Trainee solicitors in Scotland to benefit from pay boost

1 May 2026News

The Law Society of Scotland has announced an increase in recommended pay for trainee solicitors for the 2026/27 period to account for inflation and the changes to the Real Living Wage

Starting from 1 June 2026, first-year trainees will see their recommended salary rise to £25,950, an increase of £1,110, while second-year trainees will receive £30,150, which reflects an additional £1,300. These enhanced rates are discretionary, allowing employers the flexibility to pay above or below the suggested figures as long as they meet the Living Wage standards set by the Living Wage Foundation.

Law Society President Patricia Thom stated, “This pay uplift ensures trainees are compensated fairly for the work they do. We have considered a range of factors, including the cost of living and wages in the legal sector and wider professions." She further emphasised 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.” The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of record recruitment levels for trainee solicitors in Scotland, which is a positive indicator of the sector's health and viability as a nurturing ground for prospective legal professionals. Notably, the Law Society of Scotland will not accept traineeships that fail to meet the minimum Living Wage standard for registration. Data from the Law Society reveals that 57% of trainees earned above the recommended rates, with 49% receiving at least £1,500 more than the minimum recommendation. .

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com|

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