Scotland has a rich legal history, with a strong tradition of legal education and practice. As a result, there are many rewarding legal jobs available in Scotland across a range of different specialisms. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the top legal jobs in Scotland, exploring what they involve and what qualifications you'll need to get started.
Advocate
An advocate is a type of lawyer who specializes in representing clients in court. They are responsible for arguing cases before judges and juries, and for providing legal advice to clients. To become an advocate in Scotland, you'll need to complete a law degree, followed by a one-year diploma in legal practice and a two-year training contract. After that, you'll need to complete a period of pupillage, which involves shadowing an experienced advocate.
Solicitor
Solicitors are legal professionals who provide advice and assistance to clients on a range of legal matters. They can work in a variety of settings, including private practice, in-house legal departments, and the public sector. To become a solicitor in Scotland, you'll need to complete a law degree, followed by a one-year diploma in legal practice and a two-year training contract.
Legal Secretary
Legal secretaries provide administrative support to lawyers and other legal professionals. They may be responsible for tasks such as typing up legal documents, scheduling appointments, and managing client correspondence. To become a legal secretary in Scotland, you'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as some experience working in an office environment.
Paralegal
Paralegals are legal professionals who provide support to lawyers and other legal professionals. They may be responsible for tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing client files. To become a paralegal in Scotland, you'll typically need a diploma in paralegal studies or a related field, as well as some experience working in a legal setting.
Legal Executive
Legal executives are legal professionals who specialize in a specific area of law, such as conveyancing or litigation. They may work in private practice, in-house legal departments, or the public sector. To become a legal executive in Scotland, you'll need to complete a diploma in legal practice, followed by a period of practical experience.
Sheriff
Sheriffs are judicial officers who preside over courts in Scotland. They are responsible for adjudicating on a range of different legal matters, including criminal cases and civil disputes. To become a sheriff in Scotland, you'll need to be a qualified solicitor or advocate, with several years of legal experience under your belt.
Procurator Fiscal
Procurator fiscals are public prosecutors in Scotland. They are responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the Crown, as well as conducting investigations and providing legal advice to the police. To become a procurator fiscal in Scotland, you'll need to be a qualified solicitor or advocate, with several years of legal experience.
Legal Aid Lawyer
Legal aid lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals who are unable to afford to pay for legal services. They may work in a variety of legal specialisms, including family law, immigration law, and criminal law. To become a legal aid lawyer in Scotland, you'll need to be a qualified solicitor or advocate, with a commitment to social justice.
In-House Counsel
In-house counsel are lawyers who work for a specific company or organization, providing legal advice and support on a range of different matters. They may be responsible for tasks such as drafting contracts, managing disputes, and advising on regulatory compliance. To become an in-house counsel in Scotland, you'll need to be a qualified solicitor or