Practising certificate fee increase approved by solicitors

Scottish solicitors have voted to approve an increase to the practising certificate (PC) fee.

A resolution on the recommended fee for 2023/24 was passed at the Law Society’s annual general meeting yesterday, 29 June, with a PC fee of £731.25 confirmed.

Law Society President Sheila Webster said: “This uplift is an important step in securing the Law Society’s long-term financial sustainability. It ensures the Society continues to be an effective voice for solicitors on important issues such as legal services regulation, criminal justice reform, legal aid and access to justice, in addition to our statutory role as a regulator to safeguard the public and the reputation of our profession.

“We recognise and respect the fact a number of our members voted against the measure as we continue to face a difficult economic climate and real pressures in particular parts of the legal sector. However, I’m grateful to those members who backed the resolution and gave the vote of confidence to press ahead with the changes and investment plan we set out.

“Supporting our members is a core part of what we do. We will continue to invest in providing tailored support and services that offer value to our members, such as advice from our professional practice helpline, facilitating professional indemnity insurance through the Master Policy, and responding to future needs in priority areas such as wellbeing.

“The PC fee remains significantly lower in real terms in 2023/24 than it was 15 years ago. The Law Society acted to cut the PC fee during the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are many challenges facing the legal profession in Scotland today, and the Law Society needs to continue to play its critical role on behalf of the profession. That's why Council unanimously recommended this increase fee to ensure that work can continue.”

The Society's President also welcomed new Honorary Members Michael Samuel and Peter Nicholson to the meeting.