Holding a practising certificate entitles members to practise in all areas of the law in Scotland and to call themselves a solicitor. All solicitor members must observe our rules and our standards of conduct and agree to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year.
Members are entitled to a range of support services including CPD and training, automatic subscription to the Journal Magazine and the members benefits scheme, career advice and access to our professional practice helpline.
Admission is restricted to those who have the necessary qualifications and training and who have passed the necessary 'fit and proper' tests.
Holding a practising certificate with the Law Society of Scotland entitles members to:
- practice as a solicitor in Scotland
- be eligible to become
- a manager in a practice unit
- a notary public
- an accredited specialist and/or a solicitor advocate
- free entry in our Find A Solicitor tool on the website
- attend general meetings
- vote at general meetings
- vote for Council members
- stand for Council
- vote in referendums
Membership also includes:
- monthly copy of the Journal and other communications from the Law Society
- access to member support and services:
Practising certificate renewal
All Scottish solicitors must hold a practising certificate to practice as a solicitor in Scotland.
CPD requirements
Solicitors are required to undertake a minimum of 20 hours' continuing professional development every year.
Only solicitors/notaries in possession of a practising certificate can act as notaries in Scotland.
Find out more about your options
An EU directive on services in the internal market obliges solicitors to provide information on their services - over and above the requirements set out in the solicitors' 'standards of conduct' rules.
The incidental financial business (IFB) licence includes consumer credit activities.
For members
Find out about membership and fees, what services and benefits we offer as well as rules and guidance and information for different practice areas.
