Pay boost for trainee solicitors

Starting from 1 June 2026, the recommended annual pay for first-year trainees will be £25,950, reflecting an increase of £1,110, while second-year trainees will earn £30,150, which includes an additional £1,300. These rates are not mandatory, and employers retain the discretion to adjust pay as needed, provided it meets or exceeds the Living Wage established by the Living Wage Foundation.

Law Society President Patricia Thom expressed that “this pay uplift ensures trainees are compensated fairly for the work they do” and added that “trainees are the future of our profession and salaries are a key area we must be mindful of if the legal sector is to attract and retain early career talent.” She noted the notable recruitment of trainee solicitors in Scotland as indicative of the health of the legal sector, stating that it remains an ideal environment for legal talent to flourish.

Additionally, it is important to note that traineeships failing to meet the minimum Living Wage requirement will not be recognised for registration by the Law Society of Scotland. Current statistics show that over the past year, 57% of trainees received pay above the recommended rates, and 49% were compensated at least £1,500 more than the suggestions made.

For more information, contact Sophie McIvor via email or visit the Law Society of Scotland website to stay updated. The Law Society of Scotland serves as the professional body for more than 13,000 Scottish solicitors since its establishment in 1949, striving for legal excellence and advocating for a robust legal profession that serves the public interest.