Law Society Council proposes 2.7% increase in practising certificate fee

The Law Society of Scotland’s Council is proposing to increase the cost of solicitors’ practising certificate (PC) fee by 2.7%. It is the first increase in the fee in nine years and will mean the PC costs 20% less in real terms compared to 10 years ago.

Solicitors will be asked to approve the proposed increase of £15 at the Law Society’s AGM on Thursday, 31 May 2018.

Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “We are aware of the costs involved in practising as a solicitor and are determined to keep the cost of the practising certificate at a reasonable level. This is a modest increase which is in line with inflation and represents the first proposed increase in nine years. It would mean the cost of a practising certificate is still 20% less in real terms when compared to 10 years ago.

“There have been encouraging signs of growth within the sector and we have seen the number of practising solicitors gradually rise in recent years. We recognise that some firms, particularly those which carry out legal aid work, and other organisations employing solicitors still face economic challenges and have to manage tight budgets. However this proposed rise would ensure that we can continue to provide support for our members and meet our regulatory requirements, such as the new anti-money laundering regulations. 

“We are working hard to achieve our ambitions as a professional body, which include improving regulatory aspects of our work as well as providing high quality services and products which our members can use in their work every day. We will continue our drive to increase efficiency, to innovate and be enterprising in our approach to make sure we can add value. In addition we aim to boost revenue through new and improved services, partnerships or suitable investment to ensure that we have a sustainable funding model that is less reliant on membership fees.”

The practising certificate fee, which is compulsory for all practising solicitors, is set annually by the Law Society Council, which is made up of Scottish solicitors, including those working in high street firms, large commercial firms and in-house, and non-solicitors, and is voted on by members at the AGM. There are currently 11,400 practising Scottish solicitors.

The Law Society AGM will be held at its Edinburgh offices on Thursday, 31 May 2018.