2015 traineeship figures show further rise in places

A 2% rise in the number of solicitor traineeships begun in the year to 31 October 2015 compared with the previous year has been reported by the Law Society of Scotland.

However there was also a big jump in the number of those beginning their postgraduate Diploma and who are likely to be seeking training places later this year.

A total of 540 traineeships were registered with the Society, up from 530 in 2013-14 and 476 in 2012-13 – but the number beginning their Diploma in the year jumped from 541 to 691. The number of pre-Diploma traineeships fell from 17 to 11.

The Society's figures also show that 88% of the 485 newly qualified solicitors admitted during the year are currently employed as solicitors, down from 93% in the preceding year.

A higher proportion of training places were outside the central belt, up from 22% to 25%, while in-house traineeships declined as a proportion of the whole from 12% to 11%.

Almost one third of new trainees (174) were taken on by the biggest firms (those with more than 30 partners); 97 (18%) went to one or two-partner firms.

Katie Wood, head of admissions at the Law Society of Scotland, commented: "It’s encouraging to see the number of training contracts continue to rise, particularly those on offer outside of the central belt. Although the number of recently qualified trainees being employed as solicitors has decreased, the prospects for aspiring solicitors remain relatively steady.

"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 PEAT 1 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 there’s been a 28% increase in students starting the Diploma this year, which could lead to increased competition for traineeships in the next few years. Aspiring solicitors should continue to follow our careers advice regarding looking for a traineeship."

The Society encourages legal firms and businesses to take on trainees, including through flexible traineeships, such as sharing a trainee with another firm or offering a part-time traineeship.