Arrow left dark
Newsletter icon SUBSCRIBE

63 per cent of 2015’s trainee solicitors female

Clock icon Reading time: 3 minutes
63 per cent of 2015's trainee solicitors female

The Law Society of Scotland has reported that the majority of trainees admitted to the profession last year were women – of whom there were 307, compared to 178 men – as well as a continued increase in the number of traineeships available for aspiring solicitors.

Following an 11 per cent rise the previous year, there has been a two per cent rise in the number of traineeships started in 2014/15. However, there has also been a 28 per cent increase in students taking the Diploma in Legal Practice this year.

The statistics also show a three per cent increase in the number of traineeship contracts offered outside of the Central Belt area, a total of 25 per cent compared to 22 per cent in 2013/14.

The newly published statistics from the Law Society also show that:

  • 88 per cent of trainees admitted in the last practice year are currently employed as solicitors (a decrease on the 93 per cent last year)

  • 11 per cent of traineeships are in house, a slight decrease on the proportion last year (12 per cent)

  • 72 per cent of traineeships are in the Central Belt, a slight drop on last year’s 78 per cent

  • 63 per cent of solicitors admitted over the last five years are female

  • There are 691 PEAT 1 (post-graduate diploma stage) students who started in academic year 2014/15 compared to 541 the previous academic year

    • Katie Wood, head of admissions at the Law Society of Scotland, said: “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 per cent 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.

    “Our advice for employers on taking on a trainee provides a factual look at what’s involved and offers insight into some of the main benefits of offering traineeships – from the financial contribution trainees can make to the firms to new skills they can bring.

    “Flexible traineeships, such as sharing a trainee with another firm or offering a part-time traineeship, can provide a good option for some firms. I would encourage anyone interested in taking on a trainee to look at the information we have provided on our website and to get in touch if they have further questions.”

    Share icon
    Share this article: