Solicitor Jobs

If you’re a qualified legal professional seeking your next challenge, Solicitor jobs across Scotland offer a dynamic and rewarding career path. At Stafffinders, we partner with respected law firms, corporate legal departments, and public sector organisations throughout the UK, helping solicitors find roles that align with their expertise and aspirations.

Solicitors are trusted advisors who represent and guide clients on a wide range of legal matters, from business and property transactions to criminal defence and civil litigation. With opportunities across both the private and public sectors, this is a profession that combines intellectual challenge, client engagement, and long-term career growth.

What Does a Solicitor Do?

A Solicitor provides expert legal advice and representation to clients, whether individuals, businesses, or government bodies. The work varies significantly depending on the area of law and type of employer, offering an exciting range of specialisms and career paths. Typical responsibilities of a Solicitor include:

• Providing clear, accurate, and confidential legal advice to clients.

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and other legal documents.

• Representing clients in court or managing cases prior to trial.

• Conducting legal research and analysing legislation or case law.

• Managing conveyancing, probate, or litigation cases.

• Liaising with clients, colleagues, barristers, and external agencies.

• Preparing evidence, statements, and case reports.

• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legal standards and procedures.

Solicitors play a key role in protecting their clients’ interests, whether that involves defending cases, managing transactions, or navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

Working Environment and Hours

Most Solicitor jobs are based in an office setting, though the role may also involve attending court hearings, client meetings, and external consultations. A typical working week is around 37 hours, though longer hours, weekend work, and being on call are not uncommon in certain practice areas.

Solicitors can be employed across a wide range of environments, including:

• Private law firms (corporate, commercial, or high street practices).

• Central and local government legal departments.

• Financial institutions and in-house corporate legal teams.

• The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or equivalent public sector bodies.

Qualifications and Pathway to Becoming a Solicitor in Scotland

In Scotland, the journey to becoming a Solicitor typically begins with obtaining an LLB degree in Scottish Law, or a relevant undergraduate degree followed by a two-year graduate law qualification.

After completing academic study, aspiring solicitors must undertake vocational training, which includes:

• The Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP) — a mandatory postgraduate qualification.

• A two-year training contract (often called a traineeship) with a law firm or legal organisation.

Once this stage is completed, individuals can apply to join the Law Society of Scotland and become fully qualified Solicitors.

With further experience, solicitors can progress to senior positions such as Partner, Head of Legal, or Chief Executive, or may specialise further to become an Advocate.

Skills and Attributes for Solicitor Jobs

A successful Solicitor combines analytical thinking with strong interpersonal and communication skills. You’ll need to manage complex information, meet tight deadlines, and provide high-quality advice with confidence and professionalism.

Key skills for Solicitor roles include:

• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.

• Strong analytical and research skills.

• Ability to absorb, interpret, and apply large volumes of legal information.

• Accuracy and attention to detail in drafting and reviewing documents.

• Resilience and the ability to perform under pressure.

• Commercial awareness and understanding of client needs.

• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice.

Employers seek individuals who demonstrate initiative, professional integrity, and a passion for the law, qualities that contribute to building long-lasting relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

Take the next step in your legal career and discover Solicitor jobs with Stafffinders today.