There are no fast tracks or shortcuts to becoming a lawyer . . . and that’s probably no bad thing. Nobody would trust their freedom, will, home or corporate takeover to anyone who’s put in less than the maximum effort.
But if there’s no quick way to becoming a lawyer, could there be a different way?
One that doesn’t involve four years spent acquiring a law degree followed by nine months completing a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (or two years if you take the part time option) then undertaking a traineeship with a firm of solicitors?
Well, there might.
Show all Legal jobs across Scotland
The Scottish Government’s Justice Committee has been in talks with the Law Society of Scotland and training body, Skills Development Scotland – and now there are plans afoot to introduce a legal apprenticeship scheme.
At the moment the focus is on a graduate apprenticeship but eventually it might stretch to school-leavers and career-changers, too.
This could prove to be a huge boost to anyone who has to earn while they learn and can’t afford to take time out to study.
It would certainly widen access while still maintaining the high standards essential to the profession.
Liz Campbell, Executive Director of Education, Training and Qualification at the Law Society of Scotland, says: “We think it’s important there can be different ways to qualify as a solicitor. We want talented individuals who have the dream and ability to become solicitors to be able to do so, regardless of their background.”
Already the Law Society has introduced measures to help improve access to the profession, including its growing schools’ Street Law programme, where law students go into schools to deliver classes on legal issues.
Then there’s the Lawscot Foundation, a charity launched in 2016 specifically to help young people from less advantaged backgrounds. It provides financial support alongside mentoring from practising solicitors, which is crucial in helping boost confidence, skills and knowledge.
Liz Campbell adds: “A law degree opens doors to a wide range of career options within the law and in other sectors. We want to ensure the solicitor profession remains an attractive career option so people can obtain high-quality legal advice when they need it. It’s important all those involved in legal education and its funding continue to work to remove any unnecessary barriers for people who would be excellent solicitors in the future.”
The best way to remove barriers to a new career is to check out the latest Legal vacancies on s1jobs.