A 2 year accelerated course is offered for other graduates. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is essential All prospective trainee solicitors must complete a one year Scottish Diploma in Legal Practice course before beginning their traineeship. Try to use vacation placements to gain experience and knowledge of the legal profession. Criminal records must be disclosed and may exclude from entry. Opportunities are enhanced by discernibly relevant previous experience.
Salaries are low in the early years.
There is considerable competition for traineeships and currently not all those completing a diploma in Legal Practice will gain one. Relevant experience may be helpful. Tips for entry Remember that competition for traineeships is keen and that firms may recruit up to 2 years in advance. Use your initiative and your vacations to gain the experience, skills and evidence needed to gain interviews and to succeed at them and as a solicitor. Research the market to find firms which need your particular strengths.