Other training FAQs

How long is the Diploma valid? Can I extend the time?

The Diploma in Legal Practice is valid for two years from the January following its completion award, ie a Diploma awarded in June 2009 would be valid until the end December 2011. If you still wish to pursue a traineeship, you can apply for an extension to the validity of your Diploma. You would need to submit evidence of what you have been doing to keep up to date with the law, any evidence of unsuccessful applications you may have made for traineeships and an up-to-date CV.

Email registrar@lawscot.org.uk

What if I don't have the entrance certificate before I begin my traineeship?

You should have your entrance certificate in hand prior to the commencement of your traineeship. Please ensure that the Registrar's Department receives your application as least four weeks prior to you starting your training. The department must receive all the required documentation (including references and Disclosure Scotland certificate) and notification from your university that you have passed the Diploma prior to issuing the certificate. If you have any queries, please contact the Registrar's Department or telephone 0131 476 8105/8200.

What if my application is late? Will it be backdated? Can the process be speeded up?

Any entrance certificate application received less than four weeks before you start your traineeship is deemed late and your entrance certificate may not be backdated. If you are late in applying, the best thing you can do is send in a letter with your application explaining why it is late so that it can be considered when a decision about backdating is being made. However, no decisions about backdating are made until we have received all the required documentation, which includes your two references and the Disclosure Scotland certificate.

Who should my references be?

One referee should be your university advisor of studies, or another member of the university academic staff with whom you have had recent regular contact. A further reference should be obtained from someone outwith the university, who should ideally have known you for at least five years. Referees must not be near relatives, fellow students or members of your future employer's firm or organisation.

When is the earliest I can start my traineeship?

Your traineeship can start from the date that the university informs us that you have passed your Diploma in Legal Practice.

Can I assign or second my training contract?

Assignations are not generally encouraged by the Society because you have entered into a two-year training contract. You are not able to assign your training contract within the last three months of your traineeship. If you do decide that you want to change firms within this period, you have to request a secondment. The main difference between this and an assignation is that the firm you are currently with retains responsibility for your traineeship and discharging it at the end. During a secondment you must be supervised by a solicitor - they do not have to be Scottish qualified but, if they are not, you must make arrangements for the submission of your quarterly trainee performance reviews, which will have to be counter-signed by a Scottish qualified solicitor. You must give the Registrar's Department at least ten working days notice when requesting and assignation or secondment.