SYLA welcomes Law Society’s revised pay rates for trainees

The Law Society’s Council agreed that, from April 2016, only trainee contracts that are at or above the Living Wage, as set by the Living Wage Foundation, will be accepted. The Council also agreed to bring the recommended pay rate to £17,545 for first year trainees and £21,012 for second year trainees, from June 2016.

Last June the recommended rates for trainee salaries were set at £17,034 for first year trainees and £20,400 for second year trainees.

Emma Boffey and Laura Meldrum, president and vice president of the SYLA told Scottish Legal News: “The SYLA welcomes the announcement that the recommended and mandatory rates are to be increased for trainee solicitors across Scotland. This is a development reflecting today’s market and we welcome the Society supporting this move.

“In particular, we welcome the increase in the mandatory rates for trainee solicitors – from national minimum wage to the living wage. This is of real tangible benefit to our members and especially for those currently training in firms operating legal aid.

“While we recognise that trainee salaries should increase, we of course remain conscious of the challenges faced in the profession with regard to the number of traineeships available across the country. We maintain the view that a recommended rate in addition to a mandatory minimum rate is the best means of striking that balance.

“With the recent announcement that the number of students undertaking the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice has increased this year, we consider the steady incline in remuneration for trainee solicitors is a positive step which is going some way in encouraging more students into a career in law.”