legal sector’s resilience in bouncing back from subdued trainee numbers in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. On that basis it’s very hard to predict what will happen from here, though the sector remains well placed to thrive and succeed.

“The Law Society works hard to support trainees, offering assistance and development opportunities for individuals while also ensuring that training standards remain high.”