2014 trainee numbers up 11%, Society reports

The number of intending solicitors in Scotland finding a traineeship was up by 11% in the 2013-14 practice year compared with the previous year, the Law Society of Scotland reported today.

A total of 530 traineeships were registered in the year to 31 October 2014, compared with 476 in 2012-13 and 489 in 2011-12.

The percentage of trainees admitted to the profession who have found work as solicitors is also up, at 93% for the last practice year compared with 88% in 2012-13.

Today's figures also show that:

• 12% of traineeships are in-house, the same proportion as last year;
• 78% of traineeships are in the central belt;
• 38% of traineeships are with firms with 10 or fewer partners (not including in-house);
• 63% of those admitted over the last five years have been female;
• 541 PEAT 1 (Diploma) students began their course in academic year 2014-15, compared with 573 the previous academic year.

Katie Wood, manager in the Society's Registrar's team, said: "We’re delighted to see the number of training contracts on the rise. It’s encouraging to see an increase of 11% and it’s also promising that the number of recently qualified trainees being employed as solicitors has risen.

"The Society’s traineeship statistics are a useful indicator for people considering the next step in pursuing a career as a solicitor, in particular those thinking of doing the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice or currently on the Diploma and looking for a traineeship. Those seeking traineeships should be encouraged by the latest statistics; however it is still a competitive market and aspiring solicitors should continue to follow our careers advice regarding looking for a traineeship."

The Society publishes advice for firms on taking on a trainee, and promotes flexible traineeships, such as sharing a trainee with another firm or offering a part-time traineeship, for firms unsure whether they can take on a trainee full time. Further information is on the Society's website.